2025 Electrical Safety Check (EICR). What is involved

1) Understanding Electrical Safety Checks in the UK: What to Expect from an EICR

As a qualified electrician and electrical lecturer, I’ve often seen confusion among property owners—both domestic and commercial—about what an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) entails. With electrical safety being both a legal requirement and a fundamental responsibility, it’s essential to understand what these checks involve and why they matter. This article explores what homeowners, landlords, and business owners can expect from an EICR, covering the process, requirements, and outcomes of these inspections.

2) The Importance of Electrical Safety Checks

Electrical systems play a vital role in our daily lives, from powering our appliances to lighting our homes and workplaces. Over time, these systems can deteriorate, and potential hazards such as faulty wiring, damaged plug sockets, or outdated consumer units may emerge. Without regular checks, these issues pose risks of electric shocks, fire hazards, or even legal action due to dangers or serious non-compliance with current safety standards.

For domestic homeowners, electrical safety inspections offer peace of mind that their property is safe. For landlords and commercial property owners, ensuring the condition of the electrical installations is a legal obligation under various regulations, including the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties or remedial notices issued by local authorities.

(Photo: An aging Consumer Unit with dangerous holes in the front)

3) What Is an EICR?

An EICR is a detailed report documenting the condition of a property’s electrical installations. It assesses whether the electrical wiring, consumer unit, and fixed electrical installations comply with current regulations. The report highlights any issues that pose a potential danger, classifying them by severity, and outlines any necessary repairs or remedial work.

An EICR is not just good practice; it’s often a legal requirement. Rental properties in the private rented sector, for instance, must have a valid EICR before new tenants move in, and inspections must be conducted at regular intervals. Commercial properties also require periodic inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

4) The EICR Process: What to Expect

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, an EICR inspection follows a structured process. Here’s what you can expect:

4.1) 1. Visual Inspection

The inspection begins with a thorough visual check of the electrical system. This involves examining:

• Light fittings for signs of wear or damage
• Plug sockets for faults 
• Electrical wiring for signs of wear and tear
• The consumer unit to ensure it’s up to date 
• Any visible electrical appliances and portable appliances (if agreed in advance)

This step identifies obvious defects, such as exposed wires, damaged circuit breakers, or outdated installations.

4.2) 2. Testing of Electrical Circuits

Next, the electrician conducts electrical tests to assess the safety and functionality of the circuits. These tests check for issues like faulty wiring, potential hazards, and risks of fire or electric shock. Key aspects include:

• Testing the mains power supply and circuit breakers 
• Measuring the resistance and insulation of the electrical wiring
• Checking the earthing and bonding to ensure fault protection

The number of circuits tested depends on the size of the property and the complexity of its electrical system.

(PHOTO: Damaged Plug Socket found during an EICR)

4.3) 3. Classification of Issues

Any issues found during the inspection are classified according to their severity:

• C1: Danger present, immediate remedial action required
• C2: Potentially dangerous, remedial action needed urgently
• C3: Improvement recommended, but not urgent
• FI: Further investigation required

These codes help property owners prioritize necessary repairs and understand the risks involved.

4.4) 4. Detailed Report

The electrician provides a detailed report summarizing the findings. This EICR includes:

• A description of the electrical systems and circuits inspected
• The classification codes for any issues identified
• Recommendations for remedial action or further investigation
• A conclusion on whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory

For landlords and business owners, providing a copy of the report to tenants or local authorities (if requested) ensures compliance with legal obligations.

(Photo: Missing Covers and bare wires discovered on an EICR)

4.5) 5. Remedial Work and Certification

If the EICR identifies issues, remedial work must be carried out by a competent electrician. Once the work is completed, an Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or a valid electrical safety certificate is issued, confirming that the installations meet current safety standards.

5) Specific Considerations for Domestic and Commercial Properties

While the basic EICR process is similar, there are differences in what homeowners and commercial customers should expect.

5.1) Domestic Properties

For homeowners and private landlords, electrical safety checks focus on the fixed electrical installations in the property. Key areas of inspection include:

• The consumer unit 
• Electrical wiring
• Plug sockets
• Light fittings
• Earthing 
• Bonding to Gas and Water

Landlords of rental properties must conduct EICRs at least every five years or at the start of new tenancies. Regular intervals for inspections ensure that any electrical faults or potential hazards are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of injury to tenants.
If you do not have an in date electrical inspection certificate, your home insurance may not cover you for electrical problems.

(PHOTO: Electrical Test Equipment used to carry out testing on an EICR)

5.2) Commercial Properties

Business owners and commercial landlords must ensure their electrical systems comply with regulations such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. EICRs for commercial properties often involve more extensive checks, including:

• Testing electrical appliances through Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
• Assessing large-scale installations and the number of circuits
• Ensuring that electrical equipment used by employees meets safety standards
• Identifying any changes in the premises that may affect the electrical system

For commercial properties, these checks are essential not only for legal compliance but also for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies require a valid EICR to cover potential risks.

6) Why Choose a Qualified Electrician?

Electrical safety inspections must be carried out by a competent person. This means hiring a qualified electrician or a registered electrical engineer with the expertise to identify risks and recommend appropriate solutions. Choosing an experienced professional ensures:

• Compliance with current regulations
• Accurate diagnosis of electrical issues
• Safe and reliable remedial work

Unqualified inspections can miss critical issues, putting property owners and occupants at risk of injury or legal action. An electrician in 2025 must possess the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Qualification (including any amendments) and a relevant testing qualification such as the City and Guilds 2391 or equivalent periodic inspection qualification. The electrician should also ideally have their NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent along with the AM2 qualification. Older qualifications may differ.

7) How to Prepare for a Domestic EICR

To ensure an effective and efficient EICR inspection (periodic electrical inspection), preparation is key. Here’s how property owners can get ready:

• Make Electrical Accessories Accessible: Ensure that socket outlets, switches, and other electrical accessories are easy to access. Inspectors need to examine and test these components, and any obstructions may hamper their ability to carry out a thorough inspection.
• Clear Access to the Consumer Unit: The fuse box or consumer unit must be easily accessible. Inspectors will need to assess its condition and perform various tests.
• Provide Access to All Areas: Make sure that lofts, basements, and cupboards where electrical systems or wiring may be located are unlocked and accessible.
• Inform Occupants in Advance: Notify tenants or other occupants about the inspection date to minimize disruptions and ensure cooperation.

Without adequate access to electrical equipment, only limited testing and inspection may be possible, which could lead to incomplete findings and further delays.

(PHOTO: Burnt out wiring in a Consumer Unit found on an EICR)

8) How to prepare for a Commercial EICR

Commercial Periodic Electrical Inspections are likely to cause more disruption than the equivalent domestic electrical inspection. Many businesses cannot have their power disrupted as business activities may then be badly affected. 

You should have a discussion with your electrician to establish what circuits they will need to test; what equipment will need to be switched off and disconnected and to establish the length of any likely disruption. 

Access will need to be made to electrical accessories and equipment which may involve some prior planning. Commercial premises such as warehouses will have stock, shelving, equipment, and other obstacles placed in the way of electrical points in many cases. It may not be a simple task to make electrical circuits and accessories accessible. 

Consider finding a company that will inspect your electrical installation outside of normal business hours to minimize the disruption, inconvenience, and potential revenue loss to your business.

9) The Benefits of Regular Electrical Checks

Regular electrical safety checks are not only a legal requirement for many property owners but also a good idea for maintaining safety and functionality. The benefits include:

• Ensuring compliance with safety standards and avoiding financial penalties
• Providing peace of mind to property owners, tenants, and business owners
• Protecting the value and integrity of the property’s electrical systems

10) Common Issues Found During EICRs

During an EICR, electricians often encounter electrical problems such as:

• Faulty wiring
• Outdated consumer units
• Worn-out light fittings
• Damaged plug sockets
• Electrical appliances that fail PAT testing

Addressing these issues promptly through necessary repairs ensures the safety and longevity of the electrical installations. There are many common electrical problems that can affect electrical installations and this list is not exhaustive.

(PHOTO: Various electrical accessories should be removed and checked on an EICR)

11) The Importance of RCD Devices

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are a critical component of modern electrical safety systems. These devices provide protection against electric shocks by quickly disconnecting the power if a fault is detected. RCDs are particularly effective at preventing injury in situations where live wires are exposed or where appliances become faulty. If your consumer unit doesn’t include the right type of RCD protection, upgrading to a modern unit with this feature is highly recommended.

12) Replacing the Consumer Unit

The consumer unit, often called the fuse box, is the brains of a property’s electrical system. Over time, these units can become outdated, lacking modern safety features such as RCD protection and circuit breakers designed to current standards. Replacing an old consumer unit not only enhances safety but also ensures compliance with the latest electrical regulations. Regular inspections will indicate when an upgrade is necessary, offering added protection against potential hazards.

13) Frequently Asked Questions About EICRs

13.1) How often should an EICR be carried out? 

For domestic properties, an EICR is recommended every 10 years for homeowners and every 5 years for rental properties. For commercial properties, the interval depends on the type of business and specific risks, but it’s often every 5 years.

13.2) What happens if my property fails an EICR? 

If the EICR is unsatisfactory, the report will detail the issues and their classification codes. Remedial work must be completed to address any C1, C2 or FI issues, and a follow-up inspection may be required to confirm compliance.

13.3) Are portable appliances tested during an EICR? 

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a separate process, but it can be arranged alongside an EICR for convenience. PAT focuses on ensuring the safety of electrical appliances that are not part of the fixed installation.

13.4) Is an EICR mandatory for new builds? 

New builds typically receive an Electrical Installation Certificate upon completion, confirming compliance with current regulations. An EICR isn’t required until the recommended inspection interval has elapsed.

13.5) How can I tell if my consumer unit needs upgrading?

Signs of an outdated consumer unit include the absence of RCDs, a lack of circuit breakers, or visible signs of wear and damage. Consulting a qualified electrician is the best way to determine whether an upgrade is necessary.

(PHOTO: An old Fuse Box with no RCD protection)

14) Remedial Works: What You Should Know

When electrical faults are identified during an EICR, remedial work is often necessary to address the issues. The scope and cost of these works depend on the nature and severity of the faults. Here’s what property owners should know:

• Common Remedial Tasks: Typical remedial works include replacing damaged plug sockets, upgrading old consumer units, repairing faulty wiring, and addressing loose connections. These tasks ensure that the electrical installations comply with safety standards.
• Costs Involved: The cost of remedial works varies widely based on the complexity of the repairs. For example, replacing a consumer unit might cost between £400 and £800, while rewiring a property could range from £3,000 to £10,000, depending on its size and condition.
• When Rewiring Is Necessary: Complete rewiring is usually required for older properties with outdated or unsafe wiring systems. Signs that rewiring may be necessary include frequent electrical faults, tripping circuit breakers, or visible wear on electrical wiring.
• Follow-Up Inspections: After completing remedial works, a follow-up inspection may be needed to confirm that the issues have been resolved and to issue a valid EICR.

Timely remedial action not only enhances safety but also ensures compliance with legal obligations, reducing the risk of penalties and providing peace of mind to property owners.

15) Conclusion

An EICR is a vital step in ensuring the safety of any property, whether residential or commercial. By understanding the process, preparing adequately, and working with a qualified professional, property owners can meet their legal obligations, safeguard their occupants, and achieve peace of mind.

If you’re due for an EICR or have concerns about the condition of your electrical installations, don’t delay. Contact a registered electrician to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward maintaining a safe and compliant property. 

If you would like any advice on your Electrical System, Periodic Electrical Inspections or EICR use our contact form on the website.