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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.