Fixed Wire Testing (EICR) – British Standard: BS7671
The Electricity at Work Regulation 1989 states that the electrical installation must be maintained in a safe manner at all times and this must be evidenced.
The most effective way to do this is through periodic inspection and testing of the electrical installation to BS:7671. In other words, according to the regulations, the EICR – Fixed Wire Testing has great importance.
What is an EICR-Fixed Wire Testing?
An EICR is the document issued, following an in-depth inspection and test to check the condition of the electrical installations in a property against the national safety standard for electrical installations.
In addition, it also picks up any potential safety issues. However, the checks must be carried out by a professional electrician, and the EICR issued by them. If passed, an EICR gives the green light to keep using the electrics in the property as they are.
However;
If not, the report will list any faults, along with an explanation of why that electrical system failed the EICR.
Our City and Guilds qualified engineers will carry out testing with minimal disruption and their findings recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Furthermore, large sites, particularly Hospitals, Factories and Universities, would benefit from a programme of testing over 3 or 5 years supported by full schematic drawings, circuits charts and full portal access to view your documents.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
Yes, as a result to the regulations, the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a legal requirement.
Landlords in Scotland, and HMO landlords across the UK will already be familiar with the requirements to carry out EICR checks.
However, following a change to the law, the new electrical safety standards in the private rented sector (regulations 2020), states that is now a legal requirement for all rented properties in England to have a valid Electrical Condition Report in place from July 1st 2020 at the start of a new tenancy.
Below, we report a series of regulations applied in general by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the EICR.
- Occupational Health and Safety act ( Regulation of 1974).
- Electricity at Work (Regulation of 1989)
- Workplace Safety, Health and Welfare ( Regulation of 1992)
- Regulation on the management of health and safety at work (Regulation of 1999)
How often does an EICR – Fixed wire testing need to be done?
Both campaigning charity Electrical Safety First and the Institution of Electrical Engineers recommend to private landlords to carry out a new EICR:
with every change of occupancy, or every five years, whichever is sooner.
What if there is an issue?
If your engineer’s report flags up any issues with the electrical condition of your property, you are duty bound to act immediately, to guarantee the safety of your tenants, and other residents in the property surrounding yours.
Work should be carried out quickly, by a qualified electrician to bring the property up to standard.
The engineer should provide written evidence on completion, detailing the work that has been carried out, and that the required standards have now been met.
And in conclusion, since you have this evidence in writing, you should provide it to your tenants as proof that the property is now safe, and meeting all of the appropriate requirements.
How will we help?
We are your solution.
The Elec Group is a leading supplier of electrical testing and compliance services.
We work across multiple sectors including education, health and social care, business and industrial, retail, housing associations etc.
We’ve got an army of technicians with high experience and best qualifications on hand. In addition, our engineers are specialists within their fields having over 17 years of industry experience.
The Elec Group always aims to provide an adequate service on the specific needs of each individual customer regardless of size.
- An Account Manager will be the first point of contact.
- We will work with you to identify your needs and provide appropriate quotes.
- The Operations Team will contact the customer to agree dates and deal with logistical arrangements.
- The Elec Group aims to carry out testing with minimum disruption to your business
- Wherever practical work is, we carry it out during normal work hours.
- If this is not possible, we can arrange the work out of hours, evenings, nights or weekends.
- Comprehensive reports will be provided once testing has been completed.
- Account Managers and our Technical Experts are available to discuss reports and future programmes of work
After testing, The Elec Group provides quotes for remedial work to ensure your buildings can be safe and compliant.
Contact us for a quote ,The Elec Group.
“Large enough to deliver, Small enough to care “
