Electrical Inspection & Testing
Passionate about safety

Expert Electrical Installation Condition Reports Services in Leicester

Please see below for our rates for Electrical Inspections & Testing in Leicester & Leicestershire

At 786 Electricals Ltd, we provide electrical installation condition reports ( fixed electrical testing )  for homeowners, home buyers, landlords, letting agents and commercial business at competitive prices. 
We provide our services throughout Leicester and across Leicestershire.

Faulty electrical systems are a common source of safety concerns. If left unaddressed, they can cause electric shocks and start fires. Investing in electrical testing services is essential for mitigating risks and improving safety.
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The new requirements for landlords to have an Electrical safety check for private tenancies is here!

What is the new legislation for landlord’s?

The Electrical Safety Standards in Private Rented Sector (England) regulations 2020. From the 1st  July 2020; private landlords are required new tenancies in the private rented sector inspected and tested by a registered electrician. Any existing tendencies will have to be inspected and tested by 1st April 2021 in order to comply with the new PRS legislation.


Why has there been a change in the law for private rented properties?

Previously some landlords were in doubt whether or not to have their private rented properties electrically inspected and tested. The new legislation provides clarity for landlords and offers peace of mind for all parties concerned (landlord, tenant, property manager).


Properties that are exempt from the new PRS legislation?

Private registered provider of social housing

Shared accommodation with the landlord or the landlord’s family

Long leases of 7 years or more if the tenancy cannot be terminated by either party before the 7 years.

Student hall of residence

Hostels and refugees

Care homes

Hospital and hospices  

Other accommodation relating to healthcare provision

Newly rewired properties will be exempt from the new PRS legislation for a period of up to five years from the date of the certificate.

Properties that have a valid electrical installation condition report will be exempt for a maximum period of up to five years from the date of that certificate.


All other dwellings that are privately rented a subject to new PRS legislation.

 

Who is responsible for organising the electrical installation condition report?

The landlord is responsible for organising any inspecting and testing of the electrical installation before and during the tenancy at regular intervals up to a maximum frequency of five years to ensure the tenant is safe.


What is an electrical installation condition report or EICR?

This is a report to establish the overall condition and safety of all the electrics in a building, stating whether it is satisfactory for continued use and detailing any work that might need to be done. This was formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR).


How should the landlord go about arranging the EICR?

1.The landlord should confirm whether or not EICR is required this information can be found above.

2.The landlord appoint a suitably qualified and registered electrical contractor that has authorisation to issue EICR’s.

3.The EICR is booked in and carried out by the contractor.

4. the landlord takes receipt of the EICR and Invoice.

5.The landlord must make a copy of the EICR available to all tenants with 28 days from the date of the EICR. This would normally be conducted through the estate agent.


What should the landlord do If the property fails the EICR?

If the EICR recommends remedial works or further investigation. The works must be carried out by a qualified and competent person within 28 days. This may be sooner and is dependent on the level of danger present. These electrical works need to  be documented either through an electrical installation certificate or a minor work certificate which should then be appended to the failed unsatisfactory EICR as proof. The landlord must then present the information to all tenants concerned and the local Housing Authority with the acceptable documentation.


How long do Electrical Installation Condition Reports last?

Up to a maximum of five years or change of tenancy. However this may be less than five years and is dependent on the condition of the electrical installation and how well the property is maintained. If there is a history of lack of maintenance or abused by tenants the period may be reduced considerably.


What are the landlords obligations under the new legislation?

1. Arrange for EICR to be carried out.

2. Make available the EICR to all tenants estate agents an local authority if requested within 28 days.

3. Retain a copy of the EICR are until the next inspection.

4. Supply a copy of the previous EICR.

5. Carry out any remedial works or further investigation.

Electrical Installation Condition Report EICR

Domestic Local Electrical Inspection & Testing Rates in Leicester & Leicestershire

Number of Bedrooms Cost
1 Bedroom Property £120.00
2 Bedroom Property £140.00
3 Bedroom Property £180.00
4 Bedroom Property £200.00
5 Bedroom Property £220.00

The above prices are relevant to:


  • The consumer units, sockets, isolators and lights being accessible for testing
  • Commercial prices vary, for commercial electrical installations please make a direct enquiry
  • Properties that have one consumer unit and no more than eight circuits with the correct circuit identification
  • All EICR must be paid for in full at the booking stage

 

These above prices exclude:


  • PAT testing
  • Fixed appliance testing
  • Emergency lighting testing
  • Independent fire detection systems with a fire alarm panel
  • Testing of Economy 7 consumer units
786 Electricals is your partner in enhancing and maintaining the safety of your property. Contact our team to find out more about our testing and reporting services. 

What are the consequences if improvements to the electrical installation are not carried out?

If the local authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the landlord has not complied with the new Private Rental Sector Legislation either  By not undertaking remedial works, not ensuring the electrical installation is in a safe condition during tenancy regardless if there is an in-date EICR it must serve a remedial notice.



Regulation 11 of the new Private Rental Sector Legislation refers to a financial penalty that an authority can impose on a landlord if they prove or are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt, that the landlord has breached any duty under regulation 3 of the new Private Rental Sector Legislation. A financial penalty can be whatever the issuing authority considers or determines it to be; however, its capped at a maximum of £30,000.



Regulation 12 of the new Private Rental Sector Legislation mentions the procedure of the appeal process for financial penalties that a private landlord initiate if they feel the case to do so. However, once served with remedial notice landlord has 21 days from the date on the notice to rectify any outstanding remedial works specified in the notice.



Once the remedial notice has come to an end If the landlord cannot prove they've complied with the advice and have not initiated an appeals process, the local Housing Authority has the powers to take the remedial action to rectify the electrical installation. This will be carried out within 28 days of the expiry of the initial notice period. All costs for the remedial works will be recovered from the landlord.


Information regarding EICRs

  • What is the process of arranging a Periodic Inspection / Electrical installation Condition Report EICR

    You can call me Directly 

    or 

    Email me your details (name, address, address of the work site)


    An estimate would be emailed over to you for your approval


    The estimate would need to be accepted and a mutually suitable time and date would be agreed followed by a booking confirmation


    Payment for the works would need to be taken this can be via bacs, over the phone card payment or chip and pin


    The Electrical installation Condition Report would take place, the report would be emailed to you in electronic format with any estimates for the cost of remedial works if needed.


  • What is an EICR certificate?

    Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) states the condition of electrical installations in your property. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is an official document that is generated after a qualified professional carries out an assessment of any electrical installation. 


    All types of premises such as domestic, commercial or industrial require inspection with varying degrees of frequencies under the 18th Edition of BS7671. An EICR will pick up any potential problem before it can become a serious, or even hazardous.


    EICR inspection and tests typically consists of:

    Visual inspection

    Dead testing

    Live testing


    During an EICR, the inspector may make a number of electrical observations and will give each one a recommendation code C1, C2, C3 or FI. The observations describe a defect or omission within the electrical installation. 


    C1- which means that danger is present, a likely risk of injury- Action is required immediately

    C2- which means potential danger is there- Urgent action is needed

    C3- Improvements are recommended- if this code appears then ECIR is still deemed positive

    FI- Further investigation- is a deficiency that could not be fully identified


    After remedial action is carried out in the cases with C1, C2 and FI, another ECIR is generated to reassure that all the required work is done.


  • Why Periodic inspection and testing is important?

    All electrical installations deteriorate over time due to a number of factors such as wear, tear, damage, corrosion, age and excessive electrical overloading.

    They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure they are in a satisfactory serviceable condition for continued use.


    The Periodic Inspection and Testing procedure for most electrical installations is by means of conducting an Electrical Installation Condition Report. Any deficiencies found should be made good for continued safe use of the electrical installation. Once completed you will be issued with an satisfactory Electrical Condition Report (EICR).


    A periodic inspection will:


    Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded


    Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards


    Identify any defective electrical work


    Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding 


    Assess the serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings 


    Bring attention to presence of inadequate identification and notices


    Evaluate extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration


    Review changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions


    Look at the suitability of control gear. For example, an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing


    Look to confirm sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD)


    An examination of the wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.


  • Visual Inspections

    A visual inspection is way of assessing the damage or defects through visible signs. Sockets, plugs, light fittings, extension leads, earthing and bonding can be inspected visually. 


    If your electrical system or installation has any defect, damage or signs of wear and tear, then it is first revealed in visual electrical inspection on your electrical wiring system.


    We use the current BS7671 electrical safety standard to determine if the electrical installations are up to the mark.


    A visual inspection does not involve any circuit testing and therefore cannot ascertain on its own the safety of any installation for future use. 


    However visual inspections are very useful for interim period checks between appliance testing regimes to ensure that the installation remains in “Safe-to-use” mode.


    An annual visual inspection checks the following aspects:

    • Plug and socket condition (crack, discoloration or burn mark)
    • Overload, if any, on socket outlets
    • Bathroom electrical outlets- distance must be at least 3 meters from the edge of a bath or shower cubicle
    • Heaters or boilers must be permanently wired, should not be portable or free standing
    • Damage to any electrical leads 
    • Working condition of all the electrical appliances
    • Extensions leads usage

  • EICR Requirements for Landlords

    As Landlord / Landlady, if you are renting out a property, it is your responsibility to make sure that it's safe. You have a duty of care to your tenants although it is not a legal requirement to have an EICR many insurance companies will insist on one being in place. This highlights the use of safe electrical equipment at all times including not only white goods such as washing machines and ovens but also consumer units and light switches.


    Most Landlords / Landladies do not have the required level of competence or skill with electrical installations. At this stage the assistance of an electrically competent person is needed.

    At 786 Electricals Ltd in Leicester, we provide electrical safety certificates to Landlords / Landladies this is a great way of show good property investment ethics and due diligence when it comes to electrical safety.


    Moreover, according to the current national statistics, electrocution and fatal electrical burns were a direct cause of death for over 22 people in 2010. Number of accidental fires in homes also is 20403, which is a sadly worrying issue indeed. That is why EICR requirements put the onus on landlords to provide safe and working electrical equipment, respond regularly to repairs and maintenance issues.


    This is why at 786 Electricals Ltd seeks to promote integrity and high levels of ethics and high standards we always recommend having and in date EICR covering the property. 


  • Why have I not needed to have testing carried out before?

    The Electricity at Work Regulations came into force in 1989 which clarifies the need for safe maintenance of electrical systems. While there has always been a requirement to satisfy Health & Safety legislation, it is now more stressed upon. Test data results can form a major part of your defence should an accident occur which leads to prosecution.

  • Is Electrical Testing a Requirement of my Insurance Company?

    In most cases, insurance companies are increasingly insisting on Inspection and testing of all the electrical systems on a regular basis. If an avoidable accident happens, then under the law, if found guilty of neglecting the testing and inspections, then you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence. 


    Insurance companies do not pay fines or compensation suffered resulting from a criminal offence.

  • My Insurers Have Recently Carried Out a Site Survey and They Didn’t Ask Me To Have Electrical Testing Carried Out.

    Insurance company visiting inspectors may not necessarily point out the need for electrical safety, especially if they are other issues. But even when testing is not specifically demanded, it is a legal requirement to comply with the electrical safety standards set out by The Health and Safety Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the IEE Wiring Regulations 18th Edition.

  • Benefits

    • We are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations and BS7671: 2008 (IEE Wiring Regulations).


    • Our professional team will take all safety measures and ensure no installation is damaged providing your complete peace of mind. 


    • We provide regular maintenance service in the high-risk areas. 


    • We can identify the faults and help you prevent costly repairs.


    • We can help you maintain safe workplace environment.


  • Value added

    • We provide electronic circuit charts that are emailed to you

    • We store the electronic reports safely

    • We recruit our staff directly and all our engineers are fully uniformed

    • We provide accurate estimations on all our services

    • Flexible services offered

    • We are fully complaint with current BS7671 standards and all associated codes of practice

    • We are Alcumus SafeContractor compliant and are Part P registered


  • My factory operates 24-hours a day, how can you carry out testing if I can’t stop production?

    We understand the constraints of manufacturing environments, with our experience we arrange for the live tests during the regular time and schedule the dead testing during various opportune times such as holidays, breakdowns, process changes, cleaning or maintenance stoppages, shift changes or weekends.

  • I rent my business premises, is testing my landlords responsibility or mine?

    This all depends on the lease agreement and tenancy agreement you have. I would recommend that you seek legal advise. 

  • I have been told that I only need to have a percentage of the system tested in order to comply.

    As per the IEE Regulations, if you already have previous full system records, the installation is considered to be in excellent condition, then you can rely only on sample testing. Also if no faults are found during the sample testing and if no undocumented alterations have been carried out since the last test or installation, then it is compliant. However, for a vast majority of the cases, these conditions may not hold true, which makes full inspection and testing of electrical systems necessary.

  • Others have quoted me for testing on the basis of the square footage of my premises. Why do you only quote on the basis of circuit numbers?

    Square footage and the circuit numbers do not have any real correlation with each other and therefore prove to be an inaccurate reflection on the amount of work involved. Engineers who are paid on the basis of an amount per square foot often are put under pressure to skimp on tests in high circuit density areas because they would be racing to achieve higher square footage coverage.

    That is why it is our policy to use circuit numbers as a measure of the work and the cost involved.


  • What will happen if I don’t have testing carried out?

    Needless to say, maintaining a safe electrical system is a legal requirement in the UK.  If an avoidable accident happens, it could lead to potential hazard to life and property, it might also lead to prosecution of the property owners. The damage may not be covered by insurance.

  • I am afraid that my electrical installation is quite old, won’t testing open a can of worms in terms of remedial work costs?

    The cost of remedial work, in most cases, is not too expensive because we make sure that we identify faults accurately. In many cases, the major causes could be due to earthing deficiencies which are inexpensive to remedy but potentially dangerous if ignored.The cost of remedial work, in most cases, is not too expensive because we make sure that we identify faults accurately. In many cases, the major causes could be due to earthing deficiencies which are inexpensive to remedy but potentially dangerous if ignored.

  • I can get my electrical installation tested cheaper elsewhere, why should I choose 786 Electricals?

    If you already have previous full system records, the installation is considered to be in excellent condition, then you can rely only on sample testing. As per IEE Regulations, if no faults are found during the sample testing and if no undocumented alterations have been carried out since the last test or installation, then it is compliant. However, for a vast majority of the cases, these conditions may not hold true, which makes full inspection and testing of electrical systems necessary.

  • What are the types of earthing?

    There are five types of earthing systems, according to the British Standards BS 7671

    TN-S, TN-C-S, TT, TN-C, and IT

    Where T = Earth (from the French word Terre) 

    N = Neutral 

    S = Separate

    C = Combined 

    I = Isolated (The source of an IT system is either connected to earth through a deliberately introduced earthing impedance or is isolated from Earth. 


  • PAT Testing

    Portable Appliance Testing or PAT testing is a check performed on electrical appliances to ensure their safety. This test must be performed by qualified and competent electrician. There are several aspects in PAT testing such as visual inspection, specialist device check on polarity, insulation and more.


     Although there is no legal requirement at the moment for private landlords to carry out PAT testing on electrical appliances in their properties, it is considered a best practice. However, for HMO landlords, annual PAT tests are compulsory for all electrical appliances.


    PAT testing is carried out on basically anything with a plug, this includes washing machines, electrical cookers, ovens, hobs even electrical cable extensions.


    PAT testing provides an extra layer of reassurance and also provides an audit trail if anything goes wrong.


    PAT testing engineer carries out the following activities:

    • Visual inspection: each appliance or piece of equipment for any damage

    • Device test: For polarity

    • Test residual current devices

    • Earth loop tests on randomly chosen sockets

    • Check protective bonding conductors

    • Safety assessment report: for each appliance or device

    • Schedule test for the next PAT


    PAT testing can be done on an annual basis or whenever there is change in tenancy.


    Electrical appliances such as fridge and washing machine needs to be PAT tested separated. Our price in £5.00 per appliance.

    Separate PAT testing up to 10 items - £50+VAT


  • What are the laws regarding smoke alarms?

    The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015. These regulations require a smoke alarm to be installed on every storey of a property used as accomodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room which is used as accomodation and has something which could emit carbon monoxide.


    Private sector landlords were required from 1st October 2015 to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing something which may emit carbon monoxide. After that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.


    The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.


    Find out more here.

  • How do I prioritise the defects found from my electrical testing?

    Undertaking your electrical installation inspection and testing is the first step to compliance. You will receive your electrical installation condition report (EICR) as well as a remedial quote that will outline every defect with a code categorising the severity of each defect. Outlined below is the system used as specified by the British Standard (BS 7671: 2015, Amendment 3):


    Danger present’ the safety of those using the installation at risk and it is recommended that a competent person undertakes the necessary remedial work immediately.


    ‘Potentially dangerous’ the safety of those using the installation be at risk and it is recommended that a competent person undertakes the necessary remedial as a matter of urgency.


    ‘Requires improvement’ but not unsatisfactory.


    Having your electrics tested and inspected is a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. As the duty holder, this is not where your responsibility ends.


    When defects have been identified that are dangerous or potentially dangerous, remedial repairs need to take place straight away to make sure that all occupants are protected from danger and equally as important that you, the employer have completed the essential repairs to ensure the installation is compliant.

  • What are my obligations for electrical testing?

    Electrical testing – also called periodic inspection and testing, fixed wire testing or electrical installation conditioning report (EICR) –  is a significant part of any companies Health & Safety procedure. Additionally, many insurance companies demand their clients to undertake periodic electrical testing.



    The frequency of testing is determined by the use of any given building, and should be undertaken by a competent person, ideally by companies registered with electrical regulatory bodies such as NICEIC or the ECA. The process is finalised when a business receives a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report.


  • When should I organise electrical testing?

    Maximum period 5 years between inspections and testing:

    Commercial

    Offices

    Shops

    Hospitals

    Educational establishments

    Restaurants and hotels

    Public Houses


    Maximum period 3 years between inspections and testing:


    Who does it apply to?


    All commercial, industrial and retail environments, and where the premises are available to the public.


    What is it?


    A regime to periodically examine and test all electrical installations, and to recognise any deficiencies and safety problems against current statutory H&S documents, relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice.


    Our engineer’s inspection will disclose any overloaded circuits or equipment, discover any shock risks or fire threats, spot defective electrical work, expose lack of circuit protective conductor or bonding, and give an overview of the installation.


    Why do I need it?


    Defective fixed electrical installations present a risk of death through fires and electric shocks. Ensuring that all your electricals are in good working order is essential to maintain a safe environment.


  • Do I need to get my electrics tested?

    All your electrical equipment and installation will require maintenance and checking at some stage in its life to stay compliant. This depends on the regulations for each different type of equipment. Each type of electrical equipment requires a specific timing for the inspections. For example, some equipment may need to be checked more regularly than others such as every six months rather than annually.

  • Why is it important to get my electrics tested?

    Because safety matters!  It helps you comply to your requirements as duty holders, and it goes towards helping you adhere to legislation but more importantly you get your electrics tested to keep you all safe and sound. Free from the danger that electrics present, danger from shock and burns, from fire or heat arising from defective installations and to ensure that there has been no damage or deterioration that may impair safety.

  • Is it the law to get my electrical equipment tested?

    Yes! Please visit our services page to read more detail into the regulations that apply to each service as each service has different regulations. You will find that you must abide by The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Health and Safety 1974 and various other laws.


  • How often should I get my electrical equipment tested?

    Electrical installations should be checked often enough that there is little chance of decline in quality which could develop into danger. Any part of an installation that has become clearly flawed between tests should be disconnected until the fault can be corrected.


    You should have your electrical installation examined and tested by a person or company who has the capability to do the tests.


  • What are the benefits of getting my electrical equipment tested?

    Getting your electrical equipment and installation tested is highly recommended as it increases the safety of the people within the building and the building itself. It provides you with peace of mind that everything is safe and allows you to be ensured that you are likely to be benefiting financially from failures in equipment that may be costly. Furthermore, your corporate image will improve through abiding my all the regulations associated with electrical testing.

  • Will this service disrupt the running of my business?

    This is possible; however, it depends on which services are carried out during the visit and the condition of the electrical circuits and appliances that are being serviced. For example, a faulty wire that is being repaired may require the electrics being turned off. Our engineers are aware that businesses need to run as normal, therefore they will try and prevent disruption wherever they can.

  • How long will the job take?

    It is generally recommended that an EICR is carried out every ten years (five for privately rented properties) or when there is a change of occupancy in a dwelling. Typically an EICR will take around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the size of a property and the number of circuits requiring testing.

  • Who should complete an EICR?

    Only registered electricians should carry out an EICR. You can search for a registered electrical contractor in your area by simply visiting

    niceic.com or elecsa.co.uk and typing in your postcode.


  • I am about to move into a rented property but am worried about the condition of the electrics

    Landlords are required by law to ensure that the electrical

    installation in a rented property is safe when tenants move in and

    maintained in a safe condition throughout its duration.

    If the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) a periodic

    inspection must be carried out every five years.

    If the property is not an HMO, a landlord is not legally obliged to do

    this (except in Scotland where it became law on December 1, 2015)

    However, we recommend that a landlord should have a periodic

    inspection and test carried out by a registered electrician on rental

    properties at least every five years.


    Any appliance provided should also be safe and has at least the CE

    marking (which is the manufacturer’s claim that it meets all the

    requirements of European law).

    To meet these requirements a landlord will need to regularly carry

    out basic safety checks to ensure that the electrical installation and

    appliances are safe and working.



  • What is Trust mark?

    TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering any kind of work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home.

    A TrustMark Registered Business is a thoroughly vetted organisation. Such businesses meet the required standards and have a considerable commitment to good customer service, technical competence and trading practices.


    https://www.trustmark.org.uk/


  • Something about NAPIT

    NAPIT is one of the leading Government approved and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme operators in the building services and fabric sector. There are currently more than 10,000 NAPIT registered installers in the electrical, heating, plumbing and other sectors across the UK domestic, commercial and industrial markets.

    For more details about NAPIT, https://www.napit.org.uk/


  • Competent Persons Register

    Competent Person Schemes (CPS) were introduced by the UK Government to allow individuals and enterprises to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations as an alternative to submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector.

    For more about the competent persons register,  https://competentperson.co.uk/

  • Alcumus

    Alcumus is the UK’s market-leading provider of technology led compliance and risk management solutions. They help organisations be safer, healthier and stronger by building responsible and practical solutions into the heart of their culture. For more information about Alcumus, follow the link, https://www.alcumusgroup.com/

  • Three best rated

    Three Best Rated is an organisation that finds the best 3 local businesses in any trade. They have a 50-Point Inspection to check business's reputation, history, complaints, ratings, proximity, satisfaction, trust, cost, general excellence, reviews, and more.  

    It is an honour to mention that we stand among the 3 best rates electricians in Leicester.

    https://threebestrated.co.uk/electricians-in-leicester


  • UKAS

    The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national accreditation body recognised by the British government to assess the competence of organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. For more information about UKAS, follow, https://www.ukas.com/Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • What is Part P?

    Part P of the building regulations is introduced by the UK government in 2005. Part P states that anyone carrying out electrical installation work in a home must make sure that the work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shocks. Read more about Part P and the legislation, https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician/part-p/

The Legal Justification for Periodic Electrical Inspecting, Testing and Reporting

From a commercial business or landlord perspective it is important that properties are inspected and tested on a regular basis in line with legislation and the approved electrical standards BS 7671: 2019.

  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

    The purpose of the Regulations, which came into force on 1st April 1990, is to require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work activities. 


    The Regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which imposes duties on employers, the self-employed and on employees (all referred to as ‘duty holders’) in respect of systems,electrical equipment and conductors, and in respect of work activities on or near electrical equipment.

  • England and Wales

    A key electrical safety law, often referred to as Part P of the Building Regulations, aims to improve electrical safety in the home and prevent the number of electric shocks, accidents and fires, which are caused by faulty electrical work. 


    Part P, which only applies to England and Wales, requires an electrical installation to be safe, one route is to use an electrician registered with a government approved scheme (such as NICEIC and NAPIT) to carry out notifiable electrical work in domestic dwellings.


    After completion of any work electricians will issue their clients with a Building Regulations

    compliance certificate to prove it meets the required standards of Part P. 


    It is not recommended that householders carry out electrical work themselves. If they so choose that route the installation should be inspected and  tested. To comply with the law, householders must notify their local building control office before they begin any work and pay the appropriate fee for building control officers to inspect the work.


    Most electrical installation work undertaken after 1st January 2005 should have appropriate certificates.

  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

    The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom The person doing testing work needs to competent to do it. In many low-risk environments, a sensible (competent) member of staff can undertake visual inspections if they have enough knowledge and training. However, when undertaking combined inspection and testing, a greater level of knowledge and experience is needed, and the person will need:

    The right equipment to do the tests

    The ability to use this test equipment properly

    The ability to properly understand the test results



  • Law regarding smoke alarms

    The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015. These regulations require a smoke alarm to be installed on every storey of a property used as accomodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room which is used as accomodation and has something which could emit carbon monoxide.


    Private sector landlords were required from 1st October 2015 to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing something which may emit carbon monoxide. After that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.


    The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.


    Find out more here.

  • Landlord electrical safety certificates

    If you are renting out a property, it is your responsibility to make sure that it's safe. At 786 Electricals Limited in Leicester, we provide electrical safety certificates to landlords and letting agents to show that the premises is ready for tenants to move into. We also provide regular maintenance, electrical improvement and remedial work for landlords and estate agents across Leicestershire. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

  • HMO local authority requirements

    Landlords are required by law to ensure:

    That the electrical installations in a rented property are safe when tenants move in and maintained in a safe condition.

    That a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has a periodic inspection carried out every five years. If your property is not an HMO, you are not legally obliged to do this. However, we recommend that a periodic inspection and test is carried out by a registered electrician on your rental properties at least every five years. 

    That any appliance provided is safe and has at least the CE marking (which is the manufacturer’s claim that it meets all the requirements of European law).

    To meet these requirements a landlord will need to regularly carry out basic safety checks to ensure that the electrical installation and appliances are safe and working.


    786 Electricals advises:

    That a visual inspection of the property is conducted between tenancies

    Making sure that your property has adequate RCD protection

    Using a registered electrician for any work on your property

    Carrying out regular safety checks on the electrical appliances provided as part of the rental agreement

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