What is an electrical safety certificate?

What is an electrical safety certificate?

An electrical safety certificate, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or Landlord Safety Test, is an official document that confirms that your home’s electrical system is safe to use.

A qualified electrician will conduct a comprehensive check on your property’s wiring and fuse board to make sure it’s up to standard and free from any hazards. You’ll receive an electrical safety certificate if your home passes the check. Think of it like an MOT — but for your home’s electricity.

In the UK, electrical safety certificates can apply to fixed wiring (like the circuits and outlets throughout your home) and portable appliances (such as kettles or fridges) that need regular checking.

Why do I need an electrical safety certificate?

Getting an electrical safety certificate isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about keeping your home safe and secure. Here are some reasons why it’s a smart move:

• Peace of mind – Knowing your home’s electrical system is safe can give you confidence that your family is protected from potential hazards like electrical fires or shocks.

• Protection for your property – If you’re a landlord, having a certificate can help you avoid costly repairs or legal issues down the line by ensuring your property is up to standard.

• Helps with selling or renting – If you plan to sell or rent your property, an up-to-date electrical safety certificate is often required and can make the process smoother.

• Identifying energy inefficiencies – During the check, the electrician might spot areas where your home’s wiring could be improved, helping you make your home more energy-efficient and potentially saving you money on your bills.

Is an electrical safety certificate a legal requirement?

Whether or not you need an electrical safety certificate depends on your situation.

For homeowners, it's not a legal requirement to have one. However, it’s strongly recommended to get an EICR once every 10 years for peace of mind, as Home Office data reveals that faulty electrics cause around 4,000 house fires each year.

However, landlords are legally required to have an electrical safety check carried out every five years or whenever a new tenant moves in. This is part of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which requires landlords to confirm that their property’s electrical installations are safe and certified. If a landlord fails to do so, they could face fines of up to £30,000.

How to get an electrical safety certificate

To get an EICR, you’ll need the help of a qualified professional. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Find a registered electrician – Get in touch with a registered electrician to book an EICR check. Arranging your check with an accredited National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) technician means they’ll work to the required safety standards; you can use the NICEIC find a tradesperson tool here. You can also look for a technician approved by BESCA, Blue Flame Certification, NAPIT, or OFTEC, as these are all regulatory bodies for the UK electrical industry.

2. Book an electrical safety check – Once you’ve found an electrician, book a time for them to come and carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report. The inspection will cover your home’s wiring, electrical systems, and any potential hazards.

3. Receive your report – Your electrician will then record all the results of their inspection and note anything that could compromise the safety of your electrical system. They’ll then give you a detailed report of their findings, and if everything is up to code, submit it for approval by their governing body. Once this is signed off, you’ll receive your electrical safety certificate.

4. Follow up on repairs (if needed) – If your property doesn’t pass the inspection, the electrician will recommend necessary repairs with what needs to be fixed. Once those are completed, they’ll return to ensure everything is safe and issue your certificate.

What happens during an EICR check?

During your electrical safety check, your electrician will carry out a thorough inspection, including:

• A visual inspection – They’ll assess the general condition of your electrical installations, including visible wiring, outlets, switches, and fuse boards. They'll look for any obvious signs of wear or damage.

• Testing the circuits – They’ll test the functionality of the electrical circuits to make sure they’re working correctly. This includes checking the circuit breakers and fuses to ensure they’re in good condition and capable of handling the electrical load.

• Checking for safety compliance – They’ll test to see if the installation complies with the current safety standards. This means ensuring that there’s adequate earthing, bonding, and protection against electric shock.

• Appliance testing (if required) – In some cases, the electrician may also inspect certain electricity-powered appliances to make sure they’re safe to use, especially if you’re renting and your landlord requires this.

How much does an electrical safety certificate cost?

The cost of an electrical safety certificate depends on a few factors, like the size of your property and the condition of your electrical system. On average, you can expect to pay between £100 and £250 for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, with small flats likely to cost less and multi-bedroom houses being on the higher end of the scale.

Factors that can affect the price are:

• The size of your property 

• The type of property 

• The condition of the electrical system 

• The number of appliances that need to be tested

It’s also important to bear in mind that if your home fails the check and you need any rewiring or work done to pass the test, you’ll have to pay this on top of the cost of the EICR check.

How long does an electrical safety certificate last?

An electrical safety certificate is usually valid for five years. After this period, a new inspection is recommended to ensure your electrical system remains safe and compliant with current regulations.

However, there are some situations where you may need to get a new certificate sooner:

• After major electrical work 

• Changes in tenancy (if you’re a landlord)  

• If issues are found, you may need to fix them and get a new certificate issued once the repairs are complete

How do I find my electrical safety certificate online?

If you’ve had an electrical safety check done, you’ll normally get your certificate issued electronically via email or physically by post.

It’s recommended to keep it in a safe place, as it can be tricky to track it down if you misplace it.  It’s possible to get another certificate sent to you, but it may not be guaranteed as there’s no official register that contains information on every single EICR certificate that’s issued.

You can try reaching out to the electrician who carried out your inspection. They may be able to provide a copy of it or direct you to the relevant records. If they’re accredited by a regulatory body like NICEIC, you may also be able to get in touch with the professional body, as some electricians upload their certifications to these systems.

If you’re renting, your landlord or letting agent is required by law to provide you with an up-to-date electrical safety certificate.

Save on your electricity with UW

When you bundle with UW, we’ll combine your services into one easy-to-manage bill, so you don’t have to worry about multiple payments.

Explore our great-value energy deals today, or browse our electricity deals.