Electrical safety certificates might sound a bit confusing for some homeowners, leaving them unsure of what they are or why they matter. But don't worry – this blog post is here to shed light on the different aspects of electrical safety certificates.
So, if you're considering buying a new home or letting out an existing property, continue reading as we unpack the key parts to consider.
Understanding Electrical Safety Certificates: What Are They?
An electrical safety certificate is a crucial document that verifies an electrical installation meets the safety standards outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. To be valid, it must be issued by a qualified electrician and is typically valid for five years from the date of issue unless the inspector decides to make this time frame shorter. Make sure it's displayed prominently at the location of the electrical installation.
This certificate is divided into two parts: Part 1 showcases the electrician's statement that the installation has been inspected and complies with relevant safety requirements, while Part 2 highlights the results of the electrical test conducted on the installation. Both the electrician and the person responsible for the premises need to sign the certificate.
An example electrical safety certificate. Source: LPG Certified
The primary goal of an electrical safety certificate is to offer peace of mind that an electrical installation is safe for use. However, it's vital to remember that a certificate doesn't promise the installation will stay safe forever; it only confirms its safety at the time of inspection. Always hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work and make sure to maintain and regularly check any electrical equipment used on your premises.
The Importance of Electrical Safety Certificates
An electrical safety certificate is essential in a wide array of situations. First and foremost, it's required when you purchase or let out any new property to ensure that an electrician has inspected the wiring and other installations before occupation.
It's also necessary if any changes have been made to the existing electrical installation since its original commissioning, such as alterations to fuse boxes, switchgear and lighting circuits. On top of this, it may be needed during periodic inspections for landlords or businesses renting premises from third parties. This ensures compliance with Health & Safety regulations and helps avoid any potential liabilities.
The Benefits of Producing an Electrical Safety Certificate
Having an electrical safety certificate is beneficial in many ways. It ensures your property complies with current regulations, minimising any potential liabilities for landlords and businesses alike. It can also help reduce the risk of fire or electric shock due to faulty wiring, sockets and other components. This not only keeps tenants safe but also helps protect your property from potential damage or destruction.
Electrical safety check? Landlord safety certificate? EICR? What's the difference?
Put simply: there is no difference. All three terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same document produced by an in-depth electrical inspection. The acronym EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report and is the formal name given to an electrical safety certificate.
Decoding the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR provides an in-depth assessment of the condition of an existing electrical installation. It's usually requested by landlords, letting agents and commercial businesses occupying third-party premises to ensure they conform with safety standards.
It consists of two parts: Part 1 lists any faults or deficiencies identified during the inspection, while Part 2 outlines any recommended remedial work. The report must be issued by a qualified electrician registered as 'a competent person'.
Is an EICR Different to a PAT?
Yes, an EICR is different to a Portable Appliance Test (PAT). A PAT is typically used in commercial settings and involves the testing of electrical appliances for safety. The purpose of this test is to ensure that any equipment with an electric plug complies with current safety regulations.
Unlike an EICR, a PAT doesn't cover any hardwired installation and is just for testing portable equipment.
What Happens During an Electrical Safety Check?
Before any electrical safety check can take place, it helps to understand the layout of your property. This includes knowing where any fuse boxes (consumer units), meter boxes, earth bonding points and other components are located.
Once this is established, the electrician will assess any hardwired electrical installation and check all sockets, switches and wiring for visible damage or corrosion. They'll also use specified equipment to conduct a range of tests to determine the condition of your property's electrics. Any faults or deficiencies identified must be corrected before a certificate of safety can be issued.
After the check is complete, the electrician will provide you with a copy of the test results (Part 2) and any remedial work that needs to be done. The most common form of remedial work involves rewiring, which should only be performed by qualified and experienced professionals.
They may also suggest upgrading outdated systems, such as swapping your fusebox for a consumer unit. The regulations differ between the nations within the UK:
Regulations in England & Wales
In England & Wales, the two sets of regulations that detail the standards for electrical installations are BS 7671:2018 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
The former outlines technical specifications and safety requirements to protect people from injury or death due to electric shock or burns, while the latter stresses the need for any electrical installation in a workplace to be maintained in a safe condition. Both must be adhered to by landlords, letting agents and commercial businesses when undertaking an EICR or obtaining an electrical safety certificate.
Regulations in Scotland
In Scotland, landlords and letting agents must comply with the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. You can read more about Scotland-specific electrical safety requirements here.
Regulations in Northern Ireland
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, they must follow British Standard BS 7671:2018 and the Electrical Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016. Again, these regulations apply to both EICRs and electrical safety certificates. You can read more about them here.
UK Landlords: How Frequently Should You Test Your Electricals?
As a UK landlord, it is a legal obligation to test your electricals (including producing an EICR) every 5 years. You must also produce an EICR any time you make changes to the existing electrical installation or if requested by a tenant.
In addition, it's advisable to test your electricals before and after each tenancy, as well as at regular intervals throughout the tenancy period. This helps to ensure that your property conforms with safety regulations and provides peace of mind for both landlords and tenants. PAT testing can be done annually, or whenever a tenancy changeover happens - although it is generally seen as best practice rather than a legal obligation.
The Bottom Line
An EICR is an in-depth electrical safety inspection report that assesses the condition of hardwired installations. It's a legal requirement for landlords and commercial businesses renting third-party premises, as it ensures compliance with Health & Safety regulations and minimises potential liabilities. So, make sure you stay up-to-date with current regulations and test your electrical installations regularly - it could save lives!