Start from £67
All inclusive (No hidden Cost)
Studio Bedroom
$67.99
*All inclusive tax
1-3
Bedrooms
$94.99
*All inclusive tax
4
Bedrooms
$104.99
*All inclusive tax
5
Bedrooms
$140.99
*All inclusive tax
- EICR TEST
Revealing Hidden Electrical Risks: Why an EICR Inspection Matters
Did you know that around 19,300 electrical fires occur in UK homes every year, many of which could be avoided with regular electrical inspections and proper maintenance?
If you own a property in London, it’s vital to ensure that your electrical installations are safe, compliant, and fit for everyday use. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) plays a crucial role in identifying hidden faults, outdated wiring, or potential safety risks.
A professional EICR inspection not only helps you meet current safety regulations but also prevents minor issues from turning into serious hazards.
Don’t wait until an electrical fault becomes an emergency. Book your Residential EICR inspection today and protect your property and occupants.
What Is An EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) commonly known as an EICR inspection is a detailed assessment of the condition and safety of a property’s electrical installations.
Why Does My Property Need an EICR?
- EICR TEST
What Happens If You Don’t Have Your Electrical System Tested?
If you are a landlord, regular electrical testing is a legal requirement—not only to protect your tenants, but also to safeguard yourself. Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences.
Firstly, you may face enforcement action for breaching Electrical Safety Standards set by your local authority. Depending on the severity of the non-compliance, penalties can reach up to £30,000.
Additionally, your insurance cover may be invalidated. If an electrical fault occurs due to inadequate maintenance or testing, your insurer is unlikely to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Most importantly, failing to carry out electrical testing puts your tenants at risk. Electrical faults can lead to fires, electric shocks, and other dangerous hazards, potentially causing serious injury or worse.
To remain compliant and ensure safety, landlords must have their electrical systems inspected and tested at least once every five years.
What Is Tested During an EICR Inspection?
Visual Inspection
The EICR begins with a comprehensive visual inspection. The electrician checks wiring and electrical components for signs of damage, ageing, wear, loose connections, poor earthing, or overloaded equipment. This stage helps identify visible risks before further testing takes place.
Dead Testing
Dead testing is carried out with the electrical system safely isolated from the mains. This stage checks:
-Continuity of circuits
-Insulation resistance between conductors
-Integrity of earthing arrangements occurs
Live Testing
RCD (Residual Current Device) Testing
RCDs are critical safety devices that protect against electric shock by cutting off the power supply when a fault is detected. During an EICR, each RCD is tested to ensure it trips within the required time and sensitivity levels, in line with safety regulations.
SPD (Surge Protection Device)
Earthing and Bonding Tests
-Earth resistance
-Continuity of bonding conductors
-Current-carrying capacity
How Is an EICR Carried Out?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is carried out by a qualified and registered electrician, typically accredited with NICEIC or NAPIT. Using specialist testing equipment and approved methods, the electrician assesses the condition of your electrical installation to ensure it meets current safety standards and regulations.
The inspection includes a thorough examination of wiring, circuits, protective devices, and electrical components. Any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance issues are identified, and recommendations for repairs or upgrades are clearly documented. At the end of the inspection, you will receive a detailed EICR report outlining the findings and any required actions.
How Long Does an EICR Last?
An EICR certificate is typically valid for five years from the date of issue. However, the validity period may be shorter depending on the type of property, usage, or recommendations made by the inspecting electrician.
A new EICR should also be carried out if any significant electrical alterations or additions are made to the property.
Maintaining accurate records of your EICR, including any repairs or upgrades, is essential for ongoing compliance and electrical safety.
What Happens After I Receive My EICR?
Once you receive a satisfactory (pass) EICR, it should be shared with all relevant parties, including:
Property owners
Landlords
Tenants or occupants
Local authorities (if requested)
It is important to store your EICR certificate securely for future reference. Regular inspections help prevent electrical faults, reduce fire risks, and ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.
Reviewing the report periodically allows you to address any issues promptly, helping to keep everyone safe and your electrical system fully compliant.
What Happens If My EICR Fails?
If an EICR fails, it indicates that the electrical installation in your property does not meet current safety standards. This may be due to issues such as outdated or faulty wiring, inadequate installations, or other electrical defects that could increase the risk of electric shock or fire. To resolve these issues, a qualified electrician must carry out the necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure the system is safe and compliant.
An EICR report clearly identifies any areas where regulations or safety standards have not been met, making it easy to understand what needs attention. It also includes specific observation codes—such as C1, C2, C3, and F1—which highlight the severity of each issue and help prioritise the required corrective actions.
EICR Report must be carried out every 5 Years
EICR Codes Explained
Code 1 (C1) indicates an immediate danger that poses a serious risk of injury or property damage. This issue must be addressed straight away, as the electrical installation is unsafe to use.
Code 2 (C2) highlights a potentially dangerous issue that requires urgent attention. Although not an immediate threat, remedial work should be carried out as soon as possible—typically within 28 days—to prevent the risk of harm or damage. An example includes reverse polarity in socket outlets.
Code 3 (C3) suggests that improvements or upgrades are recommended to bring the installation in line with current standards. This does not result in an EICR failure; however, unresolved C3 issues may reduce the validity period of the report to between 1–5 years rather than the full 5-year certification.
Code 4 (F1) means that further investigation is required, as the inspection could not fully assess a particular issue. This may indicate problems such as a potential wiring system overload, and prompt investigation is necessary to identify and rectify any faults.
EICR Inspection must be conducted by Certified Electricians
What Factors Affect the Cost of an EICR?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can vary depending on several key factors. While typical estimates provide a general guide, your final price may increase or decrease based on the specifics of your property and electrical installation.
1. Size of the Property
The overall size of the property plays a major role in determining EICR costs. Larger homes have more circuits, sockets, switches, and electrical components that require inspection, which increases the time and effort needed to complete the assessment.
2. Complexity of the Electrical Installation
Properties with complex wiring systems, multiple consumer units, or extensive electrical layouts generally cost more to inspect. Larger or more intricate installations require additional testing and expertise, which can raise the overall price.
3. Age and Condition of Electrical Equipment
Older electrical systems often require more detailed testing and may reveal faults that need further investigation. Ageing wiring, outdated components, or poor maintenance can increase the time spent on the inspection and may lead to recommendations for repairs or upgrades—impacting the overall cost.
4. Engineer’s Experience and Qualifications
The qualifications and experience of the electrician carrying out the EICR can also affect pricing. Highly experienced, fully accredited engineers may charge more, but they typically provide a more thorough and accurate report. Choosing a qualified professional can help identify issues early, potentially saving money in the long term.
5. Location and Regional Pricing
Geographical location influences EICR costs due to differences in living expenses and labour rates. For example, EICR inspections in London and surrounding areas are generally more expensive than in other parts of the UK.
How Do I Ensure a Smooth EICR Inspection?
Proper preparation can help ensure your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection is carried out efficiently and without unnecessary delays. Below are key steps you can take to prepare your property and achieve a smooth inspection process.
Hire a Qualified Electrician
The most important step is to hire a certified and experienced electrician who is qualified to carry out EICR inspections. Not all electricians are authorised to perform EICRs, so it’s essential to choose a professional registered with a recognised body such as NICEIC or NAPIT. This ensures the inspection is conducted accurately and that a valid EICR report is issued.
Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations
Before the inspection, take time to understand the applicable electrical safety regulations and standards. Landlords, in particular, should be aware of their obligations under Electrical Safety Standards and related regulations. Familiarity with these requirements helps you identify potential issues early and ensures your property meets legal compliance before the inspection takes place.
Carry Out a Preliminary Check
Once you have booked a qualified electrician, conducting a basic preliminary inspection of your property can be helpful. Checking for visible damage, faulty sockets, or outdated wiring allows you to address obvious issues in advance and gives you an idea of the scope of work required during the EICR.
Follow Expert Advice
If the electrician identifies any issues during the inspection, they will provide professional guidance on how to rectify them. This may include repairing or replacing faulty wiring or components, or issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) following remedial work to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Inform Your Tenants in Advance
If the property is tenanted, it’s essential to notify tenants before the inspection takes place. This allows them to prepare, ask questions, and minimise disruption. Clear communication helps the inspection proceed smoothly and without delays.
Agree on the Scope of the Inspection
Before the inspection begins, confirm the scope of the EICR with your electrician. This ensures both parties are clear on what will be inspected, helps avoid misunderstandings, and clarifies whether any additional work or costs may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a full range of legally required property inspections, including Electrical Safety Checks (EICR), Gas Safety Certificates, Fire Risk Assessments (FRA), PAT Testing, and other compliance services for landlords, business owners, and homeowners.
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report.
An EICR is typically valid for five years from the date of issue. However, the validity may vary depending on your property and its electrical systems. It’s also recommended to get a new assessment whenever significant changes or alterations are made to the building or its electrical components.
A qualified electrician is someone who has completed formal training in electrical systems, is registered with a recognised body such as NICEIC or the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and has the skills and expertise to safely inspect, install, and maintain electrical installations.
