Electrical safety certificates are essential documents that verify the safety and compliance of electrical installations within your business premises. These certificates are not merely formalities; they are a fundamental part of ensuring that all electrical systems are up to standard and safe for use. Whether you are managing a commercial property, leasing, or involved in property transactions in the UK, obtaining an electrical safety certificate is a legal requirement that helps protect you from liability and ensures the safety of occupants.
What are electrical safety certificates?
An electrical safety certificate is an official document issued by a qualified electrician or electrical inspector that confirms the electrical installations in a property meet the required safety standards. An electrical safety certificate is usually issued after an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been completed. This certificate is essential for property owners and managers in the UK, as it is required by law when new electrical installations are completed or existing installations are altered. The certificate serves as proof that all electrical systems and components have been inspected, tested, and found to be in safe working order according to the standards set by the UK electrical regulations.
The purpose of an electrical safety certificate is twofold: it protects the safety of individuals using the building and ensures that the property owner complies with legal responsibilities to prevent any electrical hazards. It’s a crucial element of property management that significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires and other accidents, thereby safeguarding lives and property investments.
Types of electrical inspections required for certification
Obtaining an electrical safety certificate involves several types of inspections, each designed to assess various aspects of your electrical installations. Understanding these will help you prepare for the certification process and ensure compliance with UK safety standards. Here are the main types of electrical inspections required:
- Initial verification: This is conducted on new electrical installations before they are put into service. The inspection ensures that all components are installed correctly, are safe to use, and comply with the Wiring Regulations.
- Periodic inspection and testing: Also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), this inspection is carried out at regular intervals on existing installations to ensure they continue to meet safety standards. The frequency of these inspections depends on the type of property and usage but typically ranges from every three to five years for commercial properties.
- Visual inspections: These are less formal but should be performed regularly. Visual inspections can identify obvious signs of wear and tear, damage, or any new risks that might have emerged. This type of inspection does not involve testing and is often conducted annually as a preventive measure.
Cost of electrical safety certificates
The cost of obtaining electrical safety certificates can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of your property’s electrical system, the type of inspection required, and the location of your property. Here is a general overview to help you budget for this important safety requirement:
- Initial verification: For new installations, the cost of initial verification might be included in the overall project cost, but if billed separately, it can range from £100 to £600, depending on the complexity of the installation.
- Periodic inspection and testing (EICR): The cost for commercial properties usually ranges between £150 and £500. This variation depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits that need to be checked. Larger commercial spaces with more extensive electrical systems will naturally incur higher costs.
- Visual inspections: Being less thorough than the EICR, visual inspections are generally less expensive, with costs typically ranging from £75 to £200, depending on the electrician’s rates and the property size.
It’s also worth noting that if any faults are found during any of these inspections, additional costs will be incurred for remedial work to bring the installation up to standard. Therefore, maintaining your electrical systems regularly can help reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and re-testing.
How long does an electrical safety certificate last?
Electrical safety certificates technically do not expire. The main thing to look out for is the condition of your electrical installation and system. If your building’s electrical components are deteriorated or worn out, you’ll need to renew your electrical safety certificate. However, notwithstanding the condition of your electrical installation, under safety regulations, landlords are supposed to renew their domestic electrical installation certificate every 5 years.
After issuance, electrical safety certificates will cover you for up to 5 years against legal authorities; however, you can also renew them when you have a major electrical mishap, even if the 5 years have not yet passed. Moreover, rechecking your building’s electrical system every 5 years is the notion for the 5 year warranty of an electrical safety certificate. The building should be inspected for defects and possible issues. Based on inspection findings, you can create preventive measures or even completely change wiring or installation. After the inspection is done, the landlord would then be issued a new EICR displaying the current condition of the building’s electrical system.
If homeowners or rental property owners don’t renew their electrical safety certificate, they could be charged as criminals for endangering tenants’ lives and neglecting the Renting Homes Wales Act 2016. Remember to always verify that you have received a BS7671 electrical safety certificate upon each renewal to avoid facing problems from legal authorities.
Step-by-step guide to electrical safety certification
Navigating the process of obtaining an electrical safety certificate can seem daunting, but by following these structured steps, you can ensure your property meets all required safety standards without unnecessary complications. Here’s how to go about it:
- Select a Qualified Electrician:
- Ensure that the electrician or electrical contractor you choose is fully qualified and registered with a competent person scheme in the UK, such as the NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT. This guarantees that they are authorized to carry out the work and issue safety certificates.
- Schedule the Inspection:
- Arrange for the electrician to conduct the necessary inspections. If it’s for a new installation, this will be an initial verification. For existing installations, it will be a periodic inspection or EICR.
- Review the Inspection Process:
- The electrician will check all electrical installations including wiring, sockets, fuse boxes, and other fixed electrical parts. They will identify any deterioration, defects, or conditions that might give rise to danger.
- Address Identified Issues:
- If any issues are found during the inspection, they must be rectified before a certificate can be issued. Discuss with the electrician the best course of action for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
- Obtain and Review Your Certificate:
- Once the inspection is complete and any required repairs have been made, the electrician will issue your electrical safety certificate. Review this document carefully to ensure all details are correct and understand any remarks or limitations stated.
- Keep Records:
- Store the certificate safely as you will need to provide it when selling or leasing the property, or during compliance checks. It’s also useful to have on hand for any future inspections or electrical work.