Complete Guide to EICR Testing: What Homeowners Need to Know
Everything you need to know about Electrical Installation Condition Reports, including when you need one and what to expect during the inspection process.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive safety check of your property's electrical installation. It's carried out by qualified electricians to identify potential electrical hazards, deterioration, and defects that could pose risks to safety.
Think of it as an MOT for your home's electrical system. The inspection covers all fixed electrical installations including wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes), and lighting circuits.
When Do You Need an EICR?
There are several scenarios where you'll need an EICR:
For Landlords (Mandatory)
- Every 5 years for rental properties
- At the start of each new tenancy
- When requested by tenants with 28 days notice
For Homeowners (Recommended)
- Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
- When buying a property (especially older homes)
- After major electrical work or renovations
- If you suspect electrical problems
For Businesses
- Every 5 years for commercial properties
- Required for insurance purposes
- Part of health and safety compliance
What Happens During an EICR?
A qualified electrician will carry out a systematic inspection of your electrical installation:
Visual Inspection
The electrician will visually examine all accessible parts of the electrical installation, looking for signs of damage, wear, overheating, or improper installation.
Testing
Various electrical tests are performed using specialized equipment to check:
- Earth continuity
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- RCD (residual current device) operation
- Loop impedance values
Documentation
All findings are recorded, and you'll receive a detailed report with recommendations for any necessary remedial work.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
The time required depends on several factors:
- Small flat or 1-2 bed house: 2-3 hours
- 3-4 bedroom house: 3-4 hours
- Large house (5+ bedrooms): 4-6 hours
- Commercial properties: Varies significantly
Factors that can extend the inspection time include the age of the installation, accessibility issues, and the number of circuits.
Understanding Your EICR Results
Your EICR will contain codes indicating the condition of your electrical installation:
Code C1 - Danger Present
Immediate action required. The installation poses an immediate danger to safety.
Code C2 - Potentially Dangerous
Urgent remedial action required. The defect could become dangerous under certain conditions.
Code C3 - Improvement Recommended
The installation would benefit from improvement, but it's not immediately dangerous.
Code FI - Further Investigation
An area that requires further investigation by a qualified electrician.
EICR Costs and Pricing
EICR costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your property:
1-2 Bedroom Property
Typically £150-£250
3-4 Bedroom Property
Typically £200-£350
Large Houses
£300+ depending on size
Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Ensure your electrician is qualified, insured, and provides a comprehensive report.
Choosing the Right Electrician
When selecting an electrician for your EICR, ensure they:
- Are qualified to BS 7671 18th Edition standards
- Are registered with a competent person scheme
- Have appropriate insurance coverage
- Provide detailed, professional reports
- Offer clear explanations of any issues found
At KRL Electrical, all our electricians are fully qualified and experienced in carrying out comprehensive EICRs across Surrey and East Sussex.
Need an EICR for your property?
Get a free quote from our qualified electricians serving Surrey and East Sussex