Living in London comes with a set of considerations, not excluding electrical safety. Defective wiring or an old electrical system could just turn out to be quite dangerous.
There’s a simple solution for solving this: having an EICR certificate in London.
What is an EICR Certificate?
An EICR would usually be given as a document following an inspection of the electrical installation on a property by a qualified electrician.
Other than assessing its overall condition, it addresses any issues related to your wiring, sockets, fuse boards, and all other significant electrical elements.
Why Do You Need an EICR Certificate in London?
Three broad aspects show why an EICR certificate is so imperative in London:
- a) Safety First: Electrical faults are one of the major causes of house fires. A reasonable EICR could pick out faults before flaring up into a serious problem, ensuring safety for you, your family, and the property as a whole.
Remember, electrical safety isn’t something to be negotiated on!
- b) Legal Requirement: As a landlord in London, you must have an up-to-date EICR certificate for your rental property.
Otherwise, failure to comply will result in fines, invalidated insurance policies, or even court cases in the event of an electrical accident.
- c) Peace of Mind: A recent EICR certificate is highly desired by both tenants and landlords in London.
Tenants would know that they are residing in a safe environment, and landlords have confidence in being able to satisfy their legal requirements.
How much does it cost?
EICR costs in London will depend on your property’s size, age, and location. So, think somewhere in the region of a high-end coffee to a nice lunch down the pub (£79-£300+).
Getting quotes from a few electricians helps you find one that caters best to your budget.
(Bonus Tip: Regular EICR inspections can save you cash in the long run by blocking costly electrical repairs later.)
What Happens During an EICR Inspection?
An EICR inspection in London is a rather painless process.
Put simply, a qualified electrician will undertake a thorough visual inspection of your electrical system for any visible signs of wear or damage.
They will also conduct a few electrical tests on the wiring and electrical components to test them for safety and proper functioning.
Finding a Qualified Electrician for Your EICR Certificate in London
This electrical installation condition report is usually issued after an inspection of the electrical installation at any property by a qualified electrician.
While seeking an electrician to undertake your EICR inspection, ensure he is certainly registered under competent persons with schemes like the NICEIC or ELECSA.
This assures you that they are qualified and follow all the safety standards.
Maintaining Electrical Safety in Your London Property
While an EICR certificate in London is crucial, there are easy actions you can undertake to maintain electrical safety on your property:
- Avoid overloading sockets with too many appliances.
- Never attempt any electrical work yourself; always hire a qualified electrician.
- Inspect plugs and cords regularly for any damage and replace them if necessary.
How Often Do I Need an EICR Certificate in London?
The recommended periods for an EICR inspection differ based on the type of property:
Landlords: An EICR test should be conducted every 5 years, when there is a change in tenancy, or when you buy a new rental property.
Homeowners: While it is not mandatory, all homeowners are encouraged to have an EICR certificate in London once every 10 years.
This is especially true if you have a swimming pool on the property; an annual inspection should be done.
Business Owners: Any business entity in London should get an EICR inspection every 5 years to protect their workers and customers.
Do not wait! Ensure that you get an EICR certificate in London today!
While having a valid EICR certificate is an investment in the safety and well-being of all persons within your property, frequent inspection is critical to ensuring a safe and secure electrical environment.
Most Important FAQs About EICR Certificates in London
- What does an EICR code mean?
The EICR report codes identified issues: C1, C2, and C3. C1 represents immediate risks, whereas C2 requires further investigation, and C3— represents recommended improvements.
- Must I be present at the EICR inspection?
No, you do not have to. The electrician will write a clear report about his findings.
- What if something wrong appears in my EICR report?
Landlords are legally liable to ensure that promptly the defects identified in a report at C1 and C2 are resolved to ensure electrical safety in their property.
- How much is an EICR certificate in London?
The prices will vary according to the size and age of the property and the location, but a regular inspection can prevent electrical problems, which would turn out to be pretty expensive if not maintained periodically.
- Can I get my EICR certificate online?
No, a valid EICR certificate in London can only be issued following an actual visit by a qualified electrician.
- What kind of businesses or properties require an annual EICR in London?
The kinds of premises that would want an EICR annually are rental properties, commercial properties, HMOs, public buildings, licensed premises, industrial units, etc., basically for safety and compliance.
