by Dairin Keating

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been a legal requirement for landlords since July 2020, but what is it and would having one be of benefit to homeowners too?

In short, an EICR demonstrates that an electrician has completed a visual inspection of, and performed thorough tests on, installations in a property to confirm that everything is safe, correctly earthed and compliant with current minimum regulatory standards. It doesn’t include a PAT test of any appliances that can be moved and unplugged, such as your microwave or dishwasher etc but focusses on the wiring within the home, the sockets, light fittings and the internals of your consumer unit, or “fuse box” to most people. Those bits that you can’t see but are essential for your house to be warm, functional and be safe.

So, is it essential for all homeowners? The answer is no, but some owners may like the added peace of mind of having their house checked and certified that it is up to the current regulations, particularly if it is an older property. The regulations governing all electrical works, including domestics, are amended and updated regularly, it is likely that some older houses may not be up to current standard if they have not been modified since first build.

Does this mean that my house is unsafe if I don’t have an EICR? Not at all, but it is a relatively simple way of giving your house an “mot” and checking those bits you can’t see.