Unsatisfactory EICR Certificate - 4 SHOCKING Reasons Your Property Might Fail

Article Structure:

1. Why Your Property Might Receive an Unsatisfactory EICR Certificate
2. What is an EICR Certificate?
3. Mandatory EICR Inspections for UK Landlords
4. Common Reasons for EICR Failures
5. What Happens If Your Property Fails an EICR?
6. Quinnergy’s EICR Process: Ensuring Electrical Safety and Compliance
7. Conclusion

Why Your Property Might Receive an Unsatisfactory EICR Certificate

Before listing the 4 reasons a property might receive an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), it’s crucial to understand what an EICR is and why it’s essential.

What is an EICR Certificate?

An EICR is a safety certificate generated after a qualified electrician conducts a thorough examination of a building or property’s electrical installation.

This report identifies potential dangers by highlighting damage, deterioration, defects, or unsafe conditions. It also provides observations and recommendations for improvements.

During the EICR process, the electrician performs several critical tasks, including:

1 – Inspect the electrical wiring and components
This check involves examining the property’s electrical wiring and components for signs of damage, wear, or improper installation, which can lead to safety hazards such as electrical fires or shocks.

2 – Test the electrical circuits for safety
Electricians conduct tests to ensure that circuits operate safely, avoiding overloading and issues that might result in overheating, thereby preventing electrical failures and fires.

3 – Check for signs of overloading or overheating
This safety check identifies signs that circuits or components are pushed beyond their capacity, which can increase the risk of electrical fires and equipment damage.

4 – Look for evidence of fire or shock hazards
Electricians search for potential fire or shock risks, such as exposed wires, damaged insulation, or loose connections, all of which can lead to hazardous conditions.

5 – Inspect the earthing and bonding system
This inspection verifies the proper functioning of the grounding system, which is vital for safety. A faulty earthing and bonding system increases the risk of electric shock and fire.

Mandatory EICR Inspections for UK Landlords

All landlords in the UK are legally required to ensure the safety of their property’s electrical installation. This involves scheduling EICR inspections every 3 to 5 years, depending on the property’s age. It is also essential to provide the EICR certificate to tenants at no charge.

Common Reasons for EICR Failures

EICR inspections do not always result in a pass on the first attempt. There are various reasons why a property might fail an EICR. Here are four common problems that we have recently addressed in a rental property in Glasgow:

1 – Faulty / Damaged Sockets
Sockets are the outlets where you plug in your appliances and devices. They need to be securely fixed to the wall and in good working order. If they are loose, cracked, or have signs of burning or arcing, they can cause electric shocks or fires.

2 – Faulty / Damaged Switches
Switches are the devices that control the flow of electricity to your sockets, lights, and appliances. They need to be securely fixed to the wall and in good working order. If they are loose, cracked, or have signs of burning or arcing, they can also cause electric shocks or fires.

3 – Faulty / Damaged Extractor Fans
Extractor fans are the devices that remove moisture from rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. They need to be properly installed and vented to the outside. If they are not working properly, they can overheat and cause fires.

4 – Faulty / Damaged Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights need to be properly installed and connected to the wiring. If they are not working properly, they can overheat and cause fires.

These are just a few examples of why a property might fail an EICR inspection. To prevent expensive repairs and maintain property safety and compliance, it’s advisable for landlords to schedule EICR inspections by a qualified electrician every five years or whenever there is a change of tenants or owners.

Our electrician fixing EICR problems in a rental property:

Follow Quinnergy on YouTube for more property upkeep and landlord safety certification content.

What Happens If Your Property Fails an EICR?

If your property fails an EICR inspection, you will receive a certificate outlining the reasons for the failure. Landlords will have 28 days to get a qualified person to remedy the situation.

Once the repairs are completed the landlord must do the following:

• Obtain written confirmation from a qualified engineer that the work has been carried out and that electrical safety standards have been met.
• Provide this confirmation, along with a copy of the original report requiring investigative or remedial work, to each resident of the property within 28 days of completion.
• Furnish the same written confirmation and a copy of the original report to the local council within 28 days of the work’s completion.

Failure to comply with electrical safety regulations can result in fines of up to £30,000 per breach. To ensure a smooth EICR process and compliance with regulations, consider contacting Quinnergy, your one-stop solution for EICR certificates and property maintenance.

Quinnergy’s EICR Process: Ensuring Electrical Safety and Compliance

Our streamlined EICR process is designed to secure your property’s safety and compliance. Here’s how we do it:

1 – Qualified Electricians
Our experienced electricians are at the forefront of our EICR process, equipped with the expertise to conduct thorough inspections.

2 – Comprehensive Inspections
Our thorough inspection of your property’s electrical systems ensures that potential risks are identified with precision.

3 – Safety Testing
Our electricians conduct rigorous testing of electrical circuits to ensure the highest safety standards are met.

4 – Detailed Reports
We provide comprehensive Electrical Installation Condition Reports, including issue identification and recommendations.

5 – Regulatory Compliance
Our process ensures full compliance with evolving electrical safety regulations.

6 – Prompt Issue Resolution
For properties that fail inspection, we assist landlords in rectifying issues within the specified time frame.

Quinnergy Electricians in Action

The video below shows our EICR service for landlords, letting agencies, and housing associations.

Conclusion:

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) serves as an invaluable tool for ensuring the safety and compliance of your property’s electrical systems. By understanding what an EICR entails and recognizing the common reasons for EICR failures, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your property and fulfill your legal obligations as a landlord.

If your property doesn’t pass an EICR inspection, it’s not the end of the road. The key is to promptly address the identified issues. Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out, and the property meets electrical safety standards.