Why You Need an Electrical Safety Certificate
The electrical equipment can wear out. Wires degrade, sockets fracture and failing switches might spark or heat up. Safety testing detects faults early. A certified electrician checks your entire system. If it is safe, you are issued a certificate.
English landlords have to obtain an EICR every five years. It's required by law. It's one of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020. It covers all tenancies.
Homeowners do not require it by law. But it still makes sense to get one. It indicates your system operates correctly. It prevents fire and shock. You must obtain one every 5 to 10 years, or upon purchase or sale of a house.
How To Find Your EICR Certificate?
Here are the four steps you can follow to get your electrical safety certificate online:
Step 1: Ask the Electrician Who Performed the Inspection
Did you get your electrical system checked already? If so, reach out to the electrician who performed the work. Most firms maintain electronic records. They can email you a copy of your EICR.
Check your inbox first. You might already have the report. Check for subject lines with "EICR" or "Electrical Safety Report." Also, check your spam or junk mail.
If you employed a local electrician, call them. Inform them of your name, address, and date of inspection. They will normally resend the certificate.
Step 2: Contact the Landlord or Letting Agent
Are you a tenant? If so, your landlord should have the certificate. Letting agents usually keep these records as well. By law, your landlord is required to provide you with a copy within 28 days of the inspection. If you never received it, ask now.
You don't have to wait for something to go wrong. Just ring or send an email to the agent or landlord. Ask for a copy of the EICR. They should email it over to you straight away.
You can report them to your local housing authority if they don't give you. Safety certificates are compulsory. They're a legal requirement.
Step 3: Search Your Files
Are you the owner? You might already have it. Check your home-buying documents. Your solicitor might have provided you with a copy when you purchased the property.
Also, check your digital documents. Many electricians send the EICR by email after an inspection. Check your inbox, cloud storage, and saved folders.
Check in any property folders you've saved. It might be a PDF or a printed version. Try searching for file names like:
- Electrical_Safety_Report.pdf
- EICR_YourAddress.pdf
- Home_Safety_Certificate.pdf
If you can find it, back it up. Post it to an online secure folder. That way, you will not misplace it again.
Step 4: Utilise Online EICR Services
If you still cannot locate your EICR, use an online service. Some websites allow you to access safety reports for your property. You might have to pay a small amount of money.
Look up "electrical safety certificate online UK". Choose a reputable site. Check for sites that hold previous inspection reports. Some websites deal directly with the electricians. They upload reports on the site for you to access in the future.
You'll have to type in your address. You might need the inspection date or the electrician's name as well. Once validated, you can download your EICR.
Not every property will have reports on the internet. This system is best utilised if the electrician employs cloud storage or the job is scheduled through a big network.
What If You Can't Find It?
If you have double-checked the above ideas and still cannot get your EICR, hire a new tester. Only an authorised electrician can provide an authentic certificate. You will again have to pay for the work.
Consider it an investment towards safety. Unreliable installations can lead to shocks, burning, or harm to property. A new check provides reassurance.
Request a copy of the new certificate in digital format. Store it in at least two locations. Keep it safe for future reference.
Last tip: Incorporate electrical safety as part of your household maintenance routine. Don't wait to smell melting wires or sparks. It may save lives to do a simple check.
Why You Should Keep a Digital Copy
When you locate your certificate, create digital copies. Save them in your email, cloud drive, and USB stick if necessary. If you rent or sell your house, you'll need to be able to access them quickly.
Insurance providers will also request your EICR. If you get an electrical fire and you cannot provide proof of inspection, they may refuse your claim.
It will cost you money to lose the certificate. Having a copy stored online saves time and hassle.
Conclusion
Locating your electrical safety certificate doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you're a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, there are clear steps to retrieve it, starting with contacting the original electrician, your landlord, or letting agent. If all else fails, consider scheduling a new inspection for peace of mind. Keeping a digital copy ensures you're always prepared for insurance claims, property sales, or legal requirements. Remember, an up-to-date EICR isn’t just a document; it’s a crucial part of keeping your home and loved ones safe from electrical hazards. Stay proactive, stay safe, and store your certificate securely.
