What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report — commonly called an EICR — is a formal assessment of the fixed electrical installation in a property. This covers the wiring, consumer unit, earthing, bonding, sockets, switches, and fixed light fittings.
The purpose is to determine whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition and safe to continue using. The report records the findings and grades any defects found using a standardised code system.
Who needs an EICR?
- Landlords — legally required every five years or at the start of a new tenancy. See our landlord EICR page for full details on compliance.
- Homeowners — recommended every ten years as good practice, particularly useful for older properties.
- Property buyers — provides a clear picture of the electrical installation before purchase.
- Property sellers — having a current EICR can smooth the conveyancing process.
- Anyone with concerns — if you have noticed problems with your electrics, an EICR provides a baseline assessment.
What does the inspection involve?
- Visual inspection of the consumer unit, its components, and general condition
- Testing of RCDs, MCBs, and other protective devices
- Inspection and testing of earthing and main bonding arrangements
- Circuit testing — continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity checks
- Visual inspection of accessible wiring, sockets, switches, and fixed fittings
Examples of issues found during inspection
Not every EICR finds serious faults, but older installations commonly present issues. For a plain English explanation of what the codes mean, see our guide to EICR codes explained. For the most common reasons an inspection returns an unsatisfactory result, see what fails an EICR.
What happens after the EICR?
Once the inspection is complete, we issue the EICR document. If the outcome is satisfactory, no further action is required until the next inspection is due. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, the report will specify what remedial work is needed and how urgently. If the consumer unit is identified as needing replacement, see our consumer unit changes page.
How often is an EICR needed?
For a full breakdown, see our guide on how often an EICR is needed. In short: landlords every five years, owner-occupiers every ten years.