A Comprehensive Guide to Electrical Installation Condition

Electrical installations are an essential part of a house’s infrastructure. In addition to disrupting the flow of life, an electrical incident can and have proven lethal in the past. That makes electrical safety a topic of interest for anyone living in a modern house.

There have been over 100,000 electrical fires in the UK over the past five years, they could have been prevented if codes of electrical safety had been observed. Most of these electrical fires are caused by appliances, and the rest are a result of decayed or damaged wirings in the houses.

That is why regular electrical inspections must be carried out by the owner of the property. Avoiding incidents like this is a job that takes cooperation between the housing authority and landlords. Being a landlord means much more than just renting out the property and leaving tenants to fend for themselves until it’s rent day.

It was a common courtesy that drove landlords to care about the safety of their tenants at first, but it was also the safety of their own property that caused some landlords to carry out electrical inspections—there UK for EICR certificates before 2020. If you don’t know, EICR is a certificate that concerns the safety of electrical appliances in private property.

The owner is encouraged to do regular checks by themselves in their own preferred interval. Have a qualified electrician check your property and issue an electrical installation condition report (EICR) to prove that your property confirms high levels of safety standards.

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What does an EICR or electrical safety certificate do?

An EICR has five main purposes:

• Ensure the safety of all electrical installations on the property: A competent engineer or electrician will inspect the electrical system to ensure it is free of damage, wear and tear, and degradation. They also check to see if an installation or piece of equipment is correctly installed.
• Identify damage and wear and tear that may affect the safety of property occupants: Once issues are identified, the electrician will recommend repair measures to ensure that the electrical system is in good operating order.
• Locate electrical installation components that do not comply with the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Wiring Regulations: The adequacy of the control gear and switchgear, the bonding and earthing of wires and cables, and the quality of sockets are all criteria.
• Determine whether electrical appliances are likely to cause shocks and fires: An EICR determines which electrical appliances exhibit signs of deterioration and wear and tear, proposing repair or replacement of those deemed dangerous.

Keep a record of the state of an electrical installation for future inspections: The EICR can also be valuable in the event of an accident. It demonstrates that you have taken the required precautions to safeguard your customers’ and staff’ safety.

Is there a difference in the cost of an Electrical Safety Certificate for landlords?

It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that the sockets, light switches, wiring, and consumer board are safe. The Electrical Safety Council also recommended that electrical installations be inspected every five years or if there is a change in renters (whichever is sooner).

A Landlord Electrical Safety Report Certificate is officially a report; however, it is more commonly known as a certificate. Reliant on the size and condition of the wiring, the normal cost ranges from £100 to £230 for a flat and £150 to £300+ for a home.

Reports taken in older homes may be more expensive, especially if they have dated wiring, which can generate a large number of defects and prolong the procedure. These prices are based on residences with a 10-circuit or less fuse board, which is typical of most residential properties.

Timetables and labor costs

Now, let’s look at the labour expenses and timelines for obtaining an Electric Safety Certificate.

You must employ a trained electrician to complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report in order to get a legally compliant Electric Safety Certificate.

What is the cost of an Electrical Safety Certificate from an electrician?

For 2 to 4 hours of labour, you should expect to pay roughly £125 to £300 per day.

The price may increase for larger houses and may take up to a full day, especially in older properties with obsolete wiring that may necessitate more examinations.

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What will be included in the electrical inspection report?

• Examining the condition of the earthing and bonding.
• Checking the fuse board or consumer unit to see whether it needs to be replaced.
• Testing wall outlets and switches to ensure they are working properly and there is no danger of electrocution or shock.
• Checking arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to ensure they are operational.
• Inspect light fixtures to ensure they are safe and functioning properly.
• Examining the wiring, as any old wire, such as lead, fabric, and black rubber, must be replaced with PVC insulation.
• Conducting tests on extension leads used for outdoor electrical equipment.
• Identifying any wear, tear, or damage on any installations throughout the house to avoid future problems.
• Searching for any significant changes in the use of the premises that necessitate modifications.
• Make a final report on whether the electrical installations are satisfactory, requiring no work, or unsatisfactory, necessitating work to be carried out in order for the property to be judged safe.

Can I get an Electrical Safety Certificate on my own?

Unfortunately, there is no low-cost DIY alternative for electrical projects.

Hiring a professional electrician who can self-certify their work is, in reality, the most cost-effective alternative. It is also necessary to hire someone who has been registered with a competent person scheme, as they can self-certify without the need for a private building inspector or a local council representative.