Electrical INSTALLATION and condition reports

I carry out periodic inspection and testing of both domestic and commercial electrical installations. I am fully qualified, accredited, and insured to issue Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) under my NAPIT and CPS membership.

An EICR (formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report) assesses whether an existing electrical installation is safe for continued use. It involves a detailed inspection and testing process to determine the condition and safety of your electrical system.

While not legally required for homeowners, BS 7671 (the wiring regulations) recommends that domestic installations be inspected at least every 10 years. For rental properties, offices, shops, and other commercial premises, an EICR is recommended every 5 years—or upon a change in occupancy.

Landlords are legally required to ensure that the electrical installations in their properties are safe. Since mid-2020, it has been a legal obligation in the private rented sector to have installations assessed and passed as safe through a valid EICR.

You may need—or wish—to obtain an EICR if:

• You are planning to sell or rent your property
• You are having major building work carried out
• Your property has suffered fire or flood damage
• Your insurance provider requires it
• You’ve moved into a property and are concerned about electrical safety
  

The EICR includes inspection and testing of:

• Final circuits (sockets, lights)
• Consumer unit (fuse box)
• Protective devices (circuit breakers, RCDs)
• Earthing and bonding to water and gas
• The service head and supply arrangements
  

Your installation will be rated as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, based on the inspector’s findings.

Any issues found are assigned a code:

• C1 – Danger Present (e.g., exposed live parts, undersized wiring)
• C2 – Potentially Dangerous (e.g., missing earthing, incorrectly rated fuse or breaker)
• C3 – Improvement Recommended (e.g., outdated plastic consumer unit, no RCD protection)
• FI – Further Investigation Required (e.g., unclear test result or anomaly)
  

If your report includes a C1, C2, or FI, the installation will be deemed unsatisfactory. A C3 is advisory only and does not affect the overall result.

A valid EICR is more than just paperwork—it's a legal document that can protect you in the event of an electrical incident. The inspector assumes legal responsibility for the declared condition of the installation. In the case of an electrical fire, injury, or insurance claim, having a valid EICR helps prove that you’ve taken reasonable steps to maintain electrical safety.

Make sure the inspector is competent, qualified, and insured. I hold industry-recognised qualifications in electrical inspection and testing and carry the necessary professional indemnity insurance to support my findings.

An EICR cannot always cover 100% of the installation. For example, wiring hidden behind walls or under floors can't be inspected without invasive work. The scope and limitations of the inspection will be discussed with you beforehand and recorded in the report, as required.

A responsible inspector will aim to check as much of the installation as is practical without causing damage.

If you see EICR services advertised for £100 or less, approach with caution. A thorough EICR for a standard two-bedroom house should take at least half a day, depending on the number of circuits.

Cheap providers may:

• Rush the inspection to maximise daily visits, often listing excessive “limitations” to justify shortcuts
• Identify faults and pressure you to pay for immediate remedial work
  

Important: You are under no obligation to use the same company for fault rectification. The EICR paper work and results are your property, and you can share it with any other qualified electrician. Another company can carry out the remedial work and issue a new certificate if necessary.

Check 

You can check to see if a person or company is certified to to undertake EICRs at the following link 

https://electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/

What to Expect During Your EICR

For a two-bedroom semi-detached property, the inspection and testing typically takes around half a day. Here’s how we’ll proceed:

1. Pre-work discussion
   • I’ll explain the process in detail and confirm any limitations before starting.
    
2. Required access
   • Consumer unit (fuse box) and meter box (please clear away coats, shoes, etc.)
   • Every room in the house (where circumstances allow)
   • Electrical outlets and light fittings— I may need to move some items of furniture (e.g., a sofa) to gain access.
    
3. Power interruptions
   • The power will need to be turned off for the majority of the inspection and testing.
    
4. Sample removals
   • I’ll remove a small number of socket covers and light fittings to access internal connections.
    

I always strive to minimize disruption. When selecting which sockets or fittings to remove, I choose the ones which will cause the least disturbance. However, if, for example, a light switch has been painted over, you may notice some disturbance to the paintwork around its edges after it’s refitted. I will not move large fitted furniture and appliances such as cookers or fridges. If you have any questions or concerns about this ahead of time, please let me know.