What is an EICR? Your Essential Guide to Electrical Safety in Leicester

When it comes to the safety of your home or rental property, it's easy to overlook what you can't see. The cables, consumer units, and wiring that power our lives are hidden behind walls, tucked away in cupboards, and often forgotten about—until something goes wrong. This is precisely why an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is so vital for homeowners and landlords across Leicester and Leicestershire.

An EICR is a comprehensive check-up of your property's electrical system, like an MOT for your electrics. It’s a thorough inspection that identifies any potential hazards, deterioration, or non-compliance with current UK safety standards. As local electricians, we conduct these reports to give you a clear, honest assessment of your electrical installation, ensuring it's safe for you and your family.

Why Electrical Safety is Non-Negotiable

Failing to properly maintain your electrical system can have serious consequences. Faulty and old wiring is a leading cause of thousands of house fires in the UK annually. While you might spot obvious signs of damage like a cracked socket or a frayed wire, an EICR goes much deeper, uncovering hidden issues that could be a ticking time bomb.

It's not just about a visual check. Our professional inspection includes testing the circuits and components to identify problems the untrained eye simply cannot see.

Signs Your Electrics Need an EICR

Even if you haven't had a problem yet, a quick check for these signs can tell you a lot about the age of your property's electrical system:

• Black rubber, lead, or fabric-coated cables: If you have any of these fixed cables, your wiring is likely from before the 1960s.
• Old fuse boxes: A fuse box with a wooden back or cast iron switches is a strong indicator of outdated electrics.
• Older sockets and switches: Look for round pin sockets, switches mounted in skirting boards, or braided flex hanging from ceiling roses.
• Switches in bathrooms: If you have light switches on the walls inside your bathroom, your wiring is not up to modern safety standards.

Regardless of age, all electrical installations suffer from wear and tear. We recommend an EICR every 10 years for homeowners or upon moving into a new property to ensure everything is safe and sound.

The Five Key Aims of an EICR

A comprehensive EICR from a qualified electrician has five main purposes:

1. Safety Verification: To officially record that your electrical installation is safe for continued use (after any necessary repairs).
2. Hazard Identification: To find and report any damage, deterioration, or wear and tear that could pose a risk.
3. Compliance Check: To identify any parts of the system that don't meet the current IET Wiring Regulations.
4. Risk Mitigation: To find anything that could cause electric shocks or high temperatures, preventing dangerous incidents.
5. Future Planning: To provide a crucial record of the installation's condition, which is essential for future inspections and maintenance.

Legal Requirements for Landlords in Leicester

As a landlord in Leicester and Leicestershire, an EICR is not just a recommendation—it's the law. Since April 2021, it has been a legal requirement for all landlords to have a valid EICR for their rental properties. This report must be renewed at least every five years, and a copy must be provided to both new and existing tenants. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and legal issues.

Why Choose 786 Electricals for Your EICR in Leicester?

We understand you have options, but at 786 Electricals, we're not just electricians; we're your local electrical safety partners.

• Local & Trusted: We're a family-run business based right here in Leicester, with over 15 years of combined experience serving homeowners and landlords across the city and Leicestershire.
• Expertise: Our team is assessed yearly and is registered with NAPIT.
• Transparent & Reliable: We believe in honest, fair pricing and always turn up when we say we will. Our reputation is built on reliability, quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. We’re proud that over 80% of our business comes from referrals.

An EICR is a small investment for your family’s safety and your peace of mind. If you haven't had an electrical inspection in the last few years, or if you're a landlord needing to comply with legal regulations, don't wait.

Contact 786 Electricals today to book your EICR and ensure your property’s electrical installation is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.