What is an EICR?
An EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report — is a formal assessment of the electrical installation within a property. It is carried out by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer to determine whether the fixed wiring, sockets, consumer unit (fusebox), and associated equipment are safe and meet current UK electrical safety standards.
What Does EICR Stand For?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is sometimes called an electrical safety certificate, a fixed wire test, or a periodic inspection report (PIR) — all of these terms refer to the same thing. The report assesses the condition of the electrical installation in a building at a point in time and identifies any issues that need to be addressed.
What Is Inspected During an EICR?
The inspection covers the fixed electrical installation — the wiring, switchgear, earthing arrangements, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit, and protective devices. The engineer will check that the installation is safe, that earth connections are effective, that protective devices are correctly rated, that wiring is in good condition, and that the installation meets the requirements of BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations).
What Do the EICR Codes Mean?
The report uses a coding system to classify findings. C1 (Danger Present) means immediate remedial action is required. C2 (Potentially Dangerous) means urgent action is needed. C3 (Improvement Recommended) means a recommendation that is not essential but advisable. FI (Further Investigation Required) means more investigation is needed. An EICR is only issued as 'Satisfactory' if there are no C1 or C2 codes.
Who Needs an EICR?
EICRs are legally required for private landlords in England and Scotland. They are also strongly recommended (and often required by insurers) for commercial properties. Many homebuyers commission an EICR as part of the conveyancing process. Housing associations, schools, hospitals, offices, and any premises with electrical installations benefit from regular EICRs.
What Happens After the Inspection?
If the EICR is Satisfactory, you receive the report and no further action is needed until the next inspection is due. If the EICR is Unsatisfactory (contains C1 or C2 codes), remedial works must be carried out by a qualified electrician and a completion certificate issued. Landlords must carry out remedial works within 28 days (or sooner if immediate danger is present).