How Long Does an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Last?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are important tests that visually inspect the wiring in a property to identify potential electrical faults and ensure safety. But how long does an EICR last? In this article, we examine when an EICR needs to be applied and renewed, so you can make sure you stay up to date with your electrical safety.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a test of the condition of an electrical installation. It inspects the wiring and other components to identify any potential hazards, faults, or damage in order to ensure that your property’s electrical installation is safe and compliant with current regulations. An EICR is typically carried out by professional electricians and can take between 1-3 hours to complete depending on the size of the property.

How Long Does an EICR Last?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) lasts a variable length of time depending on the type and condition of the installation, as well as any additional regulations that apply in your area. As a general rule of thumb, an EICR should be conducted at least every 5 years. However, this can vary depending on specific circumstances.

Depending on the type and condition of the installation, certain repairs may need to be undertaken sooner or more frequent testing may be required. Landlords may be legally required to carry out a renewal of their EICR test after 6 months or 12 months in some cases, depending on local regulations.

What Happens If the Report Indicates a Problem?

If the EICR indicates a problem, it is the responsibility of the landlord to address it as soon as possible. The longer a fault is left unattended, the more dangerous it could become for tenants. Certain electrical repairs may need to occur immediately and will generally require a professional electrician to assess and rectify them in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Benefits of Regularly Carrying Out an EICR Test

An EICR report can play a crucial role in keeping people safe by identifying potential hazardous defects that may not have been detected during regular maintenance. By regularly carrying out an EICR test every five years, landlords can make sure the electrical system used at their property is always safe and reliable. Ultimately, this helps to protect both tenants and property owners from any potential danger associated with faulty wiring or other electrical problems.

How long is an EICR valid for?

 The report generated by a qualified and competent electrician will be valid from the day it is produced. The electrician will indicate the longest period of time you should wait before getting your next periodic inspection done.

While the report provides useful information to demonstrate that you have kept your electrical installation in good working order, it is only effective for a temporary period of time. In most cases, an EICR will last between two and five years, depending on the circumstances. It is advised to have another EICR done after this period of time has elapsed to ensure that the electrical installation remains safe and efficient.

According to the British Standards Institute, which sets the standards for electrical installations (BS7671), it is recommended that commercial premises should undergo an EICR at least every five years. However, this depends on multiple factors such as the nature of the building and environment, age and quality of the installation, how often it is used, guidance from manufacturers and how well equipment is maintained.

Starting from April 2021, landlords are obligated by law to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years. This timeframe does not necessarily apply for business owners or facility managers, but it gives a general indication of how long an EICR is valid for. Still, the answer to your question can be found in the electrician’s recommendation on your very own EICR report.

Not one size fits all

The standard recommended duration for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is five years, though this may need to be adjusted based on the type of installation being tested, how often it’s used, and the environment it’s in.

Electrical installation condition reports, or EICRs, recommend that domestic and commercial electrical installations should be inspected and tested every five years. However, in high-risk environments such as swimming pools, saunas, laundrettes, cinemas, hospitals and petrol stations, it is recommended that these tests take place more regularly due to their exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed survey of the electrical structure of a property and it supplies information about the condition, safety and compliance of all fixed wiring and the associated equipment. The inspection report will recommend how long an EICR should last but typically it is recommended to repeat this test every 2, 5 or 10 years.

For further articles follow the links below

What is a PAT Test?

PAT Testing Regulations UK