Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or facilities manager, electrical safety is something you simply can’t afford to overlook. An EICR test is one of the best ways to make sure your property is safe, compliant and running as it should. But what exactly is an EICR, and why does it matter?
At Newton Electrical & Mechanical, we’ve carried out thousands of these tests for clients across the Midlands and beyond. We’ll walk you through what an EICR involves, who needs one, and how to make sure yours is done properly.
What does EICR mean?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s a detailed document produced after a thorough assessment of a property’s fixed wiring. Some people call it an electrical safety check or an electricity safety certificate, but to be clear, an EICR is a report rather than a certificate.
The primary purpose of the EICR is to check and confirm whether your electrical system is safe to use, spot any damage or defects and flag up areas where improvements are needed. It’s not just paperwork, it’s an essential way to protect people and property from electrical fires, shocks and other hazards.
Who needs an EICR test?
Homeowners
Right now, there’s no legal requirement to get an EICR if you’re living in your own home, but you may wish to consider getting an EICR if you’re planning to sell your home. Even so, it’s a good idea to have one done every 10 years or if you’re moving somewhere new. Lots of people choose to book one earlier for peace of mind, especially in older properties.
Landlords
If you’re renting out a property, it’s a different story. Since July 2020, landlords in England must carry out an EICR at least once every five years, however it is also recommended every time the tenancy changes. You need to give a copy of the report to your tenants and the local council if they ask for it. Not following the rules can lead to fines of up to £30,000, according to the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. These rules apply whether you’re renting out a flat, a house or a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).
Business Premises
For commercial spaces, the rules fall under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. If you manage or own a business premises, it’s your responsibility to make sure your electrics are safe. An EICR is a clear way to show you’re keeping on top of this and meeting your health and safety duties.
At Newton, we conduct EICR testing for all sorts of commercial and industrial spaces across the UK, from schools and office buildings to manufacturing sites and shops.
What does an EICR test involve?
- Visual checks: We’ll look for signs of damage, wear and overloading.
- Dead testing: We’ll test things like continuity, insulation resistance and polarity.
- Live testing: This checks that your earthing and bonding systems are working properly.
- Functional testing: We’ll make sure devices like RCDs and circuit breakers operate as they should.
Our electricians carry out all testing in accordance with the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations, which is the standard for electrical installations in the UK. These tests cover all fixed wiring in your property, from fuse boards and sockets to lighting circuits and protective devices.
Once we’ve finished, you’ll get a full EICR report that includes a summary of findings, clear codes for any issues and any actions we recommend. This report can be used to demonstrate compliance, help plan maintenance, or support insurance renewals and property sales.
We’ll also let you know whether the installation is classed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and explain what the results mean in plain English.
How often should EICR testing be done?
How often you need an EICR depends on the type of building. Here’s a quick guide:
- Owner-occupied house: Every 10 years (advisory).
- Rented homes: Every 5 years.
- Offices: Every 5 years.
- Shops: Every 5 years.
- Industrial units: Every 3 years.
- Educational buildings: Every 5 years.
Why choose Newton Electrical & Mechanical for your EICR test?
We know EICR testing can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about what the report might uncover. That’s why we focus on keeping things straightforward, professional and as hassle-free as possible.
We’ve been NIC-EIC-approved contractors for over 10 years. We’re Constructionline Gold members, Refcom certified, and Daikin D1 accredited. Our engineers are friendly, experienced, and fully qualified to carry out EICR testing across everything from small homes to large commercial sites. We also work flexibly and can schedule visits outside your peak business hours if needed.
Ready to book your EICR test?
If you need an EICR test, we’re here to help. Whether you’ve never had one before or you’re just due another, our team will talk you through what to expect and carry out the work with minimum disruption.
To get started, just get in touch. Whether it’s a one-off test or a complete programme of inspections across multiple sites, we’ll make sure you get an accurate, professional report and honest advice.