EICR report – fail (C2) smoke alarms expired?

EICR report – fail (C2) smoke alarms expired?

13:28 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago 28

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A recent EICR report has been returned with a FAIL on a C2, where the mains powered smoke detectors are 10 years old and classed as out of date.

All are working correctly with no faults. Where does it state in regulations that this is a FAIL and not an C3 recommended to replace?

I’ve researched Google with no written word confirming reasoning. Only requesting where I can retrieve the information as nothing on Gov.uk site etc.

Thanks in advance.

JM


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Comments

Ian Cognito

13:47 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

There may be a "replace by date" on the casing.

How has the alarm been tested to confirm that the detectors are working correctly?

Malcolm

13:57 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

As far as I know [as a contractor carrying out EICR’s] the purpose of the EICR is to establish the safety of the electrical installation. So that would be to me the circuit cables, test readings etc. The actual smoke alarm in my opinion would only warrant as worst a C3 or just a recommendation. You could argue that its part of the fixed installation but there again so is the cooker does that get tested ? I think not. For further guidance head of to Electrical Safety First and download “Best Practice 4” issue 5 [the most up to date version] This is where everybody should start first. It’s the industry standard. Then subject to the actual installation coding from that point. You will also find guidance for landlords via a different guide. Hope this helps

paul robinson

13:58 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Usually a manufacturer replace by date on heads.

Best get those replaces ASAP and put note on file when next need doing.

Append works to failed electrical report or if same electrician doing works with final pass cert

paul robinson

13:59 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Ian Cognito at 18/01/2021 - 13:47
Good call by the electrician and feel landlord needs to review fire safety responsibly for rentals.

Owen O'Neill

14:07 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Not in the scope of testing, should only be an observation. Report to whichever certification scheme they are a member of.

page 16 of best practice guide.
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/2149/bpg4-1.pdf

JGM

15:29 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Ian Cognito at 18/01/2021 - 13:47
Thanks. I was not present during inspection and limiting contact due to COVID-19, as tenant in situ. This is the first EICR required for the property. It shows all detectors working correctly just expiry date. Property is 10 years old. I assumed it should be a C3 as other references I have seen have been recommendations to replace when faulty which speaks volumes, not when in good working order when tested.

JGM

15:46 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by paul robinson at 18/01/2021 - 13:59
Obviously something you didn't know about either. This area is still being researched to see if it should be downgraded to a C3

JGM

15:47 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by paul robinson at 18/01/2021 - 13:58
Thanks Paul

JGM

16:42 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Owen O'Neill at 18/01/2021 - 14:07
Hi Owen. Thanks for your comments. I have questioned electricians reasoning for grading. Awaiting reply. All correspondence states to be legal the smoke alarm needs to be working nothing about EXPIRY date.

Kim

18:28 PM, 18th January 2021, About 3 years ago

I'm a property manager and I had 2 recent EICRs fail for the same thing. Why are you concerned that the EICR has failed? As smoke alarms lose sensitivity after 10 years, any responsible Landlord or agent would want to get these replaced within 28 days anyway to protect their tenants (and themselves should a fire start)!

I do think that the expiry dates of smoke, heat and CO alarms needs more air space in the rental sector - the gov.uk guidance on smoke alarms and the "How to rent" docs do not mention it and I've had to tell one Landlord I needed to change quite a lot of his portfolio and would have liked something official to support this.

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