Electrical Testing in London
Power up your workspace with expert electrical testing.
Electrical Testing: What is it?
If you’re a landlord, do you know the condition of the electrics in your property? You need to, so make sure you do! An electrical test, or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an integral part of ensuring all electrical installations at a property are in safe working order. This is governed by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This act requires landlords to have the electricity at their property checked by a qualified person at least once every 5 years.
The EICR is also known as a periodic inspection report. It tests the installation of electrical wiring in a property and finds any damage, including what cannot be seen with the naked eye. This ensures it is more thorough than a Visual Inspection Report (VIR). It involves testing electrical circuits by turning them on and off at the main supply, allowing the electrical engineer to locate any hidden defects that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Why Do I Need an Electrical Test?
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Sector (England) Regulations 2020 was introduced in 2020. This gives local authorities the power to issue landlords with fines if they fail to comply with electrical safety standards, and allows councils to request reports following property inspections. The purpose of the reports is to reveal the condition of electrical installations to the relevant authorities, who will then understand whether or not landlords are complying with their obligations.
On April 11th, 2023, one landlord failed to comply with the standards and became the first to be fined under the new Regulation. As they failed to supply an EICR certificate within the required time frame, the Coventry City Council issued them a £1,600 fine. As the cost of living increases, you should do everything you can to keep those precious pounds in your pocket, and complying with the Regulation is one way to do so.
Benefits of Electrical Testing
For those new to the industry, especially first-time landlords, we understand the rules and regulations can be difficult to decipher and may be overlooked. Keeping the benefits in mind is key to ensuring you comply with the standards.
Electrical testing helps identify any potential hazards, faults, or malfunctions in the electrical system. By detecting these issues early on, it allows for necessary repairs or maintenance to be carried out, ensuring the safety of occupants and reducing the risk of electrical accidents, fires, or shocks.
Regulatory Compliance
As landlords are legally required to maintain a safe electrical system and provide evidence of this, having this test performed ensures you have the necessary information and proof.
Peace of Mind
Not only does this test give you peace of mind as a landlord, but it also gives tenants a peace of mind knowing the property they live in is safe.
Preventative Maintenance
Identifying and addressing minor problems before they escalate into major issues should be top priority for any landlord or property owner. This allows for timely repairs or replacements when needed, which ultimately saves money and makes for happier tenants.
Benefits of Electrical Testing
For those new to the industry, especially first-time landlords, we understand the rules and regulations can be difficult to decipher and may be overlooked. Keeping the benefits in mind is key to ensuring you comply with the standards.
Safety Assurance
Electrical testing helps identify any potential hazards, faults, or malfunctions in the electrical system. By detecting these issues early on, it allows for necessary repairs or maintenance to be carried out, ensuring the safety of occupants and reducing the risk of electrical accidents, fires, or shocks.
Regulatory Compliance
As landlords are legally required to maintain a safe electrical system and provide evidence of this, having this test performed ensures you have the necessary information and proof.
Peace of Mind
Not only does this test give you peace of mind as a landlord, but it also gives tenants a peace of mind knowing the property they live in is safe.
Preventative Maintenance
Identifying and addressing minor problems before they escalate into major issues should be top priority for any landlord or property owner. This allows for timely repairs or replacements when needed, which ultimately saves money and makes for happier tenants.
Ready to feel the peace of mind
electrical testing can bring?
The Aim of an ECIR
There are four main aims of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, which are:
Record the Results
The results of the inspection and testing are recorded to confirm that the installation is safe until the next inspection.
Report Damage
This also includes general wear and tear, which is to be expected.
Identify Hazards and
Non-Compliance
Any part of the electrical installation that does not meet the IET Wiring Regulations is noted.
Produce a Record
A record of the installation needs to be provided at the time of inspection and for future testing.
Your Electrical Testing Questions Answered
What’s the difference between an EICR and a VIR?
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) goes beyond a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) by conducting comprehensive testing of electrical circuits. This process necessitates temporarily switching off the main power supply to thoroughly identify any concealed defects or issues. Uncovering hidden problems that a Visual Inspection Report may miss, our skilled electrical engineers ensure a thorough assessment for your peace of mind.
The VIR is a basic check of an electrical installation that focuses on identifying damage, defects, or deterioration. It does not involve testing electrical equipment and is suitable only if the installation has been recently tested. The inspection is conducted with the electricity remaining on, and no circuit testing is performed, unlike with electrical testing.
When does an EICR need to be presented to the council?
An EICR needs to be presented to the relevant council within seven days. Additionally, a copy needs to be presented to the tenant.
What is the purpose of an EICR?
The purpose of an EICR is to determine whether or not an installation is satisfactory. A satisfactory installation ensures the electrics are in good condition and safe for continued service.
Do the Regulations apply to all tenancies?
Yes, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Sector (England) Regulations 2020 apply to all tenancies, new and existing, as of April 1, 2021.
How can I tell if my electrical installation is too old?
There are several key signs that will identify if your electrical installation is outdated, such as:
- Fixed cables coated in black rubber
- Fixed cables coated in led or fabric
- A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes
- Older round pin sockets or light switches, braided flex hanging from ceiling roses, brown or black switches, sockets mounted in, or no skirting boards
- Light switches on the walls or in bathrooms
All of these fell out of use in the 1960s. However, regardless of the age of your electrical installation, all systems are vulnerable to becoming damaged and suffering from wear and tear. You should have an electrician check its condition at least once every 10 years, and when you move into a new property.
When do I need an EICR performed?
It’s recommended that an EICR report is done every 5 years or whenever there’s a change in tenancy for privately rented properties.
Need an Electrical Installation
Condition Report?
As electricity can’t be seen, it’s essential that property owners consult a professional to check the condition of their electrical installations. Seeing that the main causes of fires in the home are faulty and old wires, electrical testing aims to reduce the risk of fires by checking the condition of cables, sockets, and other electrical accessories to give people peace of mind.
If you’re due for an electrical test, don’t delay. Organise your electrical test to ensure both your peace of mind and your tenants’! At HQ Renovations, our experience and skills go beyond transforming the aesthetics of a space by also ensuring its safety. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant regulations, we’re the team to call.
