Who Is Responsible For An EICR Test?

Who Is Responsible For An EICR Test?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (also known as an EICR test or fixed wire testing) is an integral assessment required to protect the occupants of a property, whether that be a domestic or commercial property.

When it comes round to carrying out an EICR test, there is sometimes confusion surrounding who is responsible for arranging this and who carries out the test. Landlords also have some uncertainty

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about EICR tests and who the responsibility sits with.

What Is an EICR Test?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a report which summarises the safety of electrical equipment within domestic and commercial properties. It generally refers to the damage, defects and potential deterioration of electrical items, and how this may affect the safety of the building’s occupants.

This report is not only essential by law but is also integral to the safety of the occupants within domestic or commercial premises. Without this assessment, there is a much greater risk of faults – including fires and electrocution, which are typically caused by negligence and lack of electrical maintenance.

The EICR will analyse a variety of things and includes testing of the insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance testing, and testing of the continuity of protective conductors. Testing electrical installations and appliances checks that there are no faults or problems with the electrics, casings and sockets and that electricity cannot escape from them.

An EICR, or fixed wire testing or installation service, will show that your business is compliant with various health and safety regulations.

What Is Involved With Fixed Wire Testing?

When you book an EICR inspection, engineers will come out to your premises and carry out a number of tests and procedures. Whether or not you require more than one electrical engineer will depend on the nature of your business and what it requires.

During fixed wire testing, the engineers will aim to cause as little disruption as possible to your day-to-day operations.

How Long Does an EICR Report Last?

How long an EICR report lasts will depend entirely on the nature of the building. For privately rented properties, including domestic premises, this will be at least five years, or when there is a change of occupancy. 

For commercial properties, this is usually five years. However, higher risk environments may require more frequent testing, such as yearly or every three years. Premises that have electrical installations that are more likely to be exposed to liquids, for example, a spa or swimming pool, will need fixed wire testing once a year.

We also have a guide that explains the legislation surrounding fixed wire testing for student accommodation properties.

In between EICR tests, we recommend that you have a professional come out to look at your property if you find anything suspicious or of concern.

Who Is Responsible for Carrying Out an Electrical Installations Condition Report Test?

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to protect the health and safety of your employees. Employers are legally required to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. And, even if you are a commercial landlord, you will still have a legal duty of care to your tenant(s).

For business owners and landlords, this means ensuring all electrics are safe for occupants, and that any electrical repairs are carried out as soon as they are spotted.

By law, the EICR testing is performed by qualified engineers who are trained to understand the correct procedures. To comply with the law, you will need to have the property surveyed with an EICR. As a landlord, this EICR will need to be carried out before it is let out to tenants, as this will not be their responsibility.

Once you have arranged for an engineer (who is legally registered to perform an EICR) it then becomes their responsibility to identify any potential dangers. If anything is found, you’ll need to organise for amendments to be made to ensure that the property does not pose a risk to future occupants/tenants.

Fixed Wire Testing Service

If it is your responsibility to arrange an EICR test, we advise you to arrange this immediately. As breaches can carry fines of up to £30,000 and you can be putting occupants in danger by delaying, it’s best to carry this inspection out as soon as possible.

At UK Safety Management, we provide free quotes for any remedial works at your property or premises, and free no-obligation quotes if we find any problems. When we carry out an EICR test, we can provide you with detailed EICR reports.

For more information about fixed wire testing, please speak to an expert advisor today, or contact us on 03330163622.

About UKSM

With a decade of experience in the electrical and fire safety sector, we have firmly established ourselves as a trusted name in the industry. Our commitment to excellence has allowed us to serve a diverse clientele, including landlords, architects, developers, consultants, local authorities, and housing associations, overseeing a staggering 85,000 sites.

Recent Posts