What an EICR Actually Tests — and What the Codes Mean

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of the safety of the fixed electrical installation in a building — the wiring, consumer unit, earthing, bonding, and fixed accessories. It does not cover portable appliances. The electrician carrying out the report works to the criteria in BS 7671 and issues a written report with any defects coded by severity.

Who Carries Out an EICR and What Are They Looking For?

An EICR must be carried out by a "competent person" — in practice, a registered electrician with appropriate experience and insurance. NICEIC, NAPIT, and ELECSA all operate schemes that verify competence. The inspection involves both visual checks and electrical testing: insulation resistance, earth loop impedance, RCD trip times, and continuity of protective conductors.

The Classification Codes

Every observation on an EICR is given a code. Understanding what these mean prevents unnecessary alarm — and, equally, helps homeowners understand when they cannot wait.

• C1 — Danger present: Risk of injury. Requires immediate remedial action. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit before leaving.
• C2 — Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial action required. The installation is not safe for continued use without correction.
• C3 — Improvement recommended: Not a safety hazard, but the installation does not meet current standards. No immediate action required, but worth addressing over time.
• FI — Further investigation required: The inspector has found evidence of a problem but cannot fully assess it without further work (opening walls, for example). Must be investigated before the report can be completed.

A C1 or C2 code results in an "unsatisfactory" overall report. A C3-only report is "satisfactory".

When Is an EICR Required by Law?

Since 1 April 2021, private landlords in England must have an EICR carried out at least every five years, or at every change of tenancy. The report must be provided to tenants within 28 days. Landlords who fail to comply can face fines of up to £30,000 per breach.

For owner-occupiers, an EICR is not legally required but is strongly recommended every ten years or when purchasing a property — lenders and conveyancers increasingly ask for one. For properties over 25 years old with no previous EICR on record, a check before exchange is prudent.

What Happens After an Unsatisfactory Report?

Any C1 or C2 items must be remedied. The same or a different registered electrician carries out the remedial work and issues a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (or a full Electrical Installation Certificate for larger works). A new EICR is not automatically needed once remedials are done — the original report plus the works certificates together document the installation's condition.