All electrical installations deteriorate with time and should be inspected and tested every 3 to 5 years for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly known as ‘electrical certificates’ or ‘domestic electrical installation condition report’.
On the 1st June 2020, the UK Government released guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
There are three sets of guidance with separate versions released for landlords, tenants, and local authorities in England.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal, comprehensive inspection of a property’s fixed electrical systems. This assessment is designed to ensure that all electrical components are functioning safely and remain compliant with current regulatory standards.
Scope of the Inspection
The assessment is conducted by a qualified electrician who evaluates the integrity of the "fixed" infrastructure, including:
Wiring: Checking for degradation, heat damage, or improper installation.
Sockets and Switches: Testing for wear, tear, and operational safety.
Fuse Boxes (Consumer Units): Ensuring the presence of adequate circuit protection and grounding.
The Inspection Process
During the survey, the electrician identifies potential risks that are not always visible to the naked eye. The primary focus is to detect:
Damage or Deterioration: Wear caused by age or environmental factors.
Defects: Issues arising from poor installation or non-compliant modifications.
Safety Hazards: Risks of electric shock, fire hazards, or overloading.
Classification and Results
Upon completion, the findings are documented in a formal report. The installation is assigned one of two primary statuses:
Satisfactory: A satisfactory result indicates that the electrical installation is in a safe condition and complies with the necessary safety standards. While the electrician may still suggest minor improvements for the future, there are no immediate risks to the property or its occupants.
Unsatisfactory: An unsatisfactory result means that the inspection has uncovered significant defects, damage, or safety hazards. This classification acts as a formal notice that the system poses a risk—such as fire or electric shock—and that remedial work is required to bring the installation back to a safe, legal standard.
Purpose and Importance
The EICR provides property owners with a clear roadmap for maintenance. It serves as legal evidence of due diligence, helping to protect occupants and ensuring that any necessary remedial work is identified before it leads to a system failure or hazardous incident.
All electrical inspections and reports must be conducted by accredited, competent professionals to ensure full compliance with BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations). Our qualified engineers assess the condition of your installation, identifying any faults, damage, or potential hazards to confirm the system meets current UK safety standards.
We are fully registered with leading industry bodies, including NICEIC and NAPIT, and are authorized to issue formal Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).
Registration Body: NAPIT
Membership Number: NAPI61669
Further details regarding our registration and standing can be verified directly through the NAPIT portal.