EICR inspections

What an EICR covers

An EICR is a periodic inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation — the consumer unit, the circuits leading from it, and the sockets, switches, lighting points and fixed equipment they supply. We also check earthing and protective bonding, look for signs of damage, overheating and wear, and confirm that protective devices such as RCDs operate as they should.

It doesn't cover portable appliances you plug in; those are checked separately through PAT testing.

Who needs one

Landlords

Landlords in England must have the electrical installation in a rented home inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person — sooner if the previous report recommends it. Tenants must be given a copy of the report, and any remedial work it requires must be completed and confirmed within the time the regulations allow. The rules apply to private landlords and, following changes in 2025, to social housing landlords too.

The government's guidance for landlords sets out the requirements in full.

Homeowners and buyers

For your own home, an EICR is a sensible check when you buy a property, before major alterations, or if the installation is older and hasn't been looked at for some time. Each report recommends when the next inspection should take place.

Businesses

Employers must keep electrical systems in a safe condition under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. A periodic inspection is the usual way to show this has been done, and insurers often ask to see a recent report.

What happens on the day

1. We agree a time with you — or with your tenant or letting agent.
2. We inspect the installation visually, then test each circuit. Circuits are switched off in turn while they're tested, so there will be short periods without power.
3. We note anything that needs attention and talk you through the main findings before we leave.

A typical house takes a few hours. Larger properties, commercial premises and older installations take longer; we'll give you an idea of timing when we quote.

The report and its codes

You receive a written report covering the condition of the installation. Any observations are given a code:

• C1 — Danger present. Immediate action is needed; we'll make it safe before leaving where we can.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous. Remedial work is needed.
• C3 — Improvement recommended. Not unsafe, but worth considering.
• FI — Further investigation. Something needs looking at more closely before it can be classified.

A report with any C1, C2 or FI observations is recorded as unsatisfactory. We explain each observation in plain terms, so you know what matters and what doesn't.

After the inspection

If remedial work is needed, we'll give you a written quote for it. You're free to use any qualified electrician, but we're happy to carry out the work and provide the paperwork confirming it has been completed — which landlords need for their tenants and, if requested, the local authority.