What is an EICR and do I need it?
EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Report) are a mandatory requirement for commercial premises, due every 5 years. This is notably applicable to landlords and business owners and a mandatory requirement.
Landlords need to be aware that an EICR is required not only periodically, but also between tenancies.
For privately owner-occupied dwellings, although there are no legal requirements, it’s recommended that testing is carried out every 10 years or less depending on the overall condition.
Consider an EICR an MOT for your hardwired electrics. Broadly speaking as a minimum, you can expect a competent NIC approved Electrician to:
- Perform a visual inspection of your installation, noting any physical damage to fixtures, fittings, containment, wiring and safety devices.
- Check your installation is not only in good condition but also compliant. If not, they will make recommendations under the following categories:
C1 – There is a danger present, risk of injury and immediate remedial action required.
C2 – There is a potential danger present and urgent remedial work is required.
C3 – Improvement is recommended.
FI – Further Investigation required - Carry out testing to circuitry using calibrated instruments. In a nutshell your Electrician should perform several tests to ensure the integrity of the installation is sound, safety devices operate within their required tolerances and the installation is property earthed.
- Produce a certificate listing the characteristics of your installation and his/her recommendations therein.
Similarly PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) although not mandatory, forms part of business owners responsibility to ensure commercial premises and the electrical appliances within are safe.
PAT testing can be carried out by a ‘’competent person’’ which has an element of ambiguity to it, no formal qualifications are required however short PAT testing courses are available and recommended by industry leaders. We always recommend a qualified electrician carries out PAT testing however to ensure standards are upheld and complacency is avoided.
A full PAT test should include both a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment. This test includes earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks
There are three classes of portable electrical equipment, each class has a varying degree of electrical safety which helps determine whether PAT testing is required and how often.
Class 1 appliances need a full PAT test, usually annually depending on the environments in which they’re used.
Class 2 appliances require a PAT insulation test and a visual inspection
Class 3 appliances don’t need to be PAT tested at all.
Class 1 appliances
This type of electrical equipment has only basic insulation and relies on an earth for protection.
Class 2 appliances
This type of electrical equipment has extra insulation and so doesn’t rely on an earth for protection, which makes it safer.
Class 3 appliances
Class 3 appliances are low voltage items and are the safest class of electrical appliance. Their charging leads may need to be PAT tested.
Upon completion of the portable appliance inspection and testing you should receive a report that details the following as a minimum:
- An inventory containing each appliance type, name, location and description
- Written test results for each appliance tested
- A list of failed appliances detailing why it is that they failed
- A pass or fail label affixed to each appliance including the inspection date, next test due and the signature of the person carrying out the test.
For advice or a quotation please contact M&E Contrax where one of our engineers will be happy to help, contact details can be found under the contact tab on our home page.
