We were contacted by another building management company to carry out a commercial eicr on the landlord's supplies at a large apartment building in Bradford city centre. This project underscored the importance of ensuring that all electrical installations are safe and compliant with the latest regulations, particularly in a busy urban environment where many lives are affected by these systems.
This building houses a curry house and 142 domestic apartments; the building was finished in 2007 and cost £22 million to build. Each apartment requires reliable electrical systems to support daily activities, while the commercial kitchen demands high-capacity electrical supplies. Therefore, we conducted a thorough commercial eicr (electrical installation condition report) to ensure that both the residential and commercial aspects of the building are safe and efficient.
What is an EICR? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that outlines the condition of an electrical installation. It identifies any potential hazards and provides recommendations for remedial action. EICRs are essential for ensuring electrical safety in commercial and residential properties, helping to protect tenants and visitors alike.
Understanding Commercial EICR Requirements
The EICR inspection service ensures your property's electrical system is safe and up to standard. Our qualified electricians meticulously inspect wiring, sockets, switches, and more for any potential hazards. This includes checking for signs of wear and tear, testing circuit breakers, and ensuring that all components are compliant with current regulations. Stay secure with our comprehensive EICR inspection, knowing that we follow the best practices in the industry.
Feel free to take a look into the government-backed website page based on a guide for landlords on electrical safety. This resource provides valuable information that can assist landlords in understanding their responsibilities and ensuring that their properties meet safety standards. The guidelines include details about periodic inspections, necessary certifications, and how to handle any electrical issues that may arise.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-landlords-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector
Finally, it is important to remember that a commercial eicr not only enhances safety but can also improve energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational costs. By identifying outdated or inefficient electrical systems, property owners can make informed decisions about upgrades or replacements that not only comply with regulations but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Another critical aspect of commercial eicr services is the ability to provide tailored solutions based on the specific needs of each property. Whether it's a newly constructed building or an older property requiring upgrades, our team can adapt the inspection process to suit your requirements, ensuring that all safety concerns are addressed comprehensively.
For further insights, we recommend exploring case studies of successful commercial eicr implementations in similar buildings. These examples highlight real-world applications of safety measures and the importance of regular inspections in maintaining electrical integrity. Our commitment to safety is backed by a thorough understanding of both legal requirements and best practices.
Health & Safety
The purpose of an EICR is to identify any defects or issues that may present a safety risk or compromise the electrical system's performance. It helps to ensure that the electrical installation is in compliance with the relevant regulations and standards, such as the British. Standard BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations). After completing the inspection, we provide a detailed report outlining the findings. This report will highlight any observed defects, potential risks, and recommendations for remedial actions. Addressing any issues identified in the EICR is important to maintain the safety and efficiency of the electrical installation.
As you can see in the photos section, there are a few of the faults we found. For example, a light fitting outside with no load on is open to not only the elements but also to the public, who could possibly be harmed. These are classed as C1s; you cannot physically leave the job and leave these behind.
Preventing Disaster
This had to be made safe on the day, which we did. It was made safe and we then came back to site top complete remedial works and changed it on this visit. The thing is with these reports in the commercial and industrial landscapes is that your installation may look and work completely fine, but it can be seriously dangerous if things arent kept on top of.
We found an emergency bulkhead light fitting in the basement that was all black (thermal damage). We included it in the report and changed it. However, upon opening their fitting, it was worse than first thought, and the neutral core was broken, meaning the whole fitting was completely overheating.
This could've been so much worse, and it’s lucky we found it, much like a lot of the other things we find daily doing these reports. We actually take quite a lot of pride in doing these reports properly and finding and fixing these types of faults.
