When we carry out fixed wire testing in a commercial or domestic setting, we issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report – or EICR – so the client is aware of any issues that need to be addressed. In our experience, a level of confusion surrounds EICRs, and especially the regularity with which they’re required.
So how often do you need to have an inspection? Every 12 months? Every three years? After five years? Or ten? The answer is, inevitably, that it depends. The frequency with which EICRs are required is down to the level of safety risk that the environment presents – the higher the risk, the more often an EICR is needed. Factors that influence the level of risk include the presence of flammable gases and chemicals, the number of people using the premises and the ease of access to and egress from the building.
Annual EICRs
Premises that need an EICR renewed every year include petrol stations, laundrettes and medical areas such as operating theatres. Cinemas, saunas and swimming pools, caravan parks and marinas also need annual EICRs.
EICRs every three years
Establishments requiring an EICR every three years include leisure centres – although the swimming pool area needs an annual EICR – and hotels with spas. Among other premises needing an EICR every three years are theatres, caravans, places of public entertainment, farms, industrial buildings and factories.
EICRs every five years
This is the largest category of commercial premises as it includes offices, laboratories, shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs and hotels. Also within this category are educational establishments such as schools, colleges and universities, as well as churches, hospitals and community centres. Finally – and very importantly – landlords must by law ensure that their rental property or HMO has an EICR every five years.
An EICR every ten years
Domestic houses and flats should all have a new EICR every ten years. Homeowners aren’t legally obliged to have an EICR in the same way that landlords are, but there are potential implications if you fail to do so as you have a responsibility to keep your property safe. Should the worst happen and a faulty light fitting causes a fire that damages your neighbour’s property, you’d be liable for the repairs. Also, your home insurance may be invalidated if your insurer believes that you’ve failed to maintain your electrical installation.
MS Electrical Services offers fixed wire testing and EICRs in Cambridge, so please contact us to book an appointment.