What an EICR is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal assessment of an existing fixed electrical installation. It considers the condition of accessible wiring, accessories, distribution equipment, earthing and protective measures, supported by electrical testing.
The report is not simply a certificate saying that every hidden cable is perfect. It records what was inspected, what could not be accessed, the test results, observations and the recommended interval before the next inspection.
Who may need an EICR
EICRs are commonly requested by landlords, property owners, buyers, sellers, insurers, managing agents and businesses planning maintenance. A report can also be useful before a refurbishment or consumer-unit change because it gives evidence about the connected circuits.
For rented homes in England, the current government guidance states that landlords must arrange inspection and testing by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner where the previous report specifies a shorter interval. The rules and document-sharing duties should be checked against the latest GOV.UK electrical-safety guidance.
What happens during the inspection
The inspector normally begins by reviewing the purpose of the report, any previous documents and known issues. Distribution boards and accessible accessories are examined, circuits are identified where possible, and testing is carried out using safe isolation procedures.
Power interruption is usually necessary. Fixed equipment may need to be disconnected or isolated, and some parts of the property may be inaccessible. Any agreed limitations should be recorded rather than hidden.
Typical areas considered
- Supply arrangement, earthing and bonding.
- Consumer units or distribution boards and protective devices.
- Circuit identification, conductor condition and polarity.
- Residual-current protection and disconnection performance.
- Accessible sockets, switches, lighting points and fixed equipment connections.
- Signs of damage, overheating, unsuitable alterations or environmental exposure.
Understanding observation codes
Observations are classified so the person responsible can prioritise action. In broad terms:
- C1 — danger present: immediate action is needed to remove or isolate the danger.
- C2 — potentially dangerous: urgent remedial action is recommended.
- FI — further investigation: more investigation is required without delay because the safety significance could not be established.
- C3 — improvement recommended: an improvement is advised, but it does not normally make the report unsatisfactory on its own.
A report containing C1, C2 or FI observations is normally recorded as unsatisfactory. The wording and context of each observation matter, so ask for an explanation rather than relying only on the code.
Landlord actions after the report
Current English guidance requires landlords to retain and provide the report in specified circumstances, including to tenants and the local authority when requested. Where remedial or further investigative work is required, the applicable deadline must be followed. The report may set a shorter period than the general regulatory maximum.
Landlords should keep a clear record of the original report, quotations, completed remedial work and written confirmation. If a different contractor completes the remedials, provide them with the relevant observations and ensure the resulting documentation is retained with the property records.
How to prepare for an EICR
- Provide previous reports and certificates if available.
- Ensure the consumer unit and electrical cupboards are accessible.
- Arrange access to every room, outbuilding and relevant communal area in scope.
- Tell occupants that power will be interrupted.
- Identify critical equipment that cannot be isolated without planning.
- Share known faults, alterations, leaks or recent building work.
Good access improves the value of the report and reduces avoidable limitations. It may also reduce time spent tracing circuits or arranging a return visit.
Remedial work and retesting
The inspection price should not be assumed to include repairs. Once the findings are known, defined remedial work can be quoted. Some observations may be resolved directly; others require investigation, access or a wider upgrade.
After remedials, the appropriate electrical documentation should record what was done. Whether a complete new EICR is required depends on the circumstances, the original report and the evidence produced for the corrective work.
What affects EICR cost
Property size is only one factor. Circuit count, multiple boards, poor labelling, occupied rooms, outbuildings, fixed equipment, access restrictions and the condition of the installation all affect inspection time.
A very low headline price may assume a small, straightforward property with easy access. Compare the stated scope, number of circuits, limitations and reporting—not only the advertised figure.
The practical next step
For a useful quotation, provide the postcode, property type, approximate bedroom count, number of consumer units, occupancy status and deadline. Send the previous report where one exists.
View Bastian Electrical’s EICR service or request an inspection quotation.