EICR Testing & Electrical Inspections

What Is an EICR?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. It covers everything from the incoming supply and consumer unit through to every circuit, socket, light fitting and switch in the building. The purpose of an EICR is to identify any deterioration, defects, damage or conditions that could present a safety risk to the people using the property.

Think of it as an MOT for your electrics. Just as you would not drive a car without checking that the brakes work, you should not assume that the wiring in your home or rental property is safe without having it properly tested. Electrical installations deteriorate over time. Connections work loose, insulation degrades, and modifications made by previous owners or unqualified tradespeople can introduce hidden faults that are impossible to detect without proper testing equipment.

An EICR is carried out by a qualified electrician who will visually inspect the installation and perform a series of electrical tests using calibrated instruments. These tests measure insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, RCD operation times and circuit continuity, among other parameters. The results are documented in a standardised report that identifies any defects and assigns each one a classification code indicating its severity.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have made EICR testing a legal requirement for all private landlords in England. The law requires that electrical installations in rented properties are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person. A copy of the EICR must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within seven days of a request.

If a landlord fails to comply, the local authority can arrange for the inspection to be carried out and recover the costs from the landlord. Fines of up to 30,000 pounds can be imposed for non-compliance. Beyond the financial penalties, an invalid or missing EICR could affect your insurance cover and expose you to significant personal liability if a tenant is injured by an electrical fault in the property.

We work with landlords across Teesside and the North East who manage anything from a single buy-to-let property to large portfolios. We understand the compliance pressures you face and offer a straightforward service: book the inspection, we carry it out, and you receive your report promptly. If remedial work is needed, we provide a clear quotation and can complete the repairs quickly so your property remains compliant without unnecessary delays.

How Often Do You Need an EICR?

The recommended frequency for EICR testing depends on the type of property. For privately rented properties, every five years is a legal requirement. For owner-occupied homes, the IET recommends testing every ten years, although you should also arrange an inspection if you are buying a property, if you suspect previous electrical work was carried out without proper certification, or if you notice any warning signs such as frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights or a burning smell from sockets or switches.

Commercial premises should be tested every five years as a general rule, although certain high-risk environments require more frequent inspections. Swimming pools and leisure centres, for example, require annual testing. Construction sites should be tested every three months. If you are unsure about the appropriate interval for your property, we can advise you based on the property type, age and condition of the installation.

It is also worth noting that your home insurance policy may require evidence of a satisfactory EICR. Some insurers will not pay out on a claim related to electrical faults if you cannot demonstrate that the installation was in a safe condition. Having a current EICR provides that documented evidence.

What Happens During an EICR Inspection

When our electrician arrives at your property, they will begin with a thorough visual inspection. This involves checking the consumer unit for signs of damage, overheating or non-compliant modifications. They will inspect accessible wiring, sockets, light fittings, switches and any other visible parts of the electrical installation. They will also check earthing and bonding arrangements, which are critical safety features that protect you from electric shock.

After the visual inspection, the electrician will carry out a series of electrical tests on each circuit. This requires turning off circuits individually, so you should be aware that there will be brief interruptions to power during the inspection. The tests typically include continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance between live conductors and earth, earth fault loop impedance at the origin and at the furthest point of each circuit, and RCD operation times.

For a typical three-bedroom house, an EICR takes between two and four hours depending on the number of circuits and the age of the installation. Older properties with rewired circuits, extensions or loft conversions may take longer as there are more circuits and potentially more issues to investigate. Larger commercial properties can take a full day or more.

At the end of the inspection, you will receive a detailed report listing the condition of your electrical installation and any defects found. The report will give an overall assessment of whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Understanding EICR Codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI

Any defects identified during the inspection are assigned a classification code that indicates the severity of the issue and what action is required. Understanding these codes is important because they determine whether your installation passes or fails.

Code C1: Danger Present

A C1 classification means there is an immediate risk of injury or fire. Examples include exposed live conductors, severely damaged wiring or a missing earth connection. If a C1 defect is found, the electrician will make the situation safe before leaving the property, which may involve isolating the affected circuit. Remedial work must be carried out as a matter of urgency. A C1 code results in an unsatisfactory report.

Code C2: Potentially Dangerous

A C2 classification indicates a defect that is not immediately dangerous but could become so under certain conditions. Examples include lack of earthing on a circuit, inadequate protection against electric shock, or a consumer unit that does not meet current safety standards. Remedial work is required to bring the installation up to an acceptable standard. A C2 code also results in an unsatisfactory report.

Code C3: Improvement Recommended

A C3 classification means the defect does not present an immediate safety risk but improvement is recommended. Common examples include a lack of additional RCD protection on circuits that would benefit from it, or the absence of a main bonding connection to a plastic water pipe (which is no longer required under current regulations but was required under previous editions). C3 codes do not make the report unsatisfactory, and there is no legal obligation to carry out the improvement, though it is good practice to do so.

Code FI: Further Investigation Required

An FI classification is used when the electrician has identified a potential issue that could not be fully investigated during the inspection. This might be because a circuit is inaccessible, or because test results suggest a fault that requires more invasive investigation to locate. FI codes require follow-up work to determine whether a defect exists and, if so, what classification it warrants.

EICR Pricing Guide

The cost of an EICR depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits in the installation. As a general guide, a one or two-bedroom flat with a simple installation typically costs between 120 and 160 pounds. A three-bedroom semi-detached house usually falls in the range of 160 to 220 pounds. Larger detached properties with multiple consumer units, outbuildings or extensive installations may cost 250 pounds or more.

These prices are for the inspection and report only. If remedial work is required to address C1 or C2 defects, this is quoted separately based on the specific issues found. We always provide a clear, itemised quotation for any remedial work before proceeding, so you know exactly what is needed and how much it will cost.

For landlords managing multiple properties, we offer discounted rates for bulk bookings. If you have a portfolio of rental properties across Teesside or the wider North East, get in touch to discuss a schedule that works for you.

Why Choose ALPS Electrical for Your EICR

We are NAPIT registered, which means we are assessed and audited to ensure our work meets the required standards. Every EICR we produce is carried out by a qualified electrician with the experience to accurately assess the condition of your installation. We do not rush inspections, and we do not use scare tactics to upsell unnecessary work. If your installation is in good condition, we will tell you. If there are genuine issues, we will explain them clearly and give you an honest quotation for the remedial work.

We cover the whole of Teesside including Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar, Yarm and Ingleby Barwick, as well as the wider North East and North Yorkshire. Call us on 01642 790 489 or fill in the contact form to book your EICR.