An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report that checks whether fixed wiring in a property remains safe for continued use through formal inspection and testing.
An EICR is a report, not a certificate, produced after inspecting the fixed electrical installation in homes and businesses. It assesses the condition of wiring, circuits, and protective devices to identify wear, damage, or safety risks. Landlords in England must arrange one every five years, and homeowners benefit from regular checks to ensure installations remain safe over time.
Key Takeaways
- An EICR assesses the safety of fixed wiring, consumer units, sockets, and protective devices, but does not cover portable appliances.
- Landlords in England face legal duties to inspect installations every five years and provide reports to tenants within 28 days.
- Unsatisfactory reports require remedial work to fix C1 or C2 issues, which represent immediate or potential danger to occupants.
What is an EICR Test?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of a property’s fixed electrical system. It assesses wiring, consumer units (fuse boxes), sockets, light fittings, fixed equipment, and safety devices like RCDs. Portable appliances are not included, as they are checked through separate PAT testing.
During the inspection, a qualified electrician checks for potential hazards such as overloaded circuits and risks of electric shock. They also identify faulty or outdated components, poor installation work, and any missing or inadequate earthing and bonding.
The goal is to identify anything that could be unsafe or non-compliant, helping ensure the installation is safe for continued use and meets current safety standards. It provides a clear condition summary and recommended actions for repairs.
All inspections are carried out by qualified electricians in line with BS 7671 standards. This ensures the person conducting the work has the necessary competence, knowledge, and test equipment to produce an accurate report.
Who Needs an EICR and How Often Is It Required?
An EICR applies to different types of property owners and situations where electrical safety must be checked.
The following are the key groups who typically need an EICR and when it’s required:
EICR Requirements for Landlords
In England, landlords are legally required to have their property’s electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years. And official guidance confirms that they must provide the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days, give it to new tenants before they move in, and complete any required remedial work within 28 days.
Recent updates extend similar responsibilities to social landlords, including checks on supplied electrical equipment as well as fixed installations.
As stated in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person. Any required remedial work must also be carried out.
Failing to comply can lead to enforcement action and fines of up to £30,000. Something that makes EICR compliance a strict legal requirement, not an optional safety measure.
To understand inspection frequency requirements in more detail, you can learn about how often EICR testing needs to be done for different property types and situations.
Do Homeowners Need an EICR?
Homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, but a safety check every ten years is strongly recommended. This helps ensure the electrical system remains safe over time.
Earlier inspections are advisable for older properties, homes with outdated consumer units, or where electrical work may have been carried out without proper certification. These checks can uncover hidden issues before they become serious risks.
EICR for Businesses and Commercial Properties
Commercial properties do not follow the same fixed rules as rental homes. However, businesses must keep electrical systems safe under HSE guidance and the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Regular EICR testing is a practical way to meet these duties. It helps show that reasonable steps are being taken to reduce risk. It also protects employees, customers, and the premises from potential electrical hazards.
We deliver detailed commercial EICR inspections to protect your business. Our team identifies electrical risks and ensures full regulatory compliance. This keeps your operations safe, reliable, and running without unnecessary disruption.
What Happens During an EICR Inspection? (Step-by-Step Process)
An EICR starts with a visual inspection of the electrical installation. The electrician checks for visible damage, wear, and signs of non-compliance. This includes wiring, sockets, consumer units, and other fixed components.
Next, detailed testing is carried out on circuits and protective devices. This ensures they operate correctly and provide proper protection against faults, overloads, and electric shock.
A qualified and competent electrician must complete the work, as it requires specialist equipment and technical expertise.
How long an inspection takes depends on conditions like:
- Property size, with smaller homes done faster
- Access limitations, which can slow progress
The process is organised and safe, and occupants can usually remain in the property throughout the inspection.
What Pass and Fail Mean in an EICR?
A satisfactory EICR indicates that no C1 (Immediate danger) or C2 (Potential risk) issues were found during testing. An unsatisfactory EICR means one or more C1, C2, C3 (Improvement advised) or FI (further checks needed) observations require attention before the installation can be considered safe for continued use.
The report includes a complete document in PDF format along with observation codes showing what was found. It also outlines the overall result, recommended remedial work, and the suggested next inspection date.
Common issues that often lead to an unsatisfactory EICR result include:
- Lack of RCD protection on circuits where it is required
- Outdated consumer units without modern safety safeguards
- Damaged or deteriorating wiring increasing shock or fire risk
- Overloaded circuits exceeding their safe design capacity
- Poor earthing or bonding preventing protective devices from working properly
Once you understand the difference between risk levels, it becomes much easier to decide what steps to take following an unsatisfactory EICR.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology clarifies that these observation codes are based on actual test findings, not opinion. This means any recommended work reflects real, measurable safety risks rather than guesswork.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can vary depending on the size and type of the property, as well as the complexity of the electrical system. Larger properties with more circuits typically take longer to inspect, which increases the overall cost. Property owners need to know how long an EICR lasts to plan costs and schedule future inspections effectively.
The table below gives a general guide to typical price ranges and the time required for different property types.
| Property Type | Typical Cost Range | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Small flat (1-2 bed) | £150 - £200 | 2 - 3 hours |
| Medium house (3-4 bed) | £200 - £250 | 3 - 4 hours |
| Large house (5+ bed) | £250 - £350 | 4 - 6 hours |
| Commercial premises | Quoted per circuit | Varies by size |
These figures reflect standard installations without significant complications or accessibility challenges. Properties with unusual circuits, older wiring systems, or hard-to-access consumer units may cost more.
This is because the inspection takes extra time and requires more detailed testing to complete the report.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an EICR?
Landlords can face enforcement action and fines of up to £30,000 for failing to meet inspection and reporting duties. Any remedial work identified must be completed within the stated deadline.
The risks also extend beyond legal consequences. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or missing protection can go unnoticed and increase the likelihood of fire or electric shock. Insurance claims may be reduced or refused if valid safety checks are not in place, and landlords may be held liable for resulting harm.
Fire service data reported in UK fire authority statistics shows that thousands of incidents occur each year, including a significant number in residential properties. This highlights how common fire incidents are and why regular electrical checks play a key role in reducing preventable risks.
Conclusion
An EICR is a safety report that confirms whether the fixed electrical installation remains safe for continued use. Regular testing prevents avoidable risks, fulfills legal duties, and identifies problems before they create danger or costly emergency repairs.
Book your EICR or get a free quote to arrange inspection at a convenient time for your property.
FAQs
How long does an EICR last in the UK?
An EICR is valid for five years for rental properties in England, while homeowners and businesses typically follow a ten year inspection cycle unless problems are identified.
Is an EICR the same as an electrical safety certificate?
No. An EICR is a condition report for existing installations, whereas an electrical installation certificate is issued following new work or alterations.
Do I need a new EICR for a new tenant?
Not if the existing EICR remains valid and within the five-year period. The same report can be provided to multiple tenants during its validity period.
What fails an EICR?
C1 or C2 observations result in an unsatisfactory outcome. Common failures include missing RCD protection, damaged wiring, outdated consumer units, overloaded circuits, and inadequate earthing.
How often should a business have an EICR?
Commercial properties typically require testing every five years, though higher risk environments or older installations may need more frequent inspection.
