How long does an EICR inspection take?

A typical residential EICR takes between one and four hours depending on property size and the number of circuits. Commercial inspections take longer.

Do I need to be present during the EICR?

Not necessarily, but someone must provide access to all areas of the property including the consumer unit, all rooms, loft spaces, and any outbuildings. Restricted access may limit the scope of the inspection.

Will the power be off during the EICR?

Yes, power to individual circuits will be isolated during dead testing. This is unavoidable but usually carried out circuit by circuit to minimise disruption.

What standard does an EICR test against?

EICRs are conducted against BS 7671 — the IET Wiring Regulations. The current edition is the 18th Edition (Amendment 2). The report identifies any aspects of the installation that do not meet current standards.

EICR

What Does an EICR Involve?

Richard Beugnies

Lead Engineer · NICEIC 3175707

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) involves a systematic inspection and testing programme carried out by a qualified electrician. The engineer assesses the condition of the fixed electrical installation — not portable appliances — against the requirements of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations.

Visual Inspection

The inspection begins with a thorough visual assessment. The engineer checks for obvious signs of damage, deterioration, or unsafe installation — exposed wiring, damaged accessories, signs of heat damage, overloaded sockets, inadequate earthing, and any additions or alterations that do not meet current standards. The consumer unit (fusebox) is examined closely for its type, condition, and whether it provides adequate protection.

Dead Testing (Power Off)

With the power isolated, the engineer carries out a series of electrical tests on each circuit. These include: continuity of protective conductors (checking that earth connections are effective), insulation resistance tests (checking for damaged or degraded wiring insulation), and polarity checks (confirming that live, neutral, and earth conductors are connected correctly at all accessories and the consumer unit).

Live Testing (Power On)

With the power restored, the engineer carries out live tests including: earth fault loop impedance measurements (checking that protective devices will operate quickly enough in a fault condition), RCD (residual current device) testing (verifying that RCDs will trip within the required time when a fault is detected), and prospective fault current measurements. These tests confirm that the installation will respond correctly and quickly to a dangerous fault.

How Long Does an EICR Take?

Testing time depends on the size of the installation. A one-bedroom flat typically takes one to two hours. A three or four-bedroom house takes two to four hours. A large commercial installation can take a full day or longer. Testing cannot be completed while the building is occupied if it requires power isolation — this should be agreed with the occupant in advance.

The Report and Certification

After testing, the engineer compiles the EICR. The report records the results of every test, any observations or defects coded C1, C2, C3, or FI, and an overall outcome — Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. For landlords, a copy of the EICR must be provided to all tenants and to the local housing authority on request. The EICR should be kept on file and presented when requested.

EICR Testing UK - Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting - NICEIC Approved