Are you curious about the results of an EICR inspection and want the EICR codes explained? Fairway Electrical works closely with landlords who need regular electrical inspections in Clifton.
Who needs an EICR?
Are you a private landlord in Clifton? A new regulation which took effect in 2020 mandates regular inspections of electrical installations in private rental properties. According to the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector 2020, landlords have a responsibility to ensure electrical safety standards are met through regular inspections, or EICRs at least every 5 years.
Failure to comply could lead to costly fines or criminal action against you. With an experienced electrician working alongside you, we can make sure electrical faults or areas of non compliance are flagged up and remedied at the earliest opportunity.
What happens during an EICR?
So during an Electrical Installation Condition Report, I conduct a visual check of the electrical infrastructure at your property in Clifton. This typically includes checking the lighting, outlets, switches and the fuse board. If the property has additional electrical systems such as an EV charger or solar panels, these systems will need to be inspected too.
Next a series of electrical tests such as a polarity check and insulation resistance test is conducted. Any electrical faults or hazards are assigned a code and recorded. Having the EICR codes explained to landlords helps understand the safety concerns and how best to keep tenants protected against electric shocks and electrical fires.
EICR Codes Explained.
When reporting electrical faults during an EICR, the hazards are assigned a code which reflects the severity of the fault.
A C1 code presents a highly dangerous risk. Potentially leading to electrocution or the onset of an electrical fire.
C2 codes highlight a concern which could potentially be dangerous but it's an immediate threat. Remedial action is required to make sure the fault doesn't happen.
A C3 fault suggests that an improvement is recommended as the electrical installation might be safe but doesn’t meet modern safety standards.
Finally FI or Further Investigation suggests that more testing is required if a potential issue has been identified.
Outcomes of an EICR.
If I identify any C1 or C2 codes during an EICR, the final report will be classed as "unsatisfactory". However, the good news is that as an experienced and NAPIT approved electrician, I have the skills and expert advice to ensure the right remedial work is carried out.
Landlords actually have 28 days to ensure any C1 or C2 faults are repaired. Although a full reinspection is not required once remedial work is carried out, a Minor Electrical Works Certificate can be issued.
Fairway Electrical in Clifton.
As a proud Bristolian myself, I’m very familiar with the various property styles in the area. From modern new builds to traditional terraced properties. I’ve seen it all and worked with private landlords so I’m familiar with working around tenants and their busy schedules too.
I specialise in a range of domestic services to help landlords provide safe and reliable installations to their tenants.
Now that Fairway Electrical have had the EICR codes explained, feel free to give us a call if you’re a landlord in Clifton.