What is an EICR and Why Do You Need One?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, is a comprehensive inspection of the electrical systems within a property. It is the most important document you can have to prove that your electrics are safe, compliant, and fit for continued use. Whether you are a homeowner, a landlord, or a business owner, understanding what an EICR covers and why you need one is essential.

What Does EICR Stand For?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is sometimes referred to as a "periodic inspection" or an "electrical safety check." The report is produced after a qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation in a building — that includes wiring, fuse boards, sockets, light fittings, switches, and earthing arrangements.

What Does an EICR Inspection Cover?

During an EICR inspection, a qualified and registered electrician will examine every aspect of your fixed electrical system. This includes:

The condition of the consumer unit or fuse board and whether it meets current regulations
The state of the wiring throughout the property, including hidden cabling in walls and under floors
All sockets, switches, and light fittings for signs of damage, wear, or overheating
The earthing and bonding arrangements that protect against electric shock
The presence of RCD protection on circuits that require it
Any DIY or unprofessional alterations that may pose a safety risk

Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes

Every observation found during an EICR is given a classification code. Understanding these codes is important because they tell you exactly how serious each issue is:

Danger Present

Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action is required. The electrician will usually make this safe on the spot or isolate the affected circuit.

Potentially Dangerous

Urgent remedial action is required. While not immediately life-threatening, this issue could become dangerous and must be resolved promptly.

Improvement Recommended

Not immediately dangerous, but upgrading would improve safety. These are advisory rather than mandatory.

Further Investigation

More detailed investigation is needed without delay. This often indicates something unusual that needs specialist testing.

How Often Do You Need an EICR?

The frequency of EICR testing depends on the type of property:

Homeowners: Every 10 years, or when buying or selling a property
Landlords: Every 5 years, or at each change of tenancy (legally required since June 2020)
Commercial properties: Every 5 years, or as required by insurers
Industrial properties: Every 3 years, due to higher wear and tear
Caravans and swimming pools: Every 1-3 years

Why Do Landlords Legally Need an EICR?

Since June 2020, private landlords in England have been legally required to have a valid EICR for all rental properties. The regulations, known as the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector, mean landlords must:

Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person every 5 years
Provide a copy of the EICR to their tenants within 28 days of the inspection
Provide a copy to the local authority if requested within 7 days
Retain a copy to give to the next inspector
Carry out any urgent remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1 defects)

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 from local authorities. More importantly, an EICR protects your tenants and your property from the risks of electrical fire and shock.

What Happens During the EICR Inspection?

A typical domestic EICR takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. The electrician will need to turn off the power for periods while testing, so it is best to plan accordingly. Here is what the process involves:

Visual inspection of the consumer unit, sockets, switches, light fittings and visible wiring
Dead testing with the power off to measure continuity, insulation resistance and polarity
Live testing with the power on to check RCD functionality, earth fault loop impedance and more
Report production with coded observations, recommendations and an overall assessment

How Much Does an EICR Cost?

EICR costs vary depending on property size, location, and number of circuits. A typical 1-2 bedroom flat costs between £150 and £200, while a 3-4 bedroom house ranges from £200 to £300. Larger properties and commercial premises are priced individually. At Invisiwire, we offer transparent fixed pricing with no hidden extras, and we provide free quotations before any work begins.

Book Your EICR with Invisiwire

Invisiwire is a NAPIT approved electrical contractor based near Devizes, Wiltshire, providing EICR testing across Devizes, Calne, Melksham and all surrounding towns. We deliver clear, professional reports within 48 hours and can carry out any remedial work identified during the inspection.