An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that assesses the safety, condition, and performance of an electrical installation in a property. It is crucial for ensuring that electrical systems are functioning correctly and safely, and helps identify any potential hazards before they become serious issues. Both homeowners and businesses may be required to obtain an EICR at different times, and the cost of these reports can vary depending on several factors. This article outlines when an EICR is needed and what you can expect to pay for one.

What Is an EICR?

An EICR involves a qualified electrician or electrical contractor inspecting and testing the electrical systems in a building, such as wiring, sockets, and consumer units (fuse boxes). The report checks whether the installation complies with current British safety standards, particularly the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

The inspection looks for:

Overloaded circuits or equipment

Potential shock risks and fire hazards

Defective electrical work

Lack of earthing or bonding, which is critical for safety

Following the inspection, the electrician issues a report that details any issues found and provides recommendations for remedial work, which will be classified under different codes based on their urgency.

When Do Homeowners Require an EICR?

While it’s not a legal requirement for every homeowner to have an up-to-date EICR, there are several situations where an EICR is highly recommended or required by law:

1. Landlords

For rented properties, an EICR is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Landlords must ensure an EICR is carried out at least once every five years, and they must provide a copy of the report to tenants. Any remedial work identified in the report must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if deemed necessary.

2. Before Buying or Selling a Property

Although not legally required, an EICR is often recommended before purchasing a property, especially if it’s an older building or the electrical system appears outdated. Having an EICR can give potential buyers peace of mind about the safety and condition of the electrical installation, and it may help to identify potential issues that could affect the sale price.

3. After Major Renovation or Electrical Work

If you’ve had major building or electrical work done, it’s advisable to get an EICR to ensure that the installation is safe and complies with current regulations. This is especially important after any rewiring or when adding new electrical circuits.

4. Periodic Checks in Older Homes

For safety purposes, it is recommended that homeowners in properties over 25-30 years old have an EICR every 10 years, or sooner if there are concerns about the electrical installation. Older wiring may not meet modern standards and could pose a safety risk.

When Do Businesses Require an EICR?

For businesses, electrical safety is paramount, both for the safety of employees and visitors, as well as to comply with legal obligations.

1. Health and Safety Compliance

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are required to ensure the safety of their electrical installations and equipment. An EICR can help businesses demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure a safe working environment.

2. Insurance Requirements

Many business insurance policies require an EICR to ensure the premises comply with safety standards. Without an up-to-date EICR, businesses may find that their insurance policies are invalid in the event of an electrical fire or other related incidents.

3. Commercial Property Leasing

If you lease a commercial property, the landlord may request an EICR to ensure the safety of the electrical systems before you move in. Similarly, if you're the landlord, you'll need to provide an EICR to any new tenants.

4. High-Risk Environments

In industries with higher risks, such as factories, kitchens, or workshops where heavy machinery or electrical equipment is used regularly, more frequent EICRs may be needed (every 3-5 years) to ensure safety standards are maintained.

How Much Does an EICR Typically Cost?

The cost of an EICR depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the complexity of the electrical installation, and the region where the property is located. Below are the typical costs:

1. For Homeowners:

1-2 Bedroom Flat/House: £120 to £200

3-4 Bedroom House: £150 to £300

Larger Properties (5+ bedrooms): £250 to £400+

Smaller homes with simpler electrical systems will naturally cost less than larger properties, which have more circuits to inspect and test.

2. For Businesses:

Commercial properties tend to have more complex electrical installations, which can make the cost of an EICR higher.

Small Office or Shop: £150 to £300

Medium-Sized Office or Shop: £300 to £500

Larger Commercial Buildings: £500 to £1,000+

Factors such as the number of circuits, the age of the installation, and the type of business (e.g., a factory versus a small office) can affect the cost. High-risk environments may also incur higher fees due to the detailed testing required.

Additional Costs

If any faults are identified during the EICR, the cost of remedial work will be in addition to the price of the inspection. The extent of these costs will depend on the severity of the issues and the nature of the repairs needed, such as rewiring or replacing outdated components.

How Long Does an EICR Take?

The time it takes to complete an EICR will vary based on the size of the property and the complexity of its electrical system. On average:

A small house or flat may take around 2-4 hours.

A larger house could take 4-6 hours or more.

Commercial properties may take a full day or longer, depending on the size and type of business.

An EICR is essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of electrical systems in both homes and businesses. For homeowners, it provides peace of mind and ensures the electrical installation is safe and up to modern standards. For landlords and business owners, it is often a legal requirement that must be carried out regularly to maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Costs can vary based on the size of the property and the complexity of the electrical system, but the price of an EICR certificate in Bracknell or elsewhere in Berkshire is a small investment compared to the potential risks of an unsafe electrical installation. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, staying on top of your EICR requirements is crucial for protecting your property, occupants, and your peace of mind.