What is an EICR?

The inspection looks at the permanent parts of your electrical systems: the consumer unit (fuse box), circuits, sockets, light fittings, switches, earthing and bonding. The electrician examines these visually, then carries out tests to measure things like earth connections, insulation condition and how quickly protective devices respond to a fault.

The purpose is to find damage, deterioration, overloaded circuits and defective or dangerous work. It is not a repair job. The electrician records what they find and does not normally fix problems as part of the inspection itself.

Portable items such as kettles and lamps are not part of an EICR. Those are covered by separate portable appliance testing, which is a different check.

The finished report gives an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any issues are listed with observation codes:

C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent attention is required. C3 means improvement is recommended. FI means further investigation is needed without delay.

A report with any C1, C2 or FI entries is normally unsatisfactory. C3 items alone do not usually cause a fail, but they are worth reading, because they point to older wiring or features that no longer match today's standards.

The report also records what was and was not inspected, and gives a recommended date for the next inspection. Keep it safe, because lenders, insurers, tenants and future electricians may ask to see it.

Landlords are the group most often asked for one. Rules for rented homes require the electrical installation to be inspected and tested by a qualified person at regular intervals, and the report must be given to tenants and, if asked, to the local authority. The usual maximum gap is often described as five years, or sooner if the previous report says so. Because rules can change and differ between types of tenancy, check GOV.UK for the current position before relying on this.

Homeowners are not generally forced to have one, but it is sensible if you have just bought an older property, have not seen any electrical paperwork, notice warm sockets, flickering lights or tripping circuits, or are planning building work. Business premises and shared buildings often have their own inspection expectations too.

The time depends mainly on the size of the property and the number of circuits. A small flat is usually quicker than a large house with extensions, outbuildings or several consumer units. Many inspections take a few hours, and bigger or more complicated installations can take longer.

The power will need to be switched off in sections during testing, so plan around that. Move furniture away from sockets and the consumer unit, make sure the electrician can reach lofts, garages and cupboards, and tell them about any known faults or past alterations. If you rent the property out, arrange access with your tenants in good time.

Poor access is one of the most common reasons an inspection overruns or has to be limited, so a little preparation helps.

Prices vary between electricians, so it is better to understand how a quote is built than to rely on a general figure. Some firms charge a fixed price for the inspection, others work from an hourly rate, and some add a callout fee. Ask which applies.

The main factors are the size of the property, the number of circuits and consumer units, how easy everything is to reach, the age and condition of the wiring, and whether the electrician has to return to complete the work. Evening or weekend appointments may be priced differently from weekday ones.

Remedial work is normally separate. If the report finds faults, repairs, parts and any retest are usually quoted on top. Ask for a written quote that states clearly what is included and what is not.

An EICR is only as reliable as the person signing it. Choose a suitably qualified electrician, ask what qualifications and scheme membership they hold, and ask to see proof. Make sure the report will name the circuits tested and any limitations. Bromley Electrical Services covers Bromley and the wider Greater London area for electrical work including EICR inspections, so you can use the enquiry form to describe your property and what you need.