EICR

​Process

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an essential inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the safety and condition of the electrical installations in a property. Landlords are advised to have an EICR carried out every 5 years to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with regulations.

​

Inspection and Testing Process

​

The EICR process typically involves the following steps:

• Initial Inspection:
  The electrician begins by visually inspecting the entire electrical system, including wiring, sockets, switches, lights, and the fuse board. They check for obvious signs of damage, wear, or non-compliance with current safety standards.

• Testing Circuits:
  Each circuit in the property is tested to ensure proper operation and safety. This requires access to:

  • All electrical sockets

  • Light fittings and switches

  • The main fuse board / consumer unit

• Duration:
  The inspection and testing usually take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Landlords should plan for this time and provide clear access to all areas of the property.

 

Understanding the Report

​

The EICR report will classify any issues found using the following codes:

• C1 – Danger Present:
  Immediate risk; urgent remedial action is required.​​​​​

• C2 – Potentially Dangerous:
  A potentially dangerous condition exists; action should be taken as soon as possible.

• C3 – Improvement Recommended:
  No immediate danger, but improvements should be considered to enhance safety.

• FI – Further Investigation Required:
  Additional investigation is needed to determine if a fault exists.

 

Remedial work and Legal Requirements

​

• If the EICR is unsatisfactory (C1 or C2 codes present), the landlord has 28 days to arrange for the necessary repairs.

​