An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the standard document produced following a periodic inspection and testing of an existing electrical installation. The inspection covers the fixed wiring, accessories, consumer unit, earthing and bonding arrangements, and all protective devices.
The electrician carries out a visual check of the accessible parts of the installation and then a programme of electrical tests, including insulation resistance measurement, earth fault loop impedance testing, and verification of the continuity of protective conductors. Each deficiency identified during the inspection is assigned a classification code.
A C1 code indicates a condition presenting immediate danger, requiring urgent remedial action before the installation continues to be used normally. A C2 code indicates a potentially dangerous condition requiring prompt attention.
A C3 code indicates that improvement is recommended but is not immediately necessary. An FI code indicates that further investigation is required before a definitive classification can be given.
The appropriate interval between inspections depends on the type of property and its use. For owner-occupied domestic properties, an inspection at intervals of up to ten years is a common recommendation.
For private rented homes in England, landlords must arrange inspection and testing at least every five years, or sooner where the report requires it, and provide the report to tenants. The regulations were extended to social housing in 2025, with transitional requirements for existing tenancies.
Landlords should check the current government guidance for their tenancy. Before the inspection, it helps to have the consumer unit accessible and to have a general idea of where circuits run in the property.
During testing, individual circuits will be isolated in turn, so some sockets and lighting points will be temporarily without supply. Having a torch available is a practical preparation for the visit.
Beyond the periodic EICR, electrical testing services include testing of new installations before connection to supply and testing of alterations or additions to verify compliance prior to certification.