What is an EICR?

It tests the safety of all the circuits in the property, including the consumer unit (fuse board) all circuits plus all electrical sockets and connections. It measures these against specified minimum standards, which get revised periodically. It exposes if fittings and circuits are badly damaged or connected.

This can take several hours and requires the power to be switched on and off frequently.

An EICR is a thorough examination of your electrical installation by a qualified electrician and is essential for identifying potential hazards and hidden issues that might compromise safety.

Whether you are a homeowner, a landlord, or a tenant embracing these measures facilitates an effective electrical safety inspection.

How do I prepare for an electrical installation condition report inspection?

It is important for the electrician to see your installation as it is usually set up and used, so no changes should be made before the test.

However, there are things you can do to help make the testing process go quickly and smoothly. For example:

• We will need access to all electrical points including sockets, switches, consumer unit, boiler, immersion and any outbuildings if they have an electrical supply
•  Ensure the entire building is accessible with no parts blocked off or difficult to reach, access to loft and basement will be necessary
• Ensure access to main electrical rooms and the gas and water supplies
• Remove any objects or possessions that may be placed around the building and that could get in the electrician’s way when looking for electrical accessories, or items of electrical equipment

Will my power get turned off during an EICR?

Yes, the power will be turned off during your EICR. This will mean that the heating and router may also not function during this time.

This may also affect other equipment around the property such as automated gates, clocks on appliances and alarm systems, but this should not be a problem for equipment that is properly maintained/serviced.

What happens during an EICR?

The first stage of the test is usually a visual assessment, where the electrician will check for cracks, breaks, and signs of overheating.
Following the visual inspection, the electrician will carry out tests using voltage testers, circuit testers and other equipment.

These tests provide an in-depth assessment of the electrical system, allowing electricians to uncover hidden issues or potential hazards that won’t be evident during a visual inspection.

It is important to understand the EICR meaning clearly, as inspection outcomes will directly impact what a landlord or business owner must do next. Following inspection, any electrical defects that are identified are categorised based on severity of risk and are recorded within the EICR. Landlords and business owners may then need to take action to repair these defects to stay compliant. Failure to do so can carry severe penalties.

Once an EICR assessment has taken place, the landlord/business owner will receive a copy of the EICR report. The report will advise if the inspection was ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’.

The following classification codes show if additional work is needed:

C1
Danger present, immediate remedial action required. This is the most serious category. Repairs or replacements must made safe immediately and reported to the site contact.
C2
Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial work required. Further Inspection (FI) Further investigation required.
C3
This code indicates that improving your electrical installation is advised. For instance, wiring that doesn't adhere to the most recent regulations, but that isn't necessarily dangerous. To be clear, there is no danger and no likely circumstance that may result in someone gaining access to live wires. So, even if C3 issues are identified, EICR certificates may still be valid.
FI
This code means the electrician has identified an issue, but they need more time to investigate it. When they do this, they will be able to determine the severity of the issue.
If the inspection was unsatisfactory, this mean that C1 or C2 work needs to be done, or FI codes need to be looked at in more detail.
Once all required repairs have been carried out to C1, C2 and FI defects, and all supporting documentation has been carried out to provide a detailed audit trail that the defects have been completed, the installation is classified as satisfactory.

How long is an EICR valid for?

By law across England, Scotland and Wales, residential landlords must ensure an EICR assessment is carried out by a qualified and competent electrician at least every five years.

For commercial landlords and business, how often you should carry out an assessment and renewal of your EICR depends on your type of property as some environments may carry higher risks than others. Following completion of the EICR, your electrician will specify the maximum length of time that you should wait until your next inspection. However, as a ‘reasonable’ estimate, a standard commercial office should be every five years, whilst an industrial premises should be every 3 years.

Who else may need an EICR?

Requesting an EICR on a property that is being purchased is the best way to find out if work needs to be carried out on the electrical system. Whilst there is no legal requirement to have an EICR carried out, an EICR provides peace of mind that a home is electrically safe.

By law across England, Scotland and Wales, residential landlords must ensure an EICR assessment is carried out by a qualified and competent electrician at least every five years.