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There are many different reasons for commissioning an Electrical Report and it is advisable to speak to a qualified electrician so you can decide which type of report you need.
Why would I need a Home Buyer Electrical Report?
It is advisable to check the electrical installations are safe for you and your family before you move in.The electrical installation is the fixed electrics, such as wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), plug socket and light fittings. It includes permanently connected equipment like showers and extractors but not appliances, such as cookers.
If you plan to buy a house that is less than 10 years old and has no extensions or very little DIY the electrics are likely to be OK and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) may be sufficient. If the house has been lived in by someone who is keen on DIY, where there have been renovations, extensions, home improvements and the property is more than 10 years old it is advisable for the electrics to be fully inspected. A qualified electrician will identify any electrical deficiencies and tell you what repairs need to be done straight away and which are less urgent. You can then discuss any cost implications with the electrician.
What about rented properties?
New legislation means landlords must have the electrical installation in their property inspected and tested by an electrician at least every five years to ensure tenant safety. Checks must be carried out at the start of a new tenancy from July 1, 2020 and any existing tenancies from April 1, 2021. The electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Similar measures have been in place in Scotland for a few years now.
The inspection will identify potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards; check if electrical circuits are overloaded; find any defective electrical work or lack of bonding or earthing. The EICR includes the date of inspection, findings and any investigative or remedial work recommended. Under the new rules, landlords must ensure national standards are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the “Wiring Regulations” set out in British Standard (BS) 7671.
Local authorities have the power to enforce the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations, 2020. Breaches can result in fines of up to £30,000. For more information see (link to ‘Electrical checks for privately rented homes now required by law’ article.
The new rules do not over electrical appliances, like fridges, cookers and televisions. Government guidelines recommend separate regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to make sure landlords are meeting their legal obligation to maintain high standards of electrical safety in their rented properties.
What is a qualified electrician?
It is important that electrical installation work is carried out only by those who have the correct skills and experience. Any electrical work undertaken must follow certain rules, these rules are called Part P of building regulations. Electricity can be dangerous – Part P qualified electricians have the knowledge to avoid dangers to themselves and to others. It is strongly recommended that you use an Electrician who is also registered with one of the government-approved schemes to carry out any electric installation work that you need doing. Their work conforms to the UK national standard, BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations.
You need to check your chosen electrician is Part P qualified and registered with one of the following:
BRE Certification Ltd
Benchmark Certification Ltd t/a CORGI Membership 0844 8794798
British Standards Institution 01442 230 442
ELECSA Ltd 0845 634 9043
NAPIT Registration Ltd (including Northern Ireland) 0845 543 0330
ECA (Northern Ireland only) 020 7313 4800
NICEIC Group Ltd (including Scotland and Northern Ireland) 0870 013 0382
OFTEC Ltd 0845 658 5080
SELECT (Scotland only) 0131 445 5577
STROMA
Scotland
In Scotland, you may need to apply for a warrant from your local council before you start work. When the work has finished you will need to submit a certificate that the council accepts or rejects.
If you use an Approved Certifier, such as one from Select, they can provide you with a document to submit with your certificate saying the work complies with the standards.
The rules do not apply to all electrical jobs so if you’re unsure check with your local council.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland there are currently no equivalent rules that cover electricians for domestic electrical installations. NAPIT, NICEIC and ECA have a list of electricians that should have the relevant skills and experience.
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Email: enquiries@localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk
Phone: 0800 0147 453