Periodic Inspection Reports
Ensuring compliance and safety for Home owner/property manager/landlords plus Commercial and Industrial properties through electrical condition reports.
Periodic Inspection and Testing
All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as 'periodic inspection and testing'.
This is a legal requirement across the whole of the UK for privately rented homes, and in Scotland and Wales it also covers socially rented homes.
Electrical Safety First recommends that these checks are carried out wherever you live in the UK, to ensure the safety of your property and your tenants.
Advice for Landlords
Find out more about how you can keep your rental properties and your tenants safe.
Once a periodic inspection has been completed, you will be issued with an Electrical Condition Report (EICR).
A periodic inspection will:
Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
Identify any defective electrical work.
Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
How often is a periodic inspection required?
Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:
10 years for an owner-occupied home.
5 years for a rented home.
3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool.
Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
When a property is being prepared for letting.
Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.
Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:
The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
The presence of adequate identification and notices.
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.
The competent person will then issue an Electrical installation condition report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.
Compliance Assurance
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Expert Reporting
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Electrical Safety Compliance
What is an electrical condition report?
An electrical condition report assesses the safety and compliance of electrical installations in properties.
Who needs this report?
Landlords and property owners must obtain this report to ensure tenant safety and legal compliance.
How often should it be done?
It is recommended to conduct an electrical condition report up to 10 years depending on type of premises or whenever there are significant changes to the electrical system.
Regular checks help prevent electrical hazards.
What does the report include?
Is it legally required?
Yes, it is legally required for rental properties to ensure safety compliance.
