P24-25 EICR Testing:Layout 1 26/05/2021 15:27 Page 24 Fire & Safety


Electrical fires at home are a growing problem in the UK with over 53% of accidental fires occurring from an electrical fault in 2019. Here, London Electricians 24/7 (www.london-electricians-247.co.uk) share a guest article on how landlords and electricians can safely conduct EICR reports.


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upported by statistics from the Home Office, there were a total of 26 reported deaths in 2019 relating to domestic fires caused by electrical issues. A staggering 19,000 electrical fires were


also reported in the UK, which has had a significant effect on the government’s revised intentions to improve electrical safety in homes for tenants. The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) aims to improve


electrical safety across UK homes. Subject to completion before the 1st July 2020 or from 1st April 2021 for existing tenancies, the report must be organised by a landlord, conducted by a qualified professional, and acquired before the commencement of any new tenancy to keep the standard of electrical safety in the private rented sector in England to the best they can be. The report puts in place a national requirement for all electrical installations in the property such as lighting and electrical sockets, to be reviewed thoroughly. In order to pass this test, landlords must review and ensure all electrical components are in working order without any safety issues before the tenant moves in. If not, they will be required to inform professionals of this and rectify the issue before the stated deadline date. However, gaining access to properties is not always easy due to the ongoing problem that is the coronavirus pandemic. It is stated in the guidelines that if the tenant is deemed high risk and particularly vulnerable to Covid - 19, a contractor will not be required to attend the property and will no longer go ahead with the physical EICR evaluation. It is important to note that this will only be the case if written evidence of the tenant’s unavailability is provided. The evidence provided will then be


24 | electrical wholesaler June 2021


subject to review and must include clear proof that an inspection has been discussed and attempted. However, if this isn’t the case, landlords with existing tenants will have to allow contractors to enter the property so the test can be conducted. All tests will however follow social distancing rules to ensure the safety of both the hired contractor and tenant. As personal health and hygiene are both now constantly evaluated,


professional electricians are limited to conduct electrical examinations of properties in person due to the risk of spreading infection from one household to another. Alternative electrical test methods are now becoming increasingly more common, with experts opting to try new examination techniques to ensure the safety of landlords, tenants, and electricians from electrical hazards and coronavirus. London Electricians 24/7 explain the different ways in which professionals and landlords can conduct these tests safely at home.


Conducting a home electrical test “Stereotypically, in-person checks are seemingly the most suitable method of conducting electrical tests. Examining a house in person ensures that electrical assessments are conducted thoroughly on a property without any issue being missed. “As a result of the test being essential to the safety of future tenants, EICR


reports should also take into account any coronavirus safety precautions. With this in mind, it is important for landlords to understand how to conduct any home electric evaluations correctly. This includes an understanding of general safety precautions regarding electrical safety and coronavirus. Landlords must also inform tenants to obey any rules or


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