An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches and light fittings. It tells you whether your electrics are safe to keep using and highlights anything that needs attention.
How often do you need an EICR?
Landlords
If you rent out a property in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require you to:
- Have the electrics inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.
- Give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in.
- Provide a copy to the local council within 7 days if they ask for one.
- Complete any remedial or further investigation work the report requires within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
Homeowners
There is no legal requirement for owner-occupiers, but an EICR is recommended at least every 10 years, and it is well worth getting one when you buy a home, before major renovation work, or if the property has been empty for a while.
What do the codes on an EICR mean?
- C1: Danger present. A risk of injury exists and immediate action is needed.
- C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work is required.
- C3: Improvement recommended. Not dangerous, but it does not meet current standards.
- FI: Further investigation required. Something needs looking into further, without delay.
Any C1, C2 or FI code means the installation is reported as unsatisfactory. C3 codes on their own do not make a report unsatisfactory.
What happens during an inspection?
We visually inspect the installation, then carry out a series of tests on each circuit, which means the power will be off for parts of the visit. The time it takes depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Afterwards you receive a clear report explaining what we found and, if anything needs fixing, a quote to put it right.
If your report flags old wiring, it may be time to consider a rewire; here are the signs your house needs rewiring. An out-of-date fuse box is another common finding (see when to upgrade your consumer unit).
Need a hand?
Need an EICR for your rental or your own home? Call Dan on 07914 146034, email dan@lightningelectricservices.co.uk or send us a message for a free, no-obligation quote. You can also see more of our work on our past projects page.