An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough health check of a property’s wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and lights. If you’ve booked one, or a tenant has asked what to expect, here’s how the day works.
How long does an EICR take?
It depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits:
- a one- or two-bedroom flat: usually a few hours
- a typical three-bedroom house: around half a day
- larger houses or properties with lots of circuits: a full day or more
Older installations, poor access or missing circuit labels can add time.
Will the power be off?
Yes, for part of the visit. Some tests can only be done with circuits switched off. The electrician works circuit by circuit where possible, so the whole property isn’t off for long. Before the visit:
- save any work on computers and switch off sensitive equipment
- expect the clocks on ovens, microwaves and alarms to need resetting
- let the electrician know about anything that must stay on, such as medical equipment, freezers or alarms
What the electrician does
1. Visual inspection. The consumer unit, cables, sockets, switches and fittings are checked for damage, overheating, wear and anything that doesn’t meet current safety standards. This includes earthing and bonding to gas and water pipes.
2. Testing. Using specialist test equipment, the electrician checks that circuits are continuous and correctly connected, that insulation is sound, that faults would disconnect quickly enough, and that RCDs trip within the required time.
3. Sampling. A proportion of sockets and fittings is opened up for a closer look. If problems are found, more are checked.
How to prepare
- Clear access to the consumer unit, meters and every room, including lofts and garages where there are electrics
- Move furniture away from sockets where you can
- Have any previous EICR or certificates to hand. They help the electrician compare results.
- Tenants: make sure someone can let the electrician in, or agree key access with the agent
The report
You’ll receive the report shortly after the visit. It will say whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and list any observations with codes (C1, C2, C3 or FI). Our EICR codes guide explains what each one means.
Landlords: what you must do
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:
- have the installation inspected at least every five years
- give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in
- give a copy to the local council within 7 days if asked
- complete any required remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and get written confirmation it’s been done
Book an EICR
Positive Contractors is an NICEIC Approved Contractor carrying out EICRs for homeowners, landlords and agents. If anything needs fixing, we can quote and complete the remedials quickly. See a real example in our consumer unit upgrade after an EICR. We cover London and Essex, with our own engineers working every day across Chigwell, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford, Ilford, Romford, Brentwood and Epping. Call 020 8227 0035 or book an EICR.