What Is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal report on the state of the fixed electrical installation in a building: the wiring, the consumer unit or distribution boards, and everything permanently connected to them. Landlords, buyers, sellers, insurers and businesses all ask for one, and many people know it as an electrical safety certificate. This guide explains what it covers and what the result means.

What is inspected

The inspection starts with a look around. The electrician checks the consumer unit, the main earthing and bonding, accessories such as sockets and switches, visible cables, light fittings and any signs of damage, overheating or wear. Covers come off a sample of accessories to check terminations. Things that have been added over the years, such as a garden supply or a shower, are looked at too.

What is tested

Then come the tests, made with specialist instruments with circuits isolated where needed. They confirm earth continuity, the insulation of the cables, that protective devices would disconnect a fault quickly enough, and that RCDs trip within the required time. Results are written in a schedule for every circuit tested.

Sampling

Not every single accessory is opened on every inspection. The person carrying it out decides a sensible sample, increasing it if problems turn up. Any limitations, such as rooms that couldn't be accessed or a board that couldn't be switched off, are recorded in the report so you know what wasn't covered.

The outcome

The report ends with an overall assessment: satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Satisfactory means no dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions were found. Unsatisfactory means at least one issue needs putting right. The report also recommends when the next inspection should be done.

Observation codes in brief

Each issue found is given a code. C1 means danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, C3 improvement recommended, and FI means further investigation is needed. C1, C2 or FI make the report unsatisfactory. Our landlord EICR page explains the codes in more detail.

EICR, EIC and Minor Works

These three forms are often confused. An EICR reports on an existing installation. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued for new work, such as a new circuit or a rewire. A Minor Works Certificate covers small additions to an existing circuit, such as an extra socket. All follow the wiring regulations, BS 7671.

How long it takes

Timing depends on the size and age of the installation, how many circuits there are and access. A small flat might take part of a day; a large house or a commercial unit takes longer. Our guides on EICR cost and the commercial EICR page explain what affects the time on site.

Booking one

When you book, mention whether the property is rented, being sold or in business use, and whether any previous reports exist. That helps us plan the visit.

Who needs one

Private landlords in England need a satisfactory report for each rented property at least every five years, and must give a copy to tenants. Businesses often need one for insurers or as part of their duty to keep electrical systems safe, with the frequency depending on the type of premises. Homeowners commonly have an inspection when buying or selling, when moving into an older house, or before a renovation. The report recommends a date for the next inspection based on what was found.

What happens after the report

If the report is satisfactory, you keep it and book the next inspection by the recommended date. If it is unsatisfactory, the issues listed need putting right by a competent electrician, after which you receive confirmation that the remedial work has been done. Keep both together. For landlords, the timescale for completing remedial work and providing confirmation is set out in the regulations, so act promptly.

Preparing for the inspection

Make sure the electrician can reach the consumer unit, the meter and the loft or cellar if wiring runs through them. Clear access to sockets in each room helps, as does telling occupants that power will be off for parts of the visit. Have any previous reports, certificates for recent work and details of alterations to hand. If equipment such as freezers, medical devices or servers must stay on, mention it when booking so isolation can be planned around it.