Electrical problems aren't always obvious: wiring can deteriorate over time, connections can become loose, and older installations may no longer provide the protection expected in modern homes. An EICR helps identify potential hazards before they lead to electric shocks, fires, or other serious problems. For landlords, electrical inspections are also an important legal responsibility. Here's what you need to know about EICRs, when you might need one, and what happens during an inspection.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is produced following an inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in a property. This includes the wiring, consumer unit (often called the fuse box), sockets, switches, and other permanently installed electrical equipment. The inspection looks for deterioration, damage, and defects that could affect electrical safety.
An EICR is different from an electrical installation certificate, which is generally issued following new electrical installation work. It assesses the condition of an existing installation at the time of inspection, rather than certifying newly completed work. The electrician records their findings in a report, including any problems that need attention and recommendations for further investigation or improvements.
Who needs an EICR?
Although electrical safety is important for every property, the requirements vary depending on whether you're a homeowner or landlord.
EICRs for landlords
In England, private landlords are legally required to have the electrical installations in their rented properties inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter interval. Landlords must get a report, provide copies to tenants within the required timescales, and arrange necessary remedial work where the inspection identifies electrical safety issues. There are also electrical safety requirements for rented properties in Scotland and Wales, although the legislation and procedures differ. If you're letting a property, make sure you understand the rules that apply where it's located.
EICRs for homeowners
If you own and live in your property, there's generally no legal requirement to obtain an EICR at fixed intervals. However, periodic inspections are recommended, particularly for older homes or properties where the electrical installation hasn't been checked for some time. A good rule of thumb for owner-occupied homes is ten years, but an electrician may advise more frequent inspections depending on the age and condition of the installation. You might also consider an EICR if you're planning substantial renovations, have experienced repeated electrical problems, or are unsure when the wiring was last inspected.
Buying or selling a property
An EICR isn't generally a legal requirement when selling a home, but it can provide useful reassurance about the condition of the electrical installation, which could make potential buyers feel more confident. If you're buying an older property, an inspection may help identify electrical work that needs attention before you commit to renovations or move in.
A standard property survey doesn't usually include detailed testing of the electrical installation, so an EICR can be especially useful to give the buyer peace of mind if the surveyor raises concerns about the electrics.
What happens during an EICR inspection?
An EICR involves a visual inspection and electrical testing. The electrician will examine accessible parts of the installation, looking for signs of damage, deterioration, or unsafe alterations. Then they’ll do some tests to check whether protective measures are working properly, such as checking earthing arrangements, circuit protection, and the condition of wiring. Some circuits will need to be switched off temporarily while testing takes place, so it's worth checking beforehand whether you'll need to make arrangements for anything that relies on a continuous electricity supply.
The inspection doesn't normally involve opening walls or lifting large areas of flooring. However, the electrician may need access to the consumer unit, sockets, and other electrical fittings. Once the inspection is done, you'll receive a report explaining the findings and identifying any issues that need attention.
Understanding your EICR results
Electrical inspection reports use classification codes to indicate the seriousness of any problems identified, so if you’ve gone to the effort of getting an EICR, it’s worth understanding these codes so you can decide what needs to happen next.
- C1 - Danger present - Immediate action is required to remove the danger
- C2 - Potentially dangerous - Urgent remedial action is required
- C3 - Improvement recommended - Improvements are advised, but this code alone doesn't make the report unsatisfactory
- FI - Further investigation required - Further investigation is needed without delay
If your report contains a C1, C2, or FI observation, the overall assessment will normally be classified as “unsatisfactory”, but an C3 observation on its own doesn't mean the installation has failed, it just indicates that an improvement would be beneficial, even though the issue isn't classified as an immediate or potential danger (a but like an advisory on an MOT test).
What happens if your property fails an EICR?
Receiving an unsatisfactory EICR can be worrying, particularly if you're a landlord with tenants living in the property. However, the report should explain what's wrong and what needs to be done to make the installation safe. Some problems may be relatively straightforward to resolve, such as replacing damaged accessories or correcting defective connections, but it’s possible that others may need you to do more extensive electrical work, particularly if the installation is old or has been altered incorrectly.
For private rented properties in England, landlords are generally required to complete necessary remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period. They have to get written confirmation that the required work has been completed and provide it to the relevant parties within the prescribed timescales to get the outcome of the EICR changed to satisfactory.
If the report identifies an immediate danger, action shouldn't be delayed while arranging routine repairs; if this happens to you, it's worth asking your electrician to explain the findings and whether they can do any of the urgent work immediately.
How long does an EICR take?
The length of an EICR depends on the size of the property, the number of electrical circuits, and how easily the electrician can access the installation, but for a typical domestic property, an inspection might take a few hours.
If previous electrical work hasn't been documented or the installation has been altered extensively, additional investigation may be needed, so when you book the electrician, it’s a good idea to explain the type and approximate size of your property so the electrician can allow enough time for a thorough inspection.
Signs your home may need an electrical inspection
You don't have to wait for a scheduled inspection if you're concerned about your home's electrics: some warning signs are relatively obvious, such as sockets that feel unusually hot, repeated circuit breaker trips, or visible damage to electrical fittings. Other problems may be less noticeable: flickering lights, unexplained electrical faults, or an ageing consumer unit can all be reasons to seek professional advice. However, if you notice burning smells, sparking, or signs of overheating, stop using the affected equipment or circuit where it's safe to do so and contact a qualified electrician promptly.
Finding a qualified electrician for an EICR
An EICR should be carried out by someone who is competent in electrical inspection and testing, with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and equipment. When contacting an electrician, explain that you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report and confirm that they're qualified and experienced in carrying out this type of inspection. You should also ask whether the inspection includes all accessible circuits, when you'll receive the completed report, and how any necessary remedial work will be handled.
For landlords, it's especially important that the report contains the information needed to demonstrate compliance with the relevant electrical safety regulations. TrustATrader can help you find vetted and reviewed electricians in your area, with customer feedback to help you choose someone suitable for the job. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or tenant, stay up to date with useful information about keeping your home safe, warm and dry on Facebook, Insta or Tiktok.