Guide Contents:
- What is an electrical safety certificate?
- What Happens During an Electrical Safety Check?
- How Much Does an Electrical Safety Certificate Cost in the UK?
- What Does the Law Say About Electrical Safety in New Builds?
- When Should You Carry Out Electrical Inspections?
- What Else Goes Into Making a New Build Electrically Safe?
- Who Should You Trust with the Job?
- Electric Cert Summary
When you’re building a new home or rental property, getting the electrics right isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a key part of making sure everything runs safely, smoothly, and efficiently for years to come. And most importantly, it also means staying on the right side of UK building regulations.
Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or landlord, understanding your responsibilities around electrical safety is crucial. From electrical safety regulations, to how often checks should happen and EICR testing, here’s everything you need to know from day 1.
What is an Electrical Safety Certificate?
Let’s break it down. An electric cert (short for electrical safety certificate) officially proves that a qualified electrician has safely installed or tested your property’s electrics and that they meet UK standards.
There are two main types you’ll come across in new builds:
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
The authorities issue an electrical installation certificate right after the completion of all new electrical work in a new property. It confirms the work meets British Standard BS 7671 (that’s the UK wiring rulebook). Every new build needs an EIC, no exceptions.
Only a certified electrician registered with a recognised “competent person scheme” (like NICEIC or NAPIT), like DRW, can issue this electric cert. It’s your proof that the electrics in your brand-new home are safe and legally compliant.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The EICR is like a regular health check for your home’s electricity. You don’t need it right away for a new build (your EIC covers that), but it becomes important down the line.
If you plan to rent out, sell the home down the line, or just want to check wear and tear and ensure everything still works safely, you typically need an EICR every five years or when the occupants change. The EICR certificate cost is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.
What Happens During an Electrical Safety Check?
When you choose a certified electrician to carry out your EICR, they will carry out a full safety check. This will look at everything from the wiring and sockets to light fittings and fuse boards. The electrician will:
- Test your system for potential fire or electrical shock risks (like overloaded circuits or faulty wiring)
- Check everything complies with current standards, i.e. the BS 7671
- Flag any issues in the electrical system and recommend fixes where needed
Finally, once inspected and tested, you’ll get a report showing if there are any problems and how urgent they are to fix.
How Much Does an Electrical Safety Certificate Cost in the UK?
The electrical safety certificate cost can vary based on the size of your home and how complex the electrics are. Here’s a general guide:
- Studio Flat: £100 – £140
- 1-Bed Flat: £120 – £160
- 2-Bed Flat: £140 – £180
- 3-Bed House: £160 – £200
- 4-Bed House: £180 – £250+
Need a full EICR? That certificate cost will usually fall within the ranges above too, depending on property type. For a full, accurate cost breakdown, get in touch today and we can help you out.
Other cost factors include:
Your home’s EICR cost isn’t just down to the size of the house, there are other factors that may affect it:
- Property age, as older homes can be trickier
- Accessibility of wiring and fuse boxes
- Where you live, as with all things down there, London prices tend to be steeper
- The electrician’s experience and qualifications
What Does the Law Say About Electrical Safety in New Builds?
Part P of Building Regulations
Part P is the building regulation within the UK law that covers electrical safety in homes. The document states that all electrical work in residential buildings must meet national safety standards and that you must report certain jobs to local building control unless your electrician registers with a competent person scheme.
BS 7671 – The Wiring Bible
The BS 7671 is the national standard that all electrical installations must follow. The most recent update (18th Edition, Amendment 3, 2024) includes extra measures around energy efficiency and protection devices.
When Should You Carry Out Electrical Inspections?
- Right after installation, you should issue your first electric cert (EIC) as soon as you complete the electrical work and before you finish tasks like plastering or painting.
- Every five years: That’s when you’ll need your first EICR, and then again every five years after, or if someone new moves in.
What Else Goes Into Making a New Build Electrically Safe?
Use of Quality Materials
Always opt for top-notch cabling, sockets and components that meet UK standards. It’s not just about ticking boxes, cheap wiring is a safety hazard waiting to happen. Your domestic electrician should choose optimal electrical materials for your home.
Smart Circuit Design
You must plan electrical circuits to handle your expected energy load and install the right protection, such as circuit breakers, to stop overloading.
Energy Efficiency
Modern homes are being designed to be smarter and greener. Integrating energy-efficient lighting and appliances helps reduce your bills and your environmental impact.
These factors highlight the importance of choosing a trusted domestic electrician, like DRW, for the electrical safety in your home.
Who Should You Trust with the Job?
Choose a Certified Electrician
Make sure your domestic electrician is properly qualified and registered with a recognised body like NICEIC or NAPIT. That way, you’re ensuring the safety of your home and you guarantee compliant work, and you receive the certificates to prove it.
Check Reviews and Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask about experience, get quotes in writing, and read reviews. A great electrician won’t just do the job well, they’ll make the process stress-free too. We’d know.
Electric Cert Summary
Getting an electric cert and staying on top of EICR certificate costs isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a safe, efficient, and future-proof home. New builds give you the perfect blank slate to get it right from the start.
Want help navigating electrical safety from blueprint to move-in? DRW Electrical Group is here to help.
Let’s make sure your new build electrics are smart, safe, and ready to power the future.
