How to Get an EICR

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal record of the condition of the fixed wiring and equipment in a building: the consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, light fittings, switches and earthing and bonding. It is not a pass or fail on your appliances.

The report tells you whether the electrical installation is safe to keep using, and lists any damage, wear, deterioration or departures from current wiring regulations. It is a snapshot of the installation's condition on the day it was inspected, and it is not a guarantee about the future.

First, decide why you need it. Common reasons are a landlord's routine check, a change of tenant, buying or selling a property, or simply wanting to know the wiring is in good order after many years.

Second, gather what you have: previous reports, certificates for earlier electrical work, and the age of the property if you know it. Tell the electrician how many circuits or consumer units there are and whether there are outbuildings, a garage or an electric vehicle charger.

Third, ask for a written quote and agree a date. Make sure the electrician can get to the consumer unit, every room and any loft or garage space. Finally, receive the report and act on anything it flags.

Not everyone who calls themselves an electrician is the right person for this job. An EICR needs someone with the training, experience and calibrated test equipment to inspect and test an installation and to interpret the results. Ask which qualifications they hold and whether they belong to a recognised competent person scheme, and ask to see proof.

It is also sensible to ask whether they will explain the findings in plain English and whether they can carry out any remedial work that is needed. Having one electrician do both can save time, though you are free to get the repairs done by someone else.

Part of the inspection is visual, and part involves testing with specialist instruments. Expect the power to be switched off for periods, so save your work, plan around any equipment that must stay on, and tell the electrician about anything sensitive such as medical equipment or a home office.

The electrician will check things like the condition of the consumer unit, protective devices, cable condition, earthing and bonding, socket and lighting circuits, and signs of overheating or damage.

The report grades its findings with observation codes. C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means potentially dangerous. C3 means improvement is recommended. FI means further investigation is required. The overall result is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and a C1, C2 or FI usually means an unsatisfactory result until the issue is resolved.

There is no single fixed cost for an EICR, because the work depends on the property. The main factors are the size of the installation, the number of circuits and consumer units, how easy it is to reach cables and fittings, and how long the inspection and testing takes. A small flat is quicker to assess than a large house with outbuildings.

Some electricians quote a fixed price for the inspection, while others charge by time or add a callout fee. Ask what is included: the written report, any travel, and what happens if more investigation is needed. Remember that remedial work is separate from the inspection and is normally priced on its own, including parts and labour. Always ask for a written quote before booking so you can compare like for like.

Landlords of rented homes are generally expected to make sure the electrical installation is inspected and tested at regular intervals, commonly no more than five years apart, and to give tenants a copy of the report. Homeowners are not usually required to have one, but it is wise before buying or selling, or if the property has older wiring. The report may recommend a shorter gap before the next inspection.

Rules differ between nations and can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position that applies to your property.