Complete Guide to EICR Testing: What Homeowners Need to Know

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a crucial safety assessment that every homeowner should understand. Whether you're a landlord, selling your property, or simply concerned about electrical safety, this comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about EICR testing.

What is EICR Testing?

An EICR is a formal document that records the condition of an electrical installation at a specific point in time. It's essentially a thorough health check for your property's electrical systems, conducted by a qualified electrician to ensure everything meets current safety standards.

The test evaluates the safety of electrical wiring, consumer units (fuse boxes), sockets, switches, and other electrical components throughout your property. It identifies any potential hazards, deterioration, or non-compliance with current regulations.

When Do You Need an EICR?

There are several situations where an EICR is required or recommended:

Legal Requirements

• Rental Properties: Landlords must have a valid EICR before new tenancies begin and renew every 5 years
• Commercial Properties: Business premises typically require annual EICR testing
• HMOs: Houses in Multiple Occupation need annual electrical safety certificates

Recommended Situations

• When buying or selling a property
• Before major renovations or extensions
• If your property hasn't been tested in the last 10 years
• When electrical problems or concerns arise
• For insurance purposes

The EICR Process

Understanding what happens during an EICR helps you prepare and ensures you get the most from the inspection:

Initial Assessment

Our qualified electrician will start by gathering information about your electrical installation, including the age of the system, any recent work completed, and known issues.

Visual Inspection

We conduct a thorough visual examination of all accessible electrical components, looking for signs of damage, wear, or non-compliance with current standards.

Testing and Measurements

Using specialized testing equipment, we perform various electrical tests including insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD (residual current device) testing.

Cost and Duration

The cost and time required for an EICR depends on several factors:

• Property Size: Larger properties with more circuits take longer to test
• Age of Installation: Older systems may require more detailed investigation
• Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas may extend testing time
• System Complexity: Properties with multiple consumer units or complex wiring

Typical timeframes: Most domestic EICRs take 2-4 hours for an average 3-bedroom property. We'll provide an accurate estimate when booking your appointment.

What Happens After Testing?

Following the inspection, you'll receive a detailed report that categorizes any issues found:

• C1 (Danger Present): Immediate hazard requiring urgent attention
• C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Issues that could become dangerous
• C3 (Improvement Recommended): Items that would benefit from attention
• FI (Further Investigation): Areas requiring additional examination

If any C1 or C2 issues are identified, we'll discuss the necessary remedial work with you and provide a quote for repairs. For peace of mind, we can carry out any required work immediately after the inspection, subject to your approval.