If you’ve been advised to get an EICR carried out, you may be wondering what’s actually involved and what the electrician will be checking.
An EICR — short for Electrical Installation Condition Report — is an inspection of a property’s electrical installation to assess its overall safety and condition.
At LA Electrical & Solar, we regularly carry out EICRs for homeowners, landlords and homebuyers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
What Is An EICR?
An EICR is designed to identify:
- Electrical safety issues
- Damage or deterioration
- Overloaded circuits
- Non-compliant electrical work
- Potential fire or electric shock risks
The inspection helps determine whether the installation is safe for continued use.
What Does An Electrician Check During An EICR?
During an EICR, the electrician carries out both:
- Visual inspections
- Electrical testing
This allows the installation to be assessed properly rather than simply checked visually.
Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)
The consumer unit is one of the first things checked.
The electrician will assess:
- Overall condition
- Presence of RCD protection
- Signs of overheating
- Correct labelling
- Suitability of protective devices
Older fuse boards without modern safety protection may be flagged during the inspection.
Wiring & Cables
The condition of visible wiring is checked throughout the property.
This includes looking for:
- Damage
- Deterioration
- Unsafe DIY work
- Poor connections
- Incorrect cable types
Older properties may sometimes contain outdated wiring systems that no longer meet current standards.
Sockets, Switches & Light Fittings
Electrical accessories are checked for:
- Damage
- Signs of overheating
- Loose fittings
- Missing protection
- General condition
The electrician may remove a sample of accessories to inspect wiring connections behind them.
Earthing & Bonding
Earthing and bonding are critical safety components of an electrical installation.
The inspection checks whether the property has adequate:
- Main earthing
- Gas bonding
- Water bonding
Problems with earthing can increase the risk of electric shock.
Circuit Testing
Specialist testing equipment is used to test the electrical circuits.
This includes:
- Insulation resistance testing
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD testing
- Continuity testing
- Polarity checks
These tests help identify faults that may not be visible during a visual inspection.
Will The Power Be Turned Off?
Usually, yes — at least temporarily.
Some electrical testing requires circuits to be isolated safely while testing is carried out.
The electrician will normally explain this before starting work.
What Do The EICR Codes Mean?
If issues are identified, they are recorded using classification codes.
C1 – Danger Present
Immediate danger requiring urgent action.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous
Requires improvement as soon as possible.
C3 – Improvement Recommended
Not dangerous, but upgrading is advised.
FI – Further Investigation Required
Additional investigation needed before a full assessment can be made.
How Long Does An EICR Take?
This depends on:
- Property size
- Number of circuits
- Age of installation
- Accessibility
A small flat may take a couple of hours, while larger homes can take significantly longer.
How Often Should An EICR Be Carried Out?
Typical recommendations are:
- Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
- Every 5 years for rental properties
- Before purchasing an older property
- After major electrical work
Older properties or installations with known issues may require more frequent inspections.
Why EICRs Are Important
Electrical problems are not always visible.
An EICR helps identify hidden issues before they become:
- Safety hazards
- Fire risks
- Expensive repair problems
It also provides reassurance that the installation is safe and suitable for continued use.
Frequently Asked Questions
An EICR does not technically “pass” or “fail” a property, but it will be classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory depending on the findings.
It is not always legally required, but many buyers request one for reassurance.
Usually yes, although power may need to be switched off temporarily during testing.
No. Portable appliances are not usually included unless specifically agreed.
The electrician will explain the issues identified and advise on any recommended remedial work.
Need An EICR In Bristol?
At LA Electrical & Solar, we carry out professional EICRs for homeowners, landlords and homebuyers across Bristol and the surrounding areas.
We provide clear reports, honest advice and high-quality workmanship with no unnecessary upselling.
