EICR Glasgow: Electrical Installation Condition Reports

EICR Glasgow: What is an EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report?

Electrical safety is a top priority for property owners, landlords, and businesses.

Formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report, an EICR report offers a comprehensive evaluation of a building’s electrical installation, ensuring that your property adheres to safety regulations and is free from potential fire hazards.

It can be difficult to detect faulty electrical components. Checking cables, switches, and sockets regularly can help reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by old or damaged wiring.

You can prevent accidents such as electric shocks and fires by identifying defects in electrical installations.

Who can carry out an EICR?

An EICR should only be carried out by NICEIC-approved contractors. These fully qualified professionals can verify that electrical installations comply with the Electricity at Work 1989 regulations and the Housing Scotland Act.

By entrusting your EICR inspection to our certified and experienced electricians, you can be confident that your property’s electrical equipment is safe and compliant.

A thorough EICR is vital for safety and a legal requirement in many cases.

Who requires an EICR?

An EICR is crucial for property owners, landlords, and businesses to meet legal requirements and insurance obligations.

In Scotland, landlords must ensure that the electrical installations in their rental properties, including commercial premises, are safe.

EICR reports enable insurance companies to confirm that properties are safe for use and assess insurance coverage.

How often do I need an EICR in Scotland?

The frequency of EICR inspections depends on the type of property and its usage. It is generally advised for domestic properties to carry out an EICR every ten years, while commercial properties and public buildings should undergo inspections every five years.

• If you own your home: every ten years and before selling the property.
• Commercial installations: every five years or when occupancy changes occur.
• Offices, retail spaces and churches: every five years.
• Industrial properties: every three years.
• Rented or buy-to-let properties: landlords test every five years or when new tenants move in.
• Caravans: every three years.

By following these guidelines, property owners can ensure that their electrical installations remain safe and compliant with the latest safety standards.

Housing associations

Housing associations are responsible for ensuring that their chosen electrician is qualified and experienced in conducting EICR inspections.

Selecting the right registered electrician is crucial in preventing electrical accidents and adhering to safety standards within housing association properties.

What happens during an EICR inspection?

The EICR test process entails a comprehensive visual inspection and testing of electrical installations to identify potential hazards and defects.

This thorough evaluation is crucial in maintaining the safety and compliance of your property’s electrical systems.

Let’s delve deeper into the various aspects of the EICR process.

1. Inspection and testing

A qualified electrician conducts an electrical inspection, which includes a visual inspection and visual tests of the electrical installation for safety and compliance.

This involves examining the wiring, sockets, switches, and other electrical components for visible defects or hazards, such as damaged wiring or loose connections.

The electrician will also perform various tests to ensure the electrical system functions correctly and meets safety standards.

2. Identifying hazards and defects

An EICR, also known as an electrical installation condition report assessment, is designed to identify hazards and defects in electrics that could pose a risk to the property’s and its occupants’ safety, including potential fire hazards.

Some common issues during inspections include faulty wiring, defective sockets, and switches, which can lead to electrical accidents if left unaddressed.

By pinpointing these potential problems, an EICR helps property owners address them promptly, ensuring the overall safety of the electrical installation.

3. Recommendations and repairs

After an EICR, the electrician provides recommendations and takes steps to address any identified issues. Depending on the severity of the problems found, these actions may include repairs, replacements, or updates to the electrical installation.

Adhering to the electrician’s recommendations is essential. Failure to undertake this remedial work could lead to severe harm or even fatalities.

Benefits of an EICR report

Timely EICR inspections offer numerous benefits for property owners, including:

• Prevention of electrical accidents
• Compliance with safety regulations
• Early identification of potential hazards and defects
• Ability to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance
• Ensuring the overall safety of the electrical installation.

Furthermore, timely inspections can help maintain property value by ensuring that electrical systems are in good condition and up to code.

What are the possible results of an EICR test?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can yield various outcomes.

The report may indicate that the electrical installation is safe for continued use, needs immediate attention due to potential safety issues, or has observations and recommendations to enhance safety and longevity.

Specific issues the report might highlight include faulty wiring, worn-out components, or the lack of necessary safety devices like RCDs (Residual Current Devices).

Any faults discovered will be listed on your report and evaluated using the following codes:

• C1: Danger present. Immediate action is required to prevent injury. Installations or repairs must be made as soon as possible.
• C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is required. Installations or repairs must be made as soon as possible.
• C3: It is recommended that you improve or fix an issue, although it is not necessary.
• FI (Further Investigation): Further investigation is necessary immediately. This typically requires the inspector to conduct additional investigation.

Your EICR inspection will be marked as unsatisfactory if it receives a C1, C2, or FI code. If this happens, any necessary work will be done, and you will receive an EICR certificate classed as safe.

Does my home need an EICR?

It is recommended to have an EICR every decade and look for signs of outdated electrics in your home to decide if you need one, including:

• Fixed cables coated in black rubber.
• Fixed cables coated in lead 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, or sockets mounted in or without skirting boards.
• Light switches on the walls or in bathrooms.

If you spot any of the above, contact us to schedule an Electrical Installation Condition Report.

Locations covered

• Glasgow South
• East Kilbride
• Shawlands
• Giffnock
• Newton Mearns
• Bearsden
• Bishopbriggs
• Dennistoun
• Milngavie
• Kirkintilloch
• Jordanhill

Frequently Asked Questions about EICRs

How much does an EICR test cost?

The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in Glasgow can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property but typically ranges from £169 to £450.

Who can issue EICR in Scotland?

Only an experienced electrician can provide ECIRs. Many lettings agents, building contractors and other major industry bodies will not recognise a pass certificate if you don’t use a reputable company with NICEIC or equivalent accreditation.

Qualified electricians can carry out EICR reports in Scotland to check for damage or issues in the property and common areas. The electrician must then rectify any problems identified.