The cost of an EICR varies from job to job. There are multiple reasons behind this. The major one is the nature of the inspection work. However, still you would be in a dilemma about the EICR test cost in London before you start the process. You do not know for sure how much the entire process is going to cost you.
Fortunately, you can have a fair idea with a few guidelines and examples. This post will serve as a guide to understanding what impacts the price of an electrical inspection. But first, let us walk you through its definition.
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What is an EICR?
EICR is the short form for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It serves as proof that you have carried out the inspection and obtained a certificate. Generally, they are called electrical safety certificates.
To obtain an EICR certificate, you will need a qualified electrician or a professionally accredited contractor who will be responsible for the electrical checks and inspections on your property.
They will try to look for damages to the electrical systems of your property. After assessing everything, they will suggest remedial changes for electrical fixtures if required. He or she will document all the findings in an electrical inspection report.
If satisfactory results come out, you will be able to obtain an electrical safety certificate.
EICR cost per circuit
Most probably you have heard the term “per circuit” if you need a commercial EICR.
No doubt, the measurement and sizing of a commercial property will be different from domestic properties.
Depending on the professional you have hired to work with, the cost will be somewhere between £10 and £50. For instance, a small-sized consumer unit costs about £15 to £20 per circuit.
What about the labour costs of a qualified electrician?
Obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report needs you to hire a competent electrician. This means that the cost of his labour will be on the higher side.
However, the average cost of a qualified and registered electrician is £45 an hour and £200 a day. The labour cost will be based on the condition of your property.
For example, if you have more complicated wiring, consumer board, and fuse board, it will take your electrician longer to complete the work. This will naturally add to their average rate.
Also, the number of electric items and the size of the property are going to have an impact on EICR certificate cost in London.
Last but not least, if your properties are a little older, the outdated wiring will add to the overall costs.
Cost of addressing electrical equipment faults
If there are electrical issues in your appliances, make sure you address them right away.
You will have to pay for the electrical fixtures and their materials. Plus, you will pay the electrician for the electrical work.
Cost of other electrical work
Electricians may need to conduct multiple tests and inspections to ensure maximum electrical safety. It is in your best interest to discuss them with your electrician. Thus, you will have a fair idea of what test costs what.
Portable Appliance Testing cost
Portable Appliance Testing or PAT test is for inspecting certain electrical devices in a property. The average cost per appliance remains to be £1 to £3.
However, in case you hire an electrician to conduct more than one electrical test, expect to receive package pricing against your order.
We recommend discussing the same with your trusted electrician so that you can get the best deals possible.
Costs of replacing defective appliances
If your electrician finds faulty devices (for example the fuse box is giving electric shocks), he or she will want you to replace them right away. Be assured that a qualified electrician will give you the best solutions and the steps related to this matter.
Costs of rewiring
Rewiring happens to be a complicated electrical project. This means it will require more work, which, in turn, means a longer time to finish the job. This will require you to spend more on rewiring.
Rewiring is often a necessity for older or rental properties having outdated wiring systems. Depending on the condition of the property and unit size, the cost can be somewhere between £1,500 and £8,000.
What is an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)?
An Electrical Installation Certificate is for significant installations on a property. It is often required to speed up the selling process of property by estate agents.
EIC is the same as the Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, which is a legal obligation that every landlord should renew every five years or during a new tenancy.
Things you should watch out for
Securing an EICR certificate is a good idea which offers you multiple benefits to reap. However, there are a few things that will need your close eye, including:
Underqualified electricians
Unfortunately, there are some electricians that do not have the proper training in their relevant field. We have repeatedly focused on the significance of electrical safety in the article. Your one wrong move may turn out to be a fatal one. This is why you need to be careful with finding an electrician for the job.
Electricians that overcharge
In your search for a qualified electrician, you may come across electricians who will bluff without your understanding about EICR certificate cost London. They will try to impose fees for every little service, this or that. You should be wary of these types of rogue electricians who know that you are not knowledgeable about technicalities. It pays to be extra cautious from the beginning and do your research beforehand.
