An EICR inspection usually takes between one and four hours. The duration of an EICR inspection depends on a number of factors, including the size and accessibility of the electrical system, as well as the amount of electrical equipment.

Additional inspections may be needed, depending on what the electrician finds during the assessment.

The electrician will give you an EICR after the inspection. You should keep it until your next inspection. It is not a certification, but a simple report detailing the condition of the installation, and any remedial work that may be required.

EICRs will detail damages, defects and deterioration, as well as other situations that may put the safety of everyone inside the building in danger. The report may include pictures to highlight areas that are of concern.

The EICR is proof that all electrical safety regulations were met and you took reasonable measures to protect the safety of the occupants.

The following persons must receive copies of the EICR:

Current tenants of residential premises

Within 28 days of the testing and inspection, copies must be provided.

Before they move in, new tenants must:

Before agreeing to a purchase, prospective tenants can also ask for a copy.

Local Housing Authority:

You must give them a copy within 7 days of receiving their written request.

The next EICR inspector:

It will help them to understand your system's history before they start a new one.

The electrician should apply an electrical label after inspecting and testing the installation. This will indicate the date and recommended time for the EICR next test. On the EICR, the electrician should also note the date of the next test.

A more frequent inspection may be recommended by the electrician based on a number of factors. The recommendation should also be supported in the report.

Price can increase depending on factors such as:

Location:

The EICR of properties in cities tends to be higher.

Age the property:

The electrical system of older properties is more likely to be worn out and deteriorated.

Property size:

The inspection of larger properties is more thorough.

Property type:

A factory or industrial building will require a more thorough inspection than an apartment or hostel.

Tests of

We encourage you to inspect all your systems. However, this may not be possible due to factors such as the layout of your home or business. The cost of having the engineer or electrician inspect certain parts of the building is reduced, but you may not get a full picture of how your electrical system functions.

Electrical system accessibility and condition:

The contractor may charge more if your electrical installation is difficult to reach or has deteriorated with time.

These tips will help you get the most out of your EICR Inspection.

Hire a qualified electrician or engineer:

Select an electrician who has the relevant certifications such as those from the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation or the Electrical Contractors' Association. They evaluate electricians to make sure they are meeting safety and technical standards. Before the electrical contractor arrives on your property, ask for any relevant certificates.

Check out the relevant legislation:

You might find it a tedious task, but reading electrical safety regulations will ensure that you know the steps to take to keep your tenants and staff safe. These regulations may even reveal aspects that need to be addressed.

Perform a pre-inspection of your property.

Visually inspect your appliances and electrical system before the inspection. Take note of any visible issues. It will minimize any problems that the contractor may detect when performing an EICR. The preliminary inspection will also reveal which parts of the system are out of reach for you and need to be assessed professionally by an electrician.

Fix issues discovered after visual inspection.

Replace damaged sockets, extension cords and other electrical components as soon as you discover them. When necessary, tape extension cords or wires to the floor and wall. In areas with a higher risk of electrical shock (such as bathrooms or swimming pools), install ground fault circuit interpreters.

Informing your tenants in advance:

Inform your tenants of the EICR that will be conducted on their property. Indicate the date and duration of the test, as well as any disruptions in their normal daily routine. It allows the tenants to prepare for how they will continue with their daily activities during the inspection.

Discuss the scope of your inspection with the electrician.

Talk to your contractor about the areas that they are allowed access to and explain why certain areas may be restricted. On the EICR front page, it should clearly state the scope of installation which has been tested and assessed. You and your electrician should know that the electrical inspector can only inspect the common areas and not individual units.

Fill out the online form to receive more information on our EICR tests and electrical safety obligations or give us a call us. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.

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