What is an EICR and when do you need one?

What does an EICR check?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal record of the condition of the fixed electrics in a building. That means the wiring, the consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, switches, light fittings and anything wired in permanently, such as an electric shower or cooker. It does not cover plug-in appliances like a kettle or a television.

The electrician carries out a visual inspection and a series of tests, circuit by circuit. They look for damaged or overloaded wiring, missing earthing and bonding, signs of overheating, and whether circuits are protected by an RCD, a device that cuts the power quickly if current leaks to earth. The result is a report that says whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use.

• Wiring condition and signs of wear or heat damage
• Earthing and protective bonding to gas and water pipes
• RCD protection and whether the consumer unit is suitable
• Sockets, switches and fittings for damage
• Any DIY work or alterations that are unsafe

What do the codes C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?

Each problem the electrician finds is given a code. The codes tell you how serious the issue is and whether the report passes. A report with a C1, C2 or FI is unsatisfactory. A report with only C3s, or no codes at all, is satisfactory.

• C1, danger present: there is a risk of injury now. The electrician may make it safe before they leave, for example by isolating a circuit.
• C2, potentially dangerous: not an immediate danger, but it needs fixing urgently.
• C3, improvement recommended: the installation does not meet current standards, but it is not dangerous. No action is required for the report to pass.
• FI, further investigation required without delay: the electrician could not confirm whether something is safe, so it must be looked at further.

The rules for landlords in England

In England, the electrical safety standards regulations made in 2020 require landlords to have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at intervals of no more than five years, or sooner if the last report says so. Since 2025 the rules have also covered social housing. Some lets are excluded, such as lodgers sharing with the landlord, long leases of seven years or more, student halls, hostels and care homes.

The landlord must give a copy of the report to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection, and to a new tenant before they move in. A prospective tenant who asks in writing must get it within 28 days, and the local council within 7 days of a written request.

If the report shows C1, C2 or FI items, the landlord must have the remedial or investigative work done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. They must then give written confirmation that the work is done to the tenant and the council within 28 days of finishing it.

The rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, the Repairing Standard requires private landlords to have an electrical installation condition report carried out at least every five years. Scotland also expects checks of any portable appliances the landlord provides, often called PAT testing, at the same intervals, and requires RCD protection in the consumer unit.

In Wales, under the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022, a landlord must have a valid electrical condition report, which lasts up to five years. A copy must go to the contract-holder within 14 days of them moving in, or within 14 days of a new inspection. Without one, the home is treated as unfit for human habitation.

In Northern Ireland, the Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations apply to new tenancies from 1 April 2025, and to existing tenancies since 1 December 2025. Landlords must have the installation inspected at least every five years, share the report with tenants, and carry out any required work within 28 days. Rules can change, so check the current guidance from your nation's government.

Do homeowners need an EICR?

There is no law that says an owner-occupier must have an EICR. Even so, wiring ages, and problems such as loose connections or worn insulation are rarely visible. NICEIC recommends that homeowners have one at least every 10 years.

There are also good moments to book one regardless of the date. An electrician may also suggest a shorter interval on the report itself, for example for an older installation.

• When you buy a home, especially an older one
• Before a major renovation or adding a big load such as an EV charger
• If lights flicker, sockets feel warm or the power keeps tripping
• After a flood or water leak near electrics
• When you are getting ready to let the property

What happens on the day

The electrician needs clear access to the consumer unit and to as many sockets and fittings as possible. The power will be off for parts of the inspection, so warn the household, save any work on computers and think about the fridge and freezer. For tenanted homes, landlords should give tenants proper notice of the visit.

How long it takes depends on the size of the home and how many circuits there are. When it is finished, you receive the report with any codes, observations and the recommended date of the next inspection. Read the observations, not only the result. If there are C3 items, ask what fixing them would involve.

Who can carry out an EICR?

The law asks for a qualified and competent person. In practice, landlords and homeowners usually choose an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, because they are assessed on this kind of work. You can check an electrician's registration on the scheme's own website before you book.

Be wary of very quick inspections that test only a sample of circuits without explaining why. A good electrician will tell you what they could not access and why, and record it on the report.

How AYS can help

You can find electricians who cover your postcode on AYS and book an EICR, often at a fixed price shown before you pay, or request free quotes for any remedial work. Every electrician passes a photo ID check and a review by our team, and electricians can show qualifications and scheme membership for us to check.

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