When it’s time for your property’s electrical inspection, you might be wondering—how long does it take to do an EICR test? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is essential for identifying potential electrical issues, ensuring safety, and maintaining compliance with regulations. While it’s a crucial check, most people don’t want to spend hours waiting around for an electrician.
If you’re a homeowner, an EICR is recommended every ten years. If you’re a landlord, it’s legally required every five years or at the start of a new tenancy. Fortunately, it’s not something that will take up much of your time in the grand scheme of things.
What Happens During an EICR?
An EICR involves a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical installation. Your electrician will check the condition of wiring, sockets, switches, and your consumer unit to identify potential hazards.
- Visual Inspection – The electrician looks for signs of damage, wear, overheating, or outdated materials.
- Dead Testing – Power is switched off to test wiring integrity and connections.
- Live Testing – Once safe, live tests are conducted to assess performance and safety.
- Earthing & Bonding Checks – Ensuring the property is properly grounded for safety.
How Long Will the EICR Take?
The duration of an EICR test depends on a few factors:
- Size of the property – A one-bedroom flat may take around an hour, while a large house can take up to four hours.
- Ease of access – If sockets and consumer units are difficult to reach, this may slow things down.
- Age and condition of the installation – Older properties may require more thorough checks.
Many electricians don’t require you to be present for the entire test. However, being available allows them to explain any findings directly.
When Will You Receive the Results?
After the inspection, you’ll receive an official EICR document with the results. Electrical components are given a classification code:
- C1 (Danger Present) – Urgent remedial work required.
- C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Repairs needed but not an immediate emergency.
- C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Non-urgent issues that don’t require immediate action.
- FI (Further Investigation Required) – More in-depth checks needed ASAP.
How Long Do You Have to Fix Any Issues?
- Homeowners – No legal obligation, but urgent issues should be addressed for safety.
- Landlords – Required by law to fix dangerous faults within 28 days (or sooner if specified).
Finding the Best Time for an EICR
With busy schedules, it can be tricky to find time for an EICR. Since power will be switched off during testing, it’s best to plan ahead—especially if you work from home or rely on electrical devices. We will endeavour to work around you and keep you informed at every step.
Booking your EICR in advance ensures compliance, safety, and peace of mind. If you need an EICR for your home or rental property, get in touch with a qualified electrician today.
