If you own a home, rent out a property, or manage a business premises in the UK, you may have heard the term EICR being mentioned. But what exactly is an EICR, and why is it important? This guide will explain everything you need to know, from the technical aspects to the practical reasons why you need one.
What is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is an official document that assesses the condition of the electrical systems within a property, ensuring they meet the current safety standards. An EICR is carried out by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer and is designed to identify any faults, potential hazards, or areas where the electrical installation does not comply with the latest regulations.
EICRs are a crucial part of property safety and maintenance, helping to prevent electrical fires, electric shocks, and other hazards that could pose a risk to occupants.
Why Do You Need an EICR?
There are several key reasons why an EICR is essential:
1. Legal Requirements for Landlords
Since 1st July 2020, landlords in England have been legally required to ensure that electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested every five years. This falls under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
As a landlord, you must:
- Arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out an EICR.
- Provide a copy of the report to new tenants before they move in.
- Supply an EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
- Address any urgent remedial work flagged in the report within 28 days (or sooner if specified).
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines of up to £30,000 issued by local authorities.
2. Homeowners – Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Although it is not a legal requirement for homeowners to obtain an EICR, it is highly recommended, especially if:
- Your property is over 10 years old.
- You are purchasing a home and want to ensure the electrical system is safe.
- You have never had an electrical inspection carried out.
- You notice signs of electrical faults, such as flickering lights or burning smells.
An EICR provides peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is in safe working order and does not pose any risks to you or your family.
3. Business Owners – Meeting Health & Safety Obligations
For commercial properties, an EICR is essential under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Employers and business owners have a legal duty to ensure that electrical installations in their workplaces are maintained in a safe condition.
Regular EICR inspections help:
- Prevent workplace electrical accidents.
- Reduce the risk of fire hazards.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.
- Avoid legal consequences in case of an electrical-related incident.
4. Insurance and Liability Protection
Many insurance providers require an up-to-date EICR as part of their policy conditions. If an electrical fault causes a fire or injury and there is no valid EICR, an insurer may refuse to pay out a claim.
By obtaining an EICR, you reduce your liability risks and demonstrate due diligence in maintaining electrical safety in your property.
What Happens During an EICR?
A qualified electrician will carry out a thorough inspection of the electrical system in the property. This includes:
1. Visual Inspection
The electrician will check for obvious signs of deterioration, such as:
- Damaged sockets or switches.
- Exposed wiring.
- Signs of burning or overheating.
- Incorrectly installed electrical components.
2. Testing the Electrical Circuits
The electrician will use specialist testing equipment to check:
- Continuity (ensuring there are no breaks in the wiring).
- Insulation resistance (checking if wires are properly insulated to prevent electric shocks).
- Polarity testing (ensuring wires are correctly connected).
- Earth fault loop impedance (checking if the system is properly grounded for safety).
3. Identifying Any Faults or Hazards
If any issues are found, they will be classified as follows:
- C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate risk of harm. The issue must be fixed immediately to prevent danger.
- C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Urgent remedial action required, but not an immediate hazard.
- C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Not dangerous, but improvements should be made.
- FI (Further Investigation Required) – The electrician needs to carry out more checks to determine the safety of the installation.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
The recommended frequency of an EICR depends on the type of property:
| Property Type | Recommended EICR Frequency |
| Homeowners (owner-occupied) | Every 5 years |
| Rented properties | Every 5 years (legal requirement) |
| Commercial properties | Every 5 years (or sooner depending on risk level) |
| Industrial properties | Every 3 years |
| Properties with swimming pools | Every year (due to high moisture levels) |
If you make significant changes to your electrical system, it is advisable to get an EICR sooner rather than waiting for the next scheduled inspection.
What Happens If Your EICR Fails?
If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 issues, you must arrange for repairs as soon as possible. For landlords, these repairs must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if stated in the report.
Once the remedial work is completed, the electrician will issue a satisfactory EICR or provide an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to confirm that the issues have been resolved.
Failure to take action could result in fines, invalid insurance claims, and potential risks to occupants.
How to Book an EICR Inspection
To ensure your property is safe and compliant, follow these steps:
- Find a Qualified Electrician – Choose an electrician registered with NAPIT, NICEIC, or the ECA.
- Schedule the Inspection – Arrange a convenient time for the electrician to visit your property.
- Review the Report – Check for any issues and arrange remedial work if necessary.
- Keep Records – Store your EICR safely for future reference, especially if you are a landlord.
Final Thoughts
An EICR is a vital safety check that ensures the electrical system in your property is functioning correctly and does not pose any risks. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, keeping up with regular EICR inspections protects lives, property, and legal compliance.
If you haven’t had an EICR conducted recently, now is the time to book one and ensure your property remains safe and legally compliant.