Commercial Property EICR Requirements

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Categories: electrical safetyLast Updated: October 9, 2023By

Commercial Property EICR Requirements

Commercial Property EICR Requirements;

If you own or manage a commercial property, legally speaking, it’s your duty to ensure the electrical safety of everyone within it – employees, customers and visitors included.

Faulty or outdated electrical systems can lead to electric shocks, fires and even death. That is why it is essential that your property be inspected regularly by a certified EICR engineer.

Legal Requirements (Commercial Property EICR Requirements)

Commercial Property EICR Requirements;

Commercial property owners must abide by a variety of legal obligations, from health and safety to building maintenance issues. Being aware of your responsibilities as a landlord can help reduce the likelihood that you’ll be held liable for negligence in these areas – placing your business at serious financial risk.

Before anything else, it’s essential to be familiar with zoning laws. These regulations divide land into distinct sections for specific uses like residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

In many cases, commercial property can only be used for business use if it has been zoned accordingly. If you are thinking of moving or purchasing an existing one, research the zoning laws in your area before making a final decision.

Another critical issue to be aware of is ADA compliance. This law requires businesses to make their facilities as accessible as possible for people with disabilities, so commercial landlords must ensure their premises are accessible and may need to install special accessibility features like ramps, lifts or elevators.

Finally, commercial properties should be equipped with smoke alarms in accordance with local fire regulations. This is especially vital if the building has multiple floors or is situated in a high rise building.

Commercial property owners must arrange for annual electrical inspections and testing by a registered electrician. During the examination, the electrician will be looking for any electrical irregularities or faults that need addressing, and will report this information to either the landlord or owner of the property.

Once the inspection is over, it is the landlord or owner’s responsibility to guarantee all necessary amendments have been completed and issued by a specific date. Furthermore, they must provide tenants with a copy of the EICR report within 28 days after its conclusion.

Commercial Property EICR Requirements

Recommendations (Commercial Property EICR Requirements)

Commercial Property EICR Requirements;

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a document created after an assessment of your commercial property’s electrical installations and systems. It will identify any issues or faults which need to be addressed for improved safety in the property as well as to safeguard employees and customers.

EICRs are essential components of your legal duties as a landlord or business owner, and you should always ensure they’re carried out regularly to avoid any future issues with the property. Not only will this save time and money in the long run, but it will also safeguard customers, employees, contractors and visitors to your premises.

If you’re a landlord or business owner and need an EICR done for your property, reach out to us and we can arrange it. An engineer will come out to inspect your electrical system and issue you with a certificate upon completion.

A commercial EICR is an excellent way to save time and money in the future, as it helps you identify any electrical issues before they become more serious or hazardous. Furthermore, we’ll give you a rating which will indicate whether or not more serious work needs to be done on your system.

Landlords and business owners should obtain an EICR once every five years or whenever there is a change of tenancy. This is an essential part of your legal responsibilities as tenants can sue you if the electrics in your rented property are unsafe, leading to injuries or fatalities.

EICRs are essential in protecting employees and customers from fires or shocks. They’ll detect any overloading in the system which could cause circuit tripping, disrupting operations, and resulting in higher bills.

Make sure your EICR is completed by an experienced, qualified electrician or approved contractor. They’ll have taken a course on peridoic inspection and testing, been registered with the Joint Inspection Board or scheme provider, and possess comprehensive knowledge of electrical installations.

Timescale (Commercial Property EICR Requirements)

Commercial Property EICR Requirements;

When it comes to commercial property eicr requirements, the timeframe can vary depending on the premises. According to British Standards Institute BS7671 standards for electrical installations, commercial properties should undergo an EICR at least every five years; however this timeline may change based on factors such as the building and environment, age and quality of installation, manufacturer guidance and how well equipment is maintained.

An accredited engineer should perform the inspection, preferably one with expertise and familiarity with BS 7671, Electricity at Work (1989) and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This is essential as the results of the inspection will provide you with an EICR report which outlines the current condition of your property’s electrical system.

Once the EICR is complete, it will be a comprehensive document that details all observations made during the test and how to address them. Each observation must include a code, picture of the item in question and location within the building. This information helps duty holders gain insight into electrical installation conditions, upgrades that should be carried out and whether these upgrades are worth investing in for improved building safety.

Additionally, landlords should include the date of their EICR in order to stay organized and remind themselves when their next one is due. Using property management software as a reminder can be extremely useful in making sure all necessary tasks are accomplished promptly.

An EICR does not come at a fixed cost; rather, the price depends on the property type and size as well as how many electrical circuits it has. For instance, inspecting a one-bed flat will be easier and faster than inspecting a four-bed house.

Once the test is complete, you will receive a report that should be considered essential reading for any landlord. The EICR provides all the information regarding your property’s electrical system. It serves as an invaluable reference point and should be stored safely in case it needs to be shown to tenants or local authorities.

Commercial Property EICR Requirements

Cost (Commercial Property EICR Requirements)

EICR costs will depend on the size and age of your property. Smaller commercial establishments tend to be cheaper to inspect, while larger buildings with older electrical systems may incur additional expenses.

Maintaining an electrical installation condition report (EICR) on your property is not only legal, but it’s essential for keeping your business secure and in accordance with UK safety regulations. Without an up-to-date EICR, you could face substantial fines.

Your EICR can assist in meeting the health and safety requirements set forth by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Electricity and Work Regulations (1989). It demonstrates your concern for your premises by ensuring they are secure for employees, visitors and customers.

Maintaining compliance with these laws will also assist in keeping your business insurance valid, as it proves that you’ve adhered to all relevant regulations. This could shield you financially in case of a fire, electric shock or injury sustained during an event such as this.

An EICR can save money by anticipating potential issues before they cause expensive damage to your system or equipment. It can detect overloading which could be tripping circuits, disrupting production and increasing bills by using more energy than necessary.

The cost of an EICR depends on the experience and expertise of the contractors you select. Be sure to review their reviews and partnerships to confirm they possess the required qualifications and are capable of performing EICRs.

Another factor that may impact the cost of an EICR is the number of appliances in your property. Commercial properties often have many white goods and other portable appliances that need regular inspection, so if you rent out your commercial space, ensure all these appliances are working properly and don’t pose a danger for tenants.

If you are selling your commercial property, an EICR is essential to help accurately value it. This is done by calculating its gross income, substracting 10% for vacancy factors and then dividing this figure by the cap rate.

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