Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of a property’s fixed electrical installation. It assesses the safety and condition of circuits, protective devices, earthing, and bonding in line with current standards.
EICRs are commonly required for rented properties, commercial premises, and as part of ongoing electrical safety management. The inspection identifies observations using standard coding so landlords, agents, and property owners understand whether any action is required.
If you need an EICR inspection carried out, you can book directly using the button below.
Understanding EICR Observation Codes
Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury.
Electrical inspectors may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property
Code 2 (C2):
Potentially dangerous
Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended.
Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory.
Further Investigation (FI):
Further investigation required without delay
Local authorities have the power to issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 per breach of the electrical safety regulations, with total penalties of up to £40,000 possible where multiple breaches are identified
EICR Report for Landlords
Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that the electrical installation in their rental properties is safe and properly maintained. These requirements are set out under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector regulations and are assessed in line with the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations (BS 7671).
An EICR provides an independent assessment of the condition of the fixed electrical installation at the time of inspection. The report confirms whether the installation meets the minimum safety standards or whether further investigation or remedial work is required.
Where issues are identified, landlords must ensure that appropriate action is taken within the required timescales and that updated documentation is retained as evidence of compliance.
Years Established
EICRS Complete
What will happen during the Electrical Condition Report?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is carried out in two stages. The first stage is a visual inspection of the fixed electrical installation, including items such as sockets, switches, light fittings, and the consumer unit. This allows the inspector to identify any visible signs of damage, deterioration, or non-compliance.
The second stage involves electrical testing of the circuits. These tests are designed to assess the safety and performance of the installation and provide an accurate picture of its condition at the time of inspection.
During the inspection and testing process, checks may include:
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Circuits that may be overloaded or inadequately protected
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Conditions that could present a risk of electric shock
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Defective or non-compliant electrical work
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The presence and adequacy of earthing and bonding
Once the inspection is complete, an EICR will be issued. The report will be classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on the observations recorded.
If an unsatisfactory EICR is issued, we can provide a clear quotation for any remedial works required to bring the installation up to a satisfactory standard.
Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory EICR
Once an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been completed, it will be classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, based on the observations recorded during the inspection and testing process.
Satisfactory EICR
A satisfactory EICR confirms that the electrical installation meets the minimum safety requirements at the time of inspection. While the report may still include Code C3 observations (items recommended for improvement), no immediate remedial work is required for the installation to be considered compliant.
A satisfactory report can be retained as evidence of compliance and provided to tenants, managing agents, or local authorities if requested.
Unsatisfactory EICR
An EICR will be classed as unsatisfactory if it includes any observations coded as C1 (Danger present), C2 (Potentially dangerous), or FI (Further investigation required).
Where an unsatisfactory result is issued, remedial work or further investigation is required to address the identified issues. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that appropriate action is taken within the required timescales.
Once the necessary works have been completed, updated documentation can be issued to confirm that the installation has been brought up to a satisfactory standard.
FAQ’s
Please check out some of most frequently asked questions.
Who is responsible for arranging an EICR?
The landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid EICR is in place. This includes arranging the inspection, addressing any required remedial works, and retaining the documentation as evidence of compliance.
How often is an EICR required?
For most rented properties in England, an EICR must be carried out at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter review period. A new EICR is also required at the start of a new tenancy if the existing report is no longer valid.
Do tenants need to be present during the inspection?
Access to the property is required, but tenants do not usually need to be present for the entire inspection. Power may need to be isolated briefly during testing, and reasonable access to sockets, the consumer unit, and fixed electrical equipment is required.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
If an EICR is issued as unsatisfactory, remedial work or further investigation will be required to address the observations recorded. Once the necessary work has been completed, updated documentation can be issued to confirm the installation meets a satisfactory standard.
Are C3 observations a failure?
No. Code C3 observations are recommendations for improvement only and do not make an EICR unsatisfactory. An installation can still be classed as satisfactory where only C3 observations are present.
How long does an EICR inspection take?
The duration of an EICR depends on the size and complexity of the property. As a general guide, inspections typically take between 1 and 2 hours, though larger or more complex installations may take longer.
Will the power be switched off during testing?
Yes, some electrical tests require the power to be temporarily isolated. This is normally for short periods and will be discussed before testing begins.
Do I need to give the EICR to my tenant?
Yes. Landlords must provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before occupation, and to local authorities if requested.
Is an EICR the same as an electrical certificate?
No. An EICR is a periodic inspection report, not a certificate for new electrical work. New or altered electrical installations are covered by separate certification.