You cannot see the condition of an installation by looking at the sockets. Testing is the only way to know whether the wiring behind the walls is sound — and it is the part of our work that most often changes what we recommend.
What an EICR actually checks
An Electrical Installation Condition Report combines visual inspection with instrument testing: insulation resistance, earth continuity, loop impedance, RCD operation and polarity. The result is a written record of the condition of every circuit.
Understanding the codes
Observations are coded, and the codes matter:
- C1 — danger present, requires immediate action
- C2 — potentially dangerous, remedial work required
- C3 — improvement recommended, does not fail the report
- FI — further investigation required
Who needs one, and how often
Rented property in England requires an EICR at least every five years. Owner-occupied homes are commonly recommended every ten years, or on change of occupancy. Commercial premises are typically every five years, and holiday lets are usually treated like rentals by insurers.
It is also the sensible first step before buying a property, or before spending money on a renovation.
What you get from us
A full report with the schedule of test results, plain-English explanation of anything coded, and a clear separation between what must be done and what is simply worth doing. We quote remedial work separately so you are never pressured into it at the point of inspection.
Common Questions
For a typical domestic property, half a day to a day depending on the number of circuits and how accessible the installation is.
This article is general guidance, not a substitute for inspection and testing of your specific installation. If you're unsure, call us on 07496 242488 — advice over the phone is free.
