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What is an EICR? Your Ultimate Guide to Electrical Safety

An electrician repairing a fusebox

Have you heard of an EICR but not quite sure what it means? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a landlord or a business owner, read on to find out all you need to know about EICRs.


An EICR is more than just a formality—it’s an essential safety check for your property’s wiring and electrical setup, ensuring everything meets safety standards and regulations.


This guide will answer every question about EICRs: what they are, why you need one, how much they cost, and what’s involved in an EICR check. Whether you’re a landlord or homeowner, understanding EICRs is key to keeping your property safe.


What is an EICR?


You can think of an EICR as a health check for the wiring and electrical setups in your property. Whether you own, rent out, or manage a property, an EICR helps ensure that all your electrical systems are safe and up to standard.


With EICR testing, a qualified electrician will assess your property’s wiring, fixtures, and safety mechanisms, identifying anything that needs fixing. When complete, you’ll get an EICR certificate confirming that your property meets EICR regulations, which is essential for landlords and advised for all property owners.


What Does EICR Stand For?


EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. This report is an assessment of your property’s electrical system, focusing on safety, functionality, and compliance with UK standards.


During an EICR check, an electrician will examine your wiring, circuits, sockets, and other electrical installations to ensure they’re in good condition and don’t pose any risk.


What Does an EICR Check Include?


During EICR testing, a qualified electrician examines many key areas, including:


  • Wiring Integrity: Ensuring that wiring is intact, secure, and free from wear and tear to prevent fire risks.


  • Earthing and Bonding: Confirming that electrical circuits are grounded and meet safety standards to prevent electrical shocks.


  • Sockets and Switches: Inspecting fixtures for damage or loose connections that could cause hazards.


  • Consumer Unit/Fuse Board: Verifying that the fuse board or consumer unit is functioning correctly and meets EICR regulations.


  • Residual Current Devices (RCDs): Ensuring RCDs trip accurately to prevent electrical hazards.


This thorough check results in an EICR report which categorises any faults according to severity. This report, with a clear pass/fail result, gives property owners a clear action plan for necessary electrical repairs.


Why Do I Need an EICR?


Not only is an EICR important for compliance, but it can also help prevent hazards and keep repair costs down. By spotting potential issues early, EICRs give you peace of mind that your property’s electrical system is safe and sound.


Plus, staying compliant with the latest EICR regulations is crucial for landlords, as it’s now a legal requirement in the UK.


An EICR test is can identify electrical hazards, prevent fires, and ensure occupant safety. The report highlights issues that need immediate attention or improvement, ensuring properties comply with Building Regulations.


These checks are mandatory for landlords and recommended for all property owners, as they can help avoid costly repairs and insurance complications.


Understanding EICR Report Codes


EICR reports use specific codes to highlight the severity of faults:


  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate danger; requires urgent correction.

  • C2 (Potential Danger): Faults that could become hazardous if left unresolved.

  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): Non-urgent recommendations to improve safety.

  • FI (Further Investigation Required): When the initial check reveals issues that require more examination.


Only properties with a pass result (no C1 or C2 codes) receive a valid EICR certificate.


EICR Testing Frequency: How Often Should an EICR Be Done?


How often you’ll need EIRC testing will depend on the type of property. Here’s a quick breakdown:


Rental Properties should have an EICR test every 5 years or with each new tenancy. This keeps landlords compliant with UK rental regulations and helps reassure tenants that their home is safe.


Owner-Occupied Homes are recommended to have an EICR every 10 years, though it’s recommended to get one every 5 years for older properties or if there’s been significant electrical work done.


Commercial Properties need EICR testing every 5 years, although high-risk settings, such as industrial or heavy-use environments, may benefit from more regular inspections to account for wear and tear on the electrical system.


Industrial Buildings like factories, warehouses, and workshops require testing every 3 years. Industrial environments require more frequent testing than office spaces (which are every 5 years) due to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures in the workplace, in addition to more complex installations to power equipment that is used constantly, therefore posing a higher risk to those in the workplace.


How Much Does an EICR Cost?


The EICR certificate cost varies based on property size, location, and the complexity of the electrical installations


  • 1-Bedroom Flat: Approximately £100–£150


  • 2-3 Bedroom House: £150–£200


  • Larger Homes: £200+


  • Commercial Properties: Starting from £300 but could increase with higher complexity


These estimates provide a guide, but actual EICR costs depend on specific factors, so it’s best to request a quote from a certified electrician.


Choosing a certified electrician like GMI Electrical ensures accurate quotes and compliant testing, so avoid unusually low offers, which may indicate insufficient testing or an incomplete EICR check.


NICEIC logo

 

Frequently Asked Questions: EICR FAQs


  1. What is an EICR Certificate?


An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal document issued following an EICR check. This check assesses the condition of fixed electrical installations, such as wiring, sockets, and fuse boards. After an EICR test, a qualified electrician provides an EICR certificate to confirm the results.


  1. Who Can Carry Out an EICR?


Only registered, certified electricians can legally perform EICR testing. Qualified professionals are certified by schemes like NICEIC or NAPIT. Always choose a reputable provider to ensure accurate testing and compliance with EICR regulations.


  1. Is an EICR Mandatory?


EICRs are mandatory for all rental properties. However, they are strongly recommended for all properties, as they help avoid electrical issues and may lower insurance costs.


  1. When Did EICR Become Law?


In the UK, EICR regulations for rental properties became law in July 2020 (2022 in Wales). Landlords are now legally required to conduct regular EICR testing and provide an EICR certificate to tenants.


  1. Do I Need a New EICR for a New Tenant?


Yes, landlords are responsible for making sure that each new tenant has an up-to-date EICR certificate, showing the property meets electrical safety standards.


  1. How Long Does an EICR Take?


On average, EICR testing takes 2–4 hours, depending on the property’s size and condition. Larger properties or properties with a lot of issues may take more time.


EICR at GMI Electrical


At GMI Electrical, we are fully-approved NICEIC contractors and specialise in comprehensive EICR testing across Cardiff and South Wales to keep your property safe and compliant.


Whether you’re a landlord needing an EICR for your rental, a business owner, or a homeowner wanting peace of mind, our experienced team is here to help. Reach out to us today on 01443 526016.


But that’s not all—we also offer a wide range of electrical services to meet your needs. Don’t wait for a problem to arise; contact us today for a reliable EICR test and let us make sure your property is in top shape!

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