Domestic Property Electrical Inspection & Testing
How to ensure the safety of your property’s electrical system
Electrical systems in residential properties should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the safety of the landlord’s occupants. A faulty electrical system can cause death or injury by electrocution, burns from contact with live parts, explosions, or fire outbreaks.
All domestic electrical systems should be inspected and tested by a registered electrician in accordance with the procedures laid out in BS7671, to verify the design and installation of the electrical system are safe to use, maintain, and alter, as a result, every property owner should have a Landlord Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate.
What a Landlord Domestic Electrical Safety Certificate involves
The electricians at Landlord Safety Certificate have the necessary qualifications and equipment to inspect and test domestic electrical systems to identify any problems and issue an Electrical Safety Certificate.
When we assess an electrical system, we complete a visual test that involves looking for visible signs of damage, deterioration, or unsafe use such as worn-out wiring insulation and overloaded plug sockets. Then we conduct a series of tests to check all wires are connected accordingly and encased correctly in electrical insulation material. We also check the earthing arrangement complies with regulations and that the system can disconnect the power supply correctly if there is a fault, before issuing an Electrical Safety Certificate.
What an EICR is and how it will help you
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is issued after an assessment of an electrical installation. It notes any electrical damage, deterioration, defects, or potentially dangerous conditions and should only be done by a qualified electrician. For rental properties, EICRs should be obtained every five years or at the start of a new tenancy.
Although it is not a legal requirement, it is highly advisable to do so. If you are a landlord, an EICR will help protect you from prosecution if a tenant is harmed by faulty electrics in your property. If you are a homeowner, an EICR will allow you to rest assured that your home’s electrical system meets current safety standards and that you are not putting yourself or your family in harm’s way.
