Why is an electrical installation condition report needed?

Electrics deteriorate with use and age – and electricity can be deadly. So it’s vital that people aren’t put at risk.

How often is an electrical installation condition inspection required?

Your electrics should be tested every: 5 years for a home. 3 years for caravans. 1 year for swimming pools. Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are When a property is being prepared to be let. Before selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property.

Who should carry out an EICR inspection?

A suitably qualified electrician, such as those employed by Manchester Electrical Inspections, who will check the electrics against the national safety standard, should carry out all electrical installation condition inspections. The inspection should meet the latest BS 7671 regulations – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations). That’s the technical name for the 850 regulations that are checked in this test.

Which rented properties do the Electrical Safety Regulations apply to?

The Regulations apply in all cases where a private tenant has a right to occupy a property as their only or main residence and pays rent. This includes assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy. See guidance on tenancy types. Exceptions are set out in Schedule 1 of the Regulations and include social housing, lodgers, those on a long lease of 7 years or more, student halls of residence, hostels and refuges, care homes, hospitals and hospices, and other accommodation relating to healthcare provisions.

What do landlords have to do in relation to ensuring electrical safety?

Landlords of privately rented accommodation must: Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671. Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every 5 years. Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test. Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test. Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises. Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report. Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy. Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test. Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report. Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.

What is tested during an EICR electrical safety inspection?

The ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property, like the wiring, the socket-outlets (plug sockets), the light fittings and the consumer unit (or fuse box) will be inspected. This will include permanently connected equipment such as showers and extractors.

What information does an EICR contain?

The electrical installation should be safe for continued use. In practice, if the report does not require investigative or remedial work, the landlord will not be required to carry out any further work. Inspectors will use the following classification codes to indicate where a landlord must undertake remedial work. Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property. Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. Further Investigation (FI): Further investigation required without delay. Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory. If codes C1 or C2 are identified in on the report, then remedial work will be required. The report will state the installation is unsatisfactory for continued use. If an inspector identifies that further investigative work is required (FI), the landlord must also ensure this is carried out. The C3 classification code does not indicate remedial work is required, but only that improvement is recommended. Landlords don’t have to make the improvement, but it would improve the safety of the installation if they did.

How much does an electrical check cost UK?

Our prices start from £99 for a 1-2 bedroom property.

How long does an electrical inspection take?

An electrical safety check takes between 2-4 hours to complete. Nevertheless, this depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits that need testing.

Do I need an EICR to sell my house?

You do not need to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in order to sell a property, although it will give your buyer peace of mind that the property they are buying is electrically safe. However, many mortgage lenders will ask for an EICR as part of their lending requirements. As NICEIC registered electricians, our reports are accepted by all mortgage lenders and solicitors throughout the UK.

Can any electrician do an EICR?

Only registered electricians should carry out an EICR. We are NICEIC registered and are therefore legally able to carry out EICR's for UK homeowners, house buyers and landlords / letting agents.

electrical inspections and testing manchester

Your Trusted Local Electricians Serving Greater Manchester & North Cheshire

At Manchester Electrical Inspections, we are proud to be NICEIC registered, fully insured, and listed on the Competent Persons Register. With a commitment to safety and quality, we specialise in providing comprehensive electrical inspection and testing services across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or homebuyer, we ensure your property meets the highest electrical safety standards.

Our Expertise Includes:

Electrical Safety Certificates & EICRs: We specialise in Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for homeowners, landlords, and HMO properties. Our thorough inspections ensure your property is safe, compliant, and ready for sale or rental.
Consumer Unit Upgrades & Fuse Board Replacements: Upgrade your consumer unit or replace an outdated fuse board with our reliable and professional service, ensuring your home or rental property meets current safety regulations.
Comprehensive Electrical Services: From electrical repairs and fault finding to the installation of smoke alarms, new lighting, additional sockets, and outdoor electrical solutions, our skilled electricians handle all your electrical needs with precision and care.
Landlord Services & PAT Testing: We offer tailored services for landlords, including electrical safety certificates, periodic inspections, and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), helping you stay compliant with all legal requirements.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve the entire Greater Manchester & Cheshire region, including but not limited to Altrincham, Sale, Bolton, Stretford, Urmston, Swinton, Withington, Fallowfield, Salford, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Hale, Stockport, and many more.

Homeowner, Home Buyer and Landlord Electrical Services

Why Choose Us?

City & Guilds Qualified & Part P Registered: All our electricians are highly qualified, ensuring you receive the best service from certified professionals.
Honest & Reliable Service: We pride ourselves on delivering an honest, reliable, and transparent service. Our goal is to ensure your property’s electrical systems are safe and fully functional.
Customer-Centric Approach: Whether you need an EICR, an electrical inspection report, or advice on electrical installations, our knowledgeable staff are here to assist. We offer convenient appointment times and provide clear, helpful advice on any remedial work needed.

Get in Touch

If you’re looking for reliable electrical inspection and testing services in Greater Manchester or Cheshire, call us today at 07493 508 439 or 0161 611 00 44. Our friendly team is ready to help you with all your electrical needs, from inspections to installations.

Our Services Include:

Consumer Units / Fuse Boxes
Electrical Repairs & Fault Finding
Smoke & Fire Alarms
Lighting & Downlights
Landlord Electrical Certificates
Outdoor Lighting & Sockets
CCTV Installation
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Rewiring & More

why MANCHESTER ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS?

NICEIC ACCREDITED

Manchester Electrical Inspections are fully NICEIC Registered. This gives our customers peace of mind that work will be carried out to the very highest of standards. All of our work is covered by the Full 5 Year NICEIC Backed Guarantee.

EXPERIENCE

Manchester Electrical Inspections have been successfully completing Electrical work for homes in Manchester and Cheshire for over 10 Years. We offer an unparalleled level of professionalism and service.

PRICE

Manchester Electrical Inspections obtain the majority of our work through recommendation & ‘word of mouth’ referrals. We get these referrals by charging our customers a very competitive price for a superb and professional service.

GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP

As Manchester Electrical Inspections hold NICEIC Registration all of our work is covered by the NICEIC Platinum Promise.

PUNCTUALITY

We know how important our customers time is. This is why we pride ourselves on attending appointments when we say we will and giving accurate completion times for electrical works that we undertake. Sometimes things take a little longer than expected but we keep out customers informed every step of the way.

7 DAYS A WEEK SERVICE

At Manchester Electrical Inspections we like to make things as easy & convenient as possible for our customers. This is why we offer a complete 7 days a week service so you can arrange quotes and have work carried out at times that are convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a certificate for electrical work in the UK?

A: No matter how big or small the job, your electrician should provide you with an electrical installation certificate which will confirm that the work carried out meets the British Standard for electrical safety, BS 7671. All electrical work in dwellings is covered under Building Regulations. We are NICEIC registered electricians which means we are fully insured & registered to carry out all electrical work.

Q: Can I do my own electrics at home?

A: Remember that any DIY electrical work carried out by an unregistered person must be tested and certified by a competent electrician, to ensure the safety of the wiring in your home.

Q: Does changing a light fitting require an electrical certificate?

A: A certificate is not required as the wiring has not been altered. If you were changing the fitting because it was broken it would be classed as maintenance which does not require a certificate.

Q: Is an electrical certificate a legal requirement?

A: In England, Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords are required to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested, at least every five years, by a person who is qualified and competent.

Q: Do I need an electrician to add a socket?

A: Whilst you don’t need to be certified in order to change the accessories or fittings, you will need to call a qualified electrician if you want to install or replace sockets and lighting.

Q: What is classed as minor electrical works?

A: The Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is intended to be used for additions and alterations to an installation that do not extend to the provision of a new circuit. Examples include the addition of socket-outlets or lighting points to an existing circuit, the relocation of a light switch etc.

Q: What electrical work is notifiable in England?

A: Notifiable work includes new installations, house re-wires, and the installation of new circuits. Notifiable work also includes additions to existing circuits in special locations.

Q: Is a rewire notifiable?

A: Carrying out a partial or full rewire will often involve creating new circuits or a consumer unit change. This means the work is notifiable to your local building control department.

Q: How do I know if my house needs rewiring?

A: If a property is more than 30 years old and has the original wiring, it is likely to need updating, at least in part, to meet modern standards, including replacing the fuse box with a modern consumer unit. A sign a rewire is necessary, is dated rubber, fabric or lead-insulated cabling.

Q: Can I live in my house while it’s being rewired?

A: The short answer is YES. Of course, if you have just bought a house and the electrical survey noted that the property needs rewiring, then the best course of action would be not to move in until the rewiring is finished. This way, you won’t have to be present for any disruption or messiness, and also you don’t have to worry about your furniture being ruined or all your possessions getting dirty.

It’s also a good idea because, if you and your family are not actively living in the house, chances are the work will be carried out faster, as there will be no furniture or other items to move out of the way.

Q: How messy is a full house rewire?

A: Each property is different and some may not require the electricians to make as much mess, but the majority of electrical rewires require the walls to be cut, chased and chiselled. This can result in a lot of dust, mess and re-plastering works

Q: Is an electrical inspection (EICR) a legal requirement?

A: By law, landlords must have an up-to-date EICR for rented properties. While this usually means a new EICR every five years, most letting agents seem to ask for an EICR before a change in tenancy.

Q: What can fail an EICR?

A: Any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions, and non-compliances with the requirements of the current edition of BS 7671 that may give rise to danger will be recorded and appropriately classified for remedial action. Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and time.

Q: Can you sell a house without EICR?

A: You do not need to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in order to sell a property, although it will give your buyer peace of mind that the property they are buying is electrically safe.

Q: What is the difference between EPC and EICR?

A: EPC covers the Energy Performance of a property whereas an EICR covers the condition of the electrical installations within a property.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY EICR’s