Since June 2020, private landlords in England have been legally required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every five years. The document produced from this inspection is called an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. Understanding what it covers and what the findings mean is essential for both landlords and tenants.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR is a formal document produced after a qualified electrician has carried out a thorough inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in a property. Fixed means anything that is permanently connected: the consumer unit, wiring, socket outlets, light fittings, electric showers, and any other hard-wired equipment. It does not cover portable appliances, which require PAT testing separately.
What Gets Tested During an EICR?
- Visual inspection of the consumer unit, wiring, and accessories for damage or deterioration
- Continuity of protective conductors including main and supplementary bonding
- Insulation resistance testing of all circuits
- Polarity verification at every point
- Earth fault loop impedance measurements
- RCD functionality and trip time testing
- Verification of socket outlet polarity and correct connection
Understanding the Observation Codes
Any defects found during the inspection are recorded using a coded system. These codes determine the urgency of remedial work required.
C1 means danger present, risk of injury, and immediate remedial action is required. The electrician will typically make the circuit safe on the spot. C2 means potentially dangerous, and urgent remedial action is required. C3 means improvement recommended, but not immediately dangerous. FI means further investigation is required without delay.
Expert Tip
If your EICR contains any C1 or C2 codes, the installation is deemed unsatisfactory and remedial work must be completed within 28 days. A copy of the report must be supplied to tenants within 28 days, and to the local authority if requested.
How Often Do You Need One?
For rental properties, an EICR is required every five years or at each change of tenancy, whichever comes first. Homeowners are not legally required to have an EICR, but it is strongly recommended every ten years, or when buying or selling a property. Commercial premises typically require testing every five years, with some high-risk environments such as industrial units or swimming pools requiring more frequent intervals.
At D3C Electrical, we provide EICR testing for landlords, homeowners, and commercial clients across Leicester and Leicestershire. All reports are digital, clearly coded, and include photographs of any defects found so you know exactly what needs attention.