An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a report produced after an electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation in a property. It checks the condition and safety of the wiring, consumer unit, circuits, sockets, earthing, bonding and other fixed electrical components.
The report identifies defects, damage, deterioration and potential safety risks, then classifies any problems according to their severity. In this guide, we’ll explain what an EICR checks, what the report and EICR codes mean, when an EICR is required, how often it should be carried out, and what happens if issues are found.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a report produced after a qualified electrician inspects and tests a property’s existing fixed electrical installation. It assesses its condition at the time of inspection and records any defects, electrical risks or areas that require further action.
The inspection covers the existing electrical system rather than checking whether the property meets every current electrical standard. The report provides a clear record of the installation’s condition and highlights issues that may need attention.
What Does EICR Stand For?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is commonly used to describe both the inspection and the report produced from it. In simple terms, an EICR checks the condition and safety of the fixed electrical installation and records any problems found during testing.
Is an EICR a Certificate or a Report?
An EICR is technically a report, not a certificate. It records the findings from an inspection and testing of an existing fixed electrical installation, including any defects or safety issues found.
People commonly call it an “EICR certificate” or “electrical safety certificate” because it provides evidence that the installation has been inspected. However, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the correct technical term.
What Does an EICR Check?
An EICR checks the condition and safety of a property’s fixed electrical installation, looking for defects, damage, deterioration and potential electrical risks.
| Part checked | What the electrician looks for |
| Consumer unit | Condition and protective devices |
| Wiring & circuits | Damage, deterioration and safety |
| Sockets & switches | Damage, overheating and suitability |
| Earthing & bonding | Adequacy and continuity |
| RCDs | Correct operation and protection |
| Lighting & fixed accessories | Condition and safety |
| Identification | Labelling and required notices |
The exact checks depend on the installation and the agreed scope and limitations of the inspection. Portable appliances are not part of an EICR and may require separate PAT testing.
You may also like to read: What is PAT testing?
What Happens During an EICR?
An EICR follows a structured inspection and testing process to assess the condition of the fixed electrical installation.
- Initial assessment and scope: The electrician reviews the installation and confirms what areas and circuits are included in the inspection.
- Visual inspection: Visible parts of the installation are checked for damage, deterioration, unsafe alterations, and other obvious defects.
- Electrical testing: Appropriate tests are carried out on circuits and protective measures to identify faults that may not be visible.
- Findings and classification: Any defects or safety concerns are recorded and classified using the relevant EICR observation codes.
- EICR report: The findings are documented in the EICR, including the overall condition of the installation and any action that may be required.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
An EICR can take different amounts of time depending on the property and the condition of its electrical installation. The main factors include:
- Number of circuits being inspected and tested
- Property size and type
- Accessibility of electrical components
- Condition of the installation
- Any agreed limitations on the inspection
A straightforward installation may take less time, while larger or more complex properties can require longer.
What Does an EICR Report Tell You?
An EICR report records the property details, extent of the inspection and any limitations, along with the electrician’s inspection findings and test results. It also lists any observation codes, gives the overall outcome, explains recommended action where needed, and may state when the next inspection should be carried out.
An EICR is not technically described as a simple pass or fail. The overall outcome is recorded as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
A report is generally unsatisfactory when it identifies issues requiring action, such as relevant C1, C2 or FI observations. A C3 observation indicates that improvement is recommended but does not, by itself, make the report unsatisfactory.
Why Do You Need an EICR?
An EICR helps identify electrical faults and safety risks in a property’s fixed electrical installation. The reason for getting one can vary depending on who owns, occupies or manages the property.
For Landlords
Landlords use EICRs to check the safety of electrical installations in rented properties and meet applicable electrical safety requirements. The report also provides a record of any defects that need attention.
For Homeowners
Homeowners can use an EICR to identify hidden electrical problems, particularly in older properties or when an installation has not been inspected for many years. For a formal assessment, you can arrange a residential electrical safety certificate.
When Buying or Selling
An EICR can help a buyer understand the condition of a property’s electrical installation before completing a purchase. Sellers may also arrange an inspection to identify electrical issues before putting a property on the market.
For Businesses
Businesses can use EICRs to assess the condition of fixed electrical installations in workplaces and identify defects that could pose risks to employees, visitors or the property. Commercial properties can arrange a commercial electrical safety certificate for this type of inspection.
Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?
The legal requirement for an EICR depends on the property’s use and tenancy status. It is generally mandatory for rented homes, while owner-occupied properties usually do not require one by law.
Private Rented Properties in England
Yes. Landlords must have the electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years and provide the required report to tenants.
Social Rented Properties in England
Yes. Since the 2025 regulations, social landlords are also required to have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every 5 years, subject to the applicable implementation dates.
Owner-Occupied Homes
An EICR is not generally a legal requirement for an owner-occupied home. However, homeowners may choose to have one carried out to assess the condition and safety of their electrical installation.
Commercial Properties
There is no single general requirement for every commercial property to have an EICR at a fixed interval. Electrical installations in workplaces must, however, be maintained so they remain safe, and the appropriate inspection and testing depends on the property and installation.
Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
An EICR should be carried out by a competent and suitably qualified person with experience in electrical inspection and testing. They should have a good working knowledge of BS 7671, use appropriate test equipment, and be able to carry out the inspection properly and produce an accurate EICR report. Here is what to Check Before Hiring an electrician:
- Relevant electrical qualifications and experience
- Experience carrying out EICRs
- Knowledge of BS 7671
- Suitable inspection and testing equipment
- Ability to provide a proper EICR report
How to Prepare for an EICR
Before the inspection, clear access to the consumer unit, sockets, switches and other areas the electrician may need to inspect. You should also:
- Move furniture or belongings blocking electrical points.
- Keep the loft, basement or outbuildings accessible if they are included in the inspection.
- Tell the electrician about any known faults, such as flickering lights or frequently tripping circuits.
- Provide a previous EICR or electrical certificates if available.
- Plan for brief power interruptions during testing.
- Identify any equipment that cannot be switched off.
What Does an EICR Cost?
A standard residential EICR in the UK typically costs around £100–£300, although the price varies by property and electrician. The main factors include the property size and type, number of circuits, number of consumer units, accessibility, condition of the installation, and location. Any remedial work identified during the inspection is normally charged separately.
Get Your EICR Quote
Want to know exactly how much your EICR will cost? London Safety Checks provides EICR inspections for residential and commercial properties. Contact us today for a quote based on your property and requirements.
Summary
An EICR involves inspecting and testing an existing fixed electrical installation to assess its condition and safety. The resulting report records the findings and any relevant observation codes, with the overall outcome classed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Where issues are identified, the report indicates what action may be required. This makes an EICR a useful record of the installation’s condition at the time it was inspected.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is an EICR the Same as an Electrical Safety Certificate?
Not technically. An EICR is a report that records the condition of an existing fixed electrical installation. “Electrical safety certificate” is a common but less precise term used to describe it.
Does an EICR Mean the Electrics Are Safe?
An EICR assesses the condition and safety of the installation at the time of inspection. A satisfactory report indicates no issues requiring an unsatisfactory outcome were identified, but it does not guarantee that the installation will remain safe indefinitely.
Does an EICR Need to Be Renewed Every 5 Years?
Not every property has a five-year legal requirement. For applicable private and social rented properties in England, electrical installations must generally be inspected and tested at least every five years.
Does an EICR Cover Appliances?
No. An EICR covers the property’s fixed electrical installation, not portable appliances. Appliances may require separate inspection or testing where appropriate.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
The time varies depending on the property size, number of circuits, accessibility and condition of the installation. A larger or more complex installation will generally take longer.
Can an EICR Fail?
An EICR is technically classed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, rather than pass or fail. Relevant C1, C2 or FI observations can result in an unsatisfactory outcome, while a C3 recommendation alone does not.
