An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive safety inspection of your property's electrical installation. Formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), it identifies any potential hazards and ensures your electrical system meets current regulations.
Typical Costs
EICR inspection costs in the UK typically range from £100 to £300 for domestic properties, depending on:
- Property size – Larger properties cost more to inspect
- Number of circuits – More circuits means more testing time
- Location – London and the South East tend to be more expensive
- Aged property – Older installations may require more detailed inspection
What Does an EICR Cover?
During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician will:
- Inspect the consumer unit (fuse board)
- Check all wiring for condition and safety
- Test socket outlets and switches
- Inspect light fittings and fixtures
- Check earthing and bonding
- Test RCD protection
- Identify any damaged or deteriorated components
Understanding EICR Codes
After the inspection, you'll receive codes indicating the condition of each element:
- C1 – Danger present – Immediate action required. Risk of injury.
- C2 – Potential danger – Urgent remedial work needed.
- C3 – Improvement recommended – Not complying with current regulations but not dangerous.
- FI – Further investigation required – More testing needed.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
Recommended inspection frequencies:
- Homeowners – Every 10 years
- Landlords – Every 5 years or at change of tenancy
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) – Every 3–5 years
- After major renovations – Always recommended
Landlord Legal Obligations
Since June 2020, landlords in England must have a valid EICR for their rental properties. Requirements include:
- Inspection by a qualified electrician
- Providing a copy of the report to tenants within 28 days
- Providing a copy to the local authority on request
- Ensuring any C1 or C2 observations are remedied
- Re-inspection if required
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Getting an EICR
Always use a qualified electrician to conduct your EICR. They should be NICEIC or NAPIT registered and experienced in electrical inspection and testing. The report typically takes 24–48 hours to be issued after the inspection.