Local Oxfordshire Area, Service

Will Building Control Accept an EICR Certificate?

Building Control authorities may accept an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in certain circumstances, but its acceptance largely depends on the nature and scope of the work being carried out and the specific requirements of the local Building Control authority. Here’s a detailed overview of when an EICR might be accepted, its limitations, and other necessary certifications.

When an EICR Might Be Accepted

1. Property Sales and Rentals
• Safety Documentation: An EICR is often used to demonstrate the safety and condition of an existing electrical installation during property sales and rentals. Building Control may accept an EICR as part of the documentation required to confirm that the electrical installations are safe and compliant with current regulations.
2. Regulatory Compliance for Landlords
• Rental Properties: For rental properties, landlords are required to provide an EICR to demonstrate compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Building Control authorities may accept this as evidence of ongoing safety compliance.
3. Maintenance and Periodic Inspections
• Routine Checks: Building Control authorities might accept an EICR as part of routine maintenance records to show that periodic inspections have been conducted, identifying any necessary remedial actions and confirming the overall safety of the electrical system.

Limitations of the EICR

1. New Installations and Major Changes
• New Electrical Installations: An EICR is generally not accepted for new electrical installations or major alterations as it only assesses the condition of existing installations. For new work, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) is required.
• Compliance with Building Regulations: For new installations or significant alterations covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, Building Control requires certification from a competent person scheme or a Building Regulations compliance certificate issued after inspection by the local authority.
2. Scope of Work
• Minor Repairs: While an EICR can document the condition of an existing installation, it may not suffice for documenting minor repairs or small-scale alterations, which should be certified by an MEIWC.

Necessary Certifications for New and Altered Installations

1. Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• Purpose: Issued for new electrical installations, significant alterations, or the installation of new circuits. It certifies that the work complies with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
• When Required: For new electrical installations, rewiring projects, consumer unit replacements, and other significant electrical work.
2. Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)
• Purpose: Issued for minor electrical work that doesn’t involve the installation of new circuits. It certifies that the work complies with current safety standards.
• When Required: For small-scale electrical alterations such as adding or relocating sockets, switches, or light fittings.

Submitting Certifications to Building Control

1. Competent Person Scheme
• Self-Certification: Electricians registered with a competent person scheme (like NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA) can self-certify their work. A Building Regulations compliance certificate will be issued by the scheme provider, and a copy will be sent to the local Building Control authority.
• Efficiency: This process streamlines compliance and eliminates the need for a separate inspection by Building Control.
2. Local Authority Inspection
• Notifiable Work: If the work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and the electrician is not registered with a competent person scheme, the work must be notified to the local Building Control authority. An inspector will assess the work, and if it meets the standards, a Building Regulations compliance certificate will be issued.
• Application: The homeowner or electrician must submit an application to the Building Control authority before starting the work. After completion, an inspector will visit the site to check compliance.

Conclusion

While Building Control authorities may accept an EICR for certain purposes, such as property sales, rentals, and ongoing maintenance documentation, it is not sufficient for new installations or major alterations. For new electrical work, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) is typically required to demonstrate compliance with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and the Building Regulations. Certification can be achieved through a competent person scheme or via local authority inspection. Understanding these requirements ensures that electrical work is safe, compliant, and properly documented for Building Control acceptance.