An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive assessment of your property's electrical safety, but many homeowners and landlords are uncertain about what actually happens during the inspection. At Safe Elec UK, we conduct hundreds of EICRs across the North West and West Midlands each year, and we understand that knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease.

Whether you're a landlord meeting legal requirements, a homeowner concerned about electrical safety, or someone buying a property, this guide will walk you through every stage of the EICR process and help you understand what the results mean for your property.

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What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a detailed inspection and testing procedure that evaluates the safety and condition of your electrical installation. It's sometimes called a "periodic inspection" and is designed to identify potential electrical hazards, deterioration, or defects that could put people at risk.

Unlike a simple visual check, an EICR involves comprehensive testing using specialist equipment to measure the performance of your electrical system. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician with the appropriate certification - at Safe Elec UK, all our electricians are NICEIC registered and fully qualified to conduct EICRs.

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When Do You Need an EICR?

EICRs are legally required for rental properties in England every five years, and for new tenancies since July 2020. However, they're also recommended for:

• Homeowners every 10 years (or every 5 years for properties over 40 years old)
• Properties being bought or sold
• Insurance requirements
• Businesses and commercial premises (frequency varies by use)
• After significant electrical work or modifications

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Before the Inspection: What to Expect

When you book an EICR with Safe Elec UK, we'll arrange a convenient appointment time. Our uniformed, CRB-checked electrician will arrive with all necessary testing equipment and protective materials to keep your property clean.

Before starting, our electrician will:

• Explain the inspection process and answer any questions
• Identify the age and type of electrical installation
• Locate your consumer unit (fuse box) and main electrical circuits
• Check for any obvious safety concerns that need immediate attention
• Plan the testing sequence to minimise disruption

You don't need to move furniture or prepare extensively, but it's helpful to ensure access to:

• Your consumer unit
• A selection of sockets in each room
• Light switches and ceiling roses where safely accessible
• Any outdoor electrical installations

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Stage 1: Visual Inspection

The EICR begins with a thorough visual examination of your electrical installation. Our electrician will inspect:

Consumer Unit Assessment:

• Age and condition of the consumer unit
• Correct labelling of circuits
• Presence of RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
• Signs of overheating, damage, or unauthorised modifications
• Adequate earthing and bonding connections

Wiring and Accessories:

• Socket outlets, switches, and light fittings
• Condition of cables where visible (in lofts, basements, or surface-mounted)
• Signs of damage, wear, or improper installation
• Adequate cable support and protection
• Appropriate accessories for the environment (e.g., IP-rated fittings in bathrooms)

Safety Systems:

• Main earthing and bonding to gas and water services
• Smoke alarm electrical connections
• Emergency lighting (in commercial properties)

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Stage 2: Testing Procedures

After the visual inspection, comprehensive electrical testing begins. This involves using specialised test equipment to measure various aspects of your electrical system's performance.

Dead Testing (Power Off):With the electricity supply safely isolated, our electrician will test:

• Continuity of protective conductors - ensuring earth wires provide a safe path for fault current
• Continuity of ring final circuits - checking socket ring circuits are properly connected
• Insulation resistance - measuring how well cable insulation prevents unwanted current flow
• Polarity - confirming live and neutral connections are correct

Live Testing (Power On):Once dead tests are complete, the power is restored for live testing:

• Earth fault loop impedance - measuring the path electrical current takes during a fault
• RCD operation - testing that safety devices trip within the correct timeframe
• Functional testing - checking switches, sockets, and other accessories operate correctly

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Understanding Test Results and Codes

During testing, our electrician will record any defects or concerns using a standardised coding system:

Code C1 - Danger Present:Immediate hazards requiring urgent attention. The electricity supply may need to be disconnected until repairs are completed. Examples include:

• Exposed live parts
• Missing earth connections
• Damaged cables creating shock or fire risks

Code C2 - Potentially Dangerous:Defects that don't pose immediate danger but require improvement for safety. These should be addressed promptly. Examples include:

• Lack of RCD protection in required circuits
• Inadequate earthing and bonding
• Damaged accessories still functioning but compromised

Code C3 - Improvement Recommended:Items that don't meet current standards but aren't necessarily dangerous. These are recommendations for future improvement. Examples include:

• Older accessories that function but would benefit from upgrading
• Minor labelling issues
• Improvements that would enhance safety

FI - Further Investigation Required:Situations where additional specialist investigation is needed to determine safety, such as:

• Concealed wiring that cannot be fully assessed
• Complex installations requiring specialist knowledge
• Suspected faults that need additional testing

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The Final Report

Once the inspection and testing are complete, you'll receive a comprehensive EICR document containing:

Summary Pages:

• Overall assessment of the installation's condition
• Recommendations for next inspection
• Declaration of whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory

Detailed Findings:

• Complete list of all circuits tested
• Test results and measurements
• Schedule of all defects found with their codes
• Recommendations for remedial work

Supporting Information:

• Details of the inspection extent and limitations
• Notes about any areas that couldn't be accessed
• Photographs of significant defects (where appropriate)

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What Happens If Your Installation Fails?

If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 defects, your electrical installation is deemed "unsatisfactory" and remedial work is required. Don't panic - this is common, particularly in older properties.

At Safe Elec UK, we can:

• Provide a detailed quote for necessary remedial work
• Prioritise urgent safety issues
• Complete repairs efficiently with minimal disruption
• Issue a new satisfactory EICR once work is completed

For landlords, an unsatisfactory EICR means you must arrange remedial work within 28 days and provide tenants with a copy of the satisfactory report.

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How Long Does an EICR Take?

The duration depends on your property size and complexity:

• Small flats: 2-3 hours
• Average family homes: 3-5 hours
• Large properties: Full day or longer
• Commercial premises: Varies significantly by size and use

Our electrician will provide a realistic timeframe when booking your appointment.

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Choosing the Right EICR Provider

An EICR is only as good as the electrician conducting it. At Safe Elec UK, we ensure:

• All electricians are NICEIC registered and qualified
• We use calibrated, professional-grade test equipment
• Reports comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
• Clear, comprehensive reporting with photographic evidence where helpful
• Honest assessment without unnecessary upselling
• Professional, uniformed service with complete cleanup

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The Cost of Professional Peace of Mind

An EICR represents excellent value for the safety assurance it provides. The cost is minimal compared to the potential consequences of electrical faults - house fires, injury, insurance problems, or legal issues for landlords.

At Safe Elec UK, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden charges. Our 18 years of experience and excellent customer reviews (25+ on Google, 200+ on Checkatrade) reflect our commitment to quality service.

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Book Your EICR Today

Whether you need an EICR for legal compliance, insurance requirements, or peace of mind, Safe Elec UK is here to help. Our experienced electricians serve properties across the North West and West Midlands, providing professional, thorough electrical safety assessments.

We understand that electrical safety can seem complex, but our friendly, approachable team will explain everything clearly and answer any questions you have. We're not pushy or sales-driven - we're focused on raising electrical safety awareness and ensuring your property meets the highest safety standards.

Don't leave electrical safety to chance. Contact Safe Elec UK today to book your professional EICR and ensure your electrical installation is safe, compliant, and properly maintained.

Safe Elec UK provides comprehensive electrical safety services across the North West and West Midlands. Contact us today for professional EICR inspections, remedial work, and expert electrical advice.