What Is an EICR and What Does It Check? April 24, 2026 An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, is a detailed check of your fixed wiring, designed to confirm whether your electrics are safe to use and in good condition. An electrician inspects your consumer unit, wiring, sockets, lighting and protective devices, then issues a written report highlighting any risks and recommended improvements. What an EICR actually is An EICR is a formal document produced after an electrician inspects and tests the electrical installation in a property. It focuses on the fixed wiring, not portable appliances such as kettles or toasters. The aim is to identify damage, wear and tear, poor workmanship or anything that could give rise to electric shock or fire. The report then states whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory for continued use. What gets checked during an EICR Although every property is different, your electrician will follow a structured process that covers the main parts of your installation. In simple terms, an EICR checklist usually includes: Consumer unit (fuse board) and protective devices Earthing and bonding arrangements Fixed wiring circuits around the property Sockets, switches and lighting points Accessories such as extractor fans, spurs and connection units These checks are carried out using both visual inspection and test equipment, with power turned off for some tests and left on for others. Consumer unit and protective devices The electrician will open and inspect the consumer unit to check its condition, labelling and accessibility. They will look at whether the correct type and rating of fuses or circuit breakers are fitted and whether RCDs are present where required. They will also check for obvious issues like signs of overheating, damaged cables, or poor terminations inside the consumer unit that could lead to loose connections or arcing. Earthing and bonding Good earthing and bonding is fundamental to electrical safety. During an EICR, the electrician confirms that the property has a suitable earth connection and that main bonding is in place to metal services such as water and gas pipes. They will test that these connections are continuous and of the correct size, as inadequate earthing can make electric shock more severe and prevent protective devices from operating correctly. Circuits, sockets, lighting and accessories Each circuit is identified and tested to confirm it is wired correctly and has the right protection. The electrician checks that cable sizes match the protective devices and that there is no sign of overloading. Sockets, switches and lighting points are sampled and inspected for damage, loose fittings, signs of overheating, incorrect polarity and unsafe DIY alterations. Accessories like fused spurs, connection units, bathroom fans and outdoor sockets are also checked for safe installation. How EICR testing works Testing is divided into two broad types: dead testing and live testing. Both are important and are carried out in a set sequence to avoid damage to the installation and to keep everyone safe. Dead testing explained Dead testing is carried out with the power safely isolated to the circuits being tested. The electrician locks off the supply and proves it is dead before connecting test leads. These tests look at continuity of conductors, the integrity of protective earth paths and insulation resistance between live parts and earth. In simple terms, they check that cables are not damaged, mixed up or connected in a way that could cause faults or shock. Live testing explained Live testing is done with the electricity back on, using specialist test equipment. This includes checking that RCDs trip within the required time and at the correct current, as well as confirming polarity and earth fault loop impedance. The aim is to be sure that protective devices will cut the power quickly enough in a fault and that the installation behaves as it should under normal operating conditions. What the EICR report looks like At the end of the inspection and testing, you receive a written EICR document. This states whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory and includes details of the property, supply characteristics and the circuits tested. There is a section listing coded observations, which are the issues the electrician has found. Each observation includes a brief description, a code and a recommendation, so you can see clearly what needs attention. Understanding EICR observation codes EICR observations are graded to show how serious they are. The main codes you will usually see are: C1 – a present danger that requires immediate action to make safe C2 – potentially dangerous and should be rectified as a priority FI – further investigation required, as the electrician cannot fully assess the issue on the day If any C1 or C2 observations are recorded, or if FI items relate to safety, the overall outcome will be unsatisfactory. The report helps you and your electrician plan the remedial work in a sensible order. Common reasons EICR results are unsatisfactory Many properties, especially older ones, do not pass an EICR first time. Typical issues include a lack of RCD protection on sockets or bathroom circuits, which is now a key safety expectation in modern standards. Other frequent findings are damaged accessories, loose or exposed wiring, outdated consumer units, missing earthing or bonding to gas and water services and signs of overheating at connections caused by overloading or poor terminations. DIY alterations, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas, can also lead to unsatisfactory findings if cables or accessories have not been installed to current regulations. Who needs an EICR? Landlords are legally required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every five years, or more often if recommended on the report. An up to date EICR must usually be provided to tenants and, on request, to the local authority. Homeowners are not subject to the same legal schedule, but it is widely recommended to have an EICR around every ten years in an owner-occupied home, or when buying or selling a property, to check the condition of the wiring and plan any upgrades. How to prepare for an EICR A little preparation can make your EICR visit quicker and more accurate. First, ensure your electrician has clear access to the consumer unit, meter, main water stop tap and gas meter so they can check earthing and bonding properly. Before the visit, save work and safely shut down sensitive equipment such as computers, servers, alarm systems and internet routers. Some circuits will need to be turned off during testing, so it helps to plan around this. Have any previous electrical certificates, old EICRs or paperwork to hand, as these can give useful background on alterations and existing issues. If you are a landlord, knowing which rooms are occupied and when they are accessible will also help your electrician work efficiently. Booking an EICR as a landlord or homeowner If you are a landlord, an EICR helps demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to keep your tenants safe and to comply with legal duties. Regular inspections also pick up small issues before they become disruptive or expensive faults. For homeowners, an EICR offers peace of mind that the wiring behind the walls is in good order and gives you a clear plan for any upgrades. If you live in or around Abingdon, you can arrange an Abingdon EICR, and if you are based further west you can book an EICR in Witney to suit your area. Next steps An EICR is one of the most effective ways to check that your electrics are safe, up to standard and ready for everyday use. It provides clear, written evidence of the condition of your wiring and highlights any issues before they put people or property at risk. To arrange an EICR for your home or rental, contact R Harris Electrical Services Ltd on 07929825745 to discuss your property, timings and any specific concerns you may have.
