Ensuring the safety of your property through an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a key part of property maintenance. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or managing a commercial space, an EICR helps detect potential hazards within your electrical system and ensures compliance with safety standards.
Key Takeaways:
- Save time: Get in touch and get a fixed price quote.
- Protect your property: Ensure your electrical systems are safe and compliant.
- Stay compliant: For landlords, an EICR is legally required to avoid fines and ensure tenant safety.
How Much Does an Electrical Safety Test Cost in 2025?
The cost of an electrical safety check varies based on factors like property size, the number of circuits, and the type of property. On average, the cost ranges between £175 and £250 for domestic properties, and approximately £30 to £50 per circuit for commercial properties.
Factors that influence the cost include:
- The size of the property and the number of electrical systems or circuits.
- The age of the property and whether it has outdated wiring.
- The complexity of the electrical system, including fuse boards and consumer units.
- The accessibility of electrical components for inspection.
Why Should You Get an Electrical Safety Check?
Electrical safety checks are essential for protecting both your property and its occupants. Faulty wiring and outdated electrical systems are among the leading causes of house fires in the UK, making regular inspections critical.
- For landlords, having a valid EICR is a legal requirement to ensure tenant safety and avoid penalties of up to £30,000.
- For homeowners, it offers peace of mind, helps meet insurance requirements, and can even increase the property value when selling.
An EICR identifies risks such as faulty appliances, overloaded circuits, and dangerous electrical arcs, helping to keep your property safe and compliant with regulations.
What Does an EICR Involve?
An EICR inspection is a comprehensive assessment of your electrical systems. Here’s what the inspection typically covers:
- Testing circuits, sockets, and appliances for safety.
- Inspecting fuse boards and consumer units for potential issues.
- Identifying overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and outdated components.
- Ensuring compliance with current electrical safety regulations.
Keep in mind that the cost of an EICR covers the inspection itself, but remedial work is charged separately. Think of it like an MOT for your home’s electrical systems—it highlights areas that need attention to keep everything running safely.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
The duration of an EICR inspection depends on the size and complexity of the property:
- For smaller homes or flats, the inspection typically takes around 2 to 4 hours.
- Larger homes with more circuits and electrical systems may take up to a full day.
- For commercial properties, the time needed varies based on the number of circuits and complexity of the electrical setup. Small businesses may complete the inspection in a day, but larger or more intricate systems could take longer.
Experienced electricians aim to minimise disruption while ensuring a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical system.
Most Common Issues Found During an EICR
EICRs are designed to uncover potential hazards and help protect your property. Common issues found during an inspection include:
- Faulty wiring and dangerous electrical arcs, which pose a serious fire risk.
- Overloaded circuits and outdated fuse boxes, which can struggle to support modern electrical demands.
- Damaged electrical fixtures like cracked sockets or faulty switches, indicating deeper issues.
- Outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current standards, common in older homes.
- Lack of RCD protection in older consumer units, increasing the risk of electric shocks.
Catching these problems early can save you money and prevent costly electrical failures in the future.
How Often Should You Get an EICR?
The frequency of an EICR depends on the property type and its electrical condition:
- Homeowners should have an EICR done every 5 to 10 years. Older homes or those with outdated wiring may need more frequent checks.
- Landlords must have an EICR conducted every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy to comply with safety regulations.
- Commercial properties may require more frequent checks, particularly those with heavy electrical usage.
Regular electrical safety checks not only protect the property and its occupants but also help avoid costly repairs by identifying problems early. Use our online calculator to easily book your next inspection at a clear, upfront cost.
Conclusion
An electrical safety check is a crucial step in protecting your property, ensuring compliance with regulations, and giving you peace of mind. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, staying on top of your electrical systems is essential for safety and avoiding costly repairs.
Don’t wait, get in touch with LA Electrical & Solar for your EICR and take the first step toward a safer property.
FAQ
What is an EICR Certificate?
An EICR is a detailed inspection of a property’s electrical systems to make sure everything is safe, sound, and working as it should. Think of it like an MOT for your car, but for the electrics in a house. It checks for:
- Faulty wiring or outdated installations
- Overloaded circuits
- Potential fire risks
- Electrical shocks waiting to happen!
The report will highlight any issues that need fixing and give the home a safety grade.
How much does an EICR Certificate Cost?
Generally from £175+VAT for a 1 consumer unit (fuse box) house with around 1-5 bedrooms. Discounts are available for multi-property owners or estate agents.
If your property differs, please get in touch and we can give your a bespoke fixed price quote.
Why is an EICR Important for Landlords?
Landlords are legally required to have an up-to-date EICR to ensure their property is safe for tenants. An EICR helps identify any potential electrical faults or hazards and provides you with the necessary documentation to prove your compliance with legal regulations in Bristol. Regular EICR checks can also prevent costly repairs and improve tenant safety.
Here’s why getting an EICR before buying is so important:
- Peace of Mind: You’ll know the electrics are safe, or at least know what needs fixing.
- Unexpected Costs: Electrical problems can be expensive. Knowing in advance can help you budget or even renegotiate the price.
- Safety First: Faulty electrics are a leading cause of house fires. An EICR ensures your tenants and property are protected.
Is an EICR Certificate a Legal Requirement for Landlords??
Yes, landlords in the UK are legally required to have an EICR carried out on their rental properties every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy. This ensures the property’s electrics are safe for tenants.
What Does the EICR Process Involve?
Here’s what happens when you book an EICR:
- A Qualified Electrician Visits: A fully trained professional will come to the property and inspect all the electrical systems.
- Thorough Testing: They’ll check sockets, switches, lights, the fuse board, and hidden wiring to identify any problems.
- A Detailed Report: You’ll get a clear report with findings. If everything is safe, great! If not, you’ll see what needs fixing.
The report uses simple codes:
C1: Immediate danger, needs fixing right away.
C2: Potential danger, needs attention soon.
C3: Improvement recommended, but not urgent.
A Satisfactory report is given when no C1 or C2 items are present.
What Happens If the EICR Highlights Problems?
If any dangerous or potentially dangerour issues are found (C1 or C2), landlords must ensure repairs are completed within 28 days, or sooner if specified by the electrician.
