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Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
Schedule your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and/or Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) today.
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Understanding the EICR Certificate?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also known as the Homebuyers Test or Landlord Safety Test, provides a thorough examination of a property’s electrical systems and installations. This periodic inspection aims to identify any potentially hazardous conditions, wear, or defects that could pose a danger.
The inspection covers all electrical systems and installations in both residential and commercial buildings to ensure safety and compliance.
According to a report by Electrical Safety First, around 20,000 electrical fires occur annually in the UK, with the majority caused by faulty electrical products and about 9% resulting from wiring issues.
Landlords are responsible for ensuring their tenants’ safety by properly installing and maintaining electrical wiring and appliances throughout the property.
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What does PAT Testing involve?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a safety procedure that involves both visual inspection and electrical testing of electrical equipment.
During PAT testing, a technician checks appliances for visible damage—such as worn cables or broken plugs—and performs electrical tests to verify earth continuity and insulation resistance.
The frequency of testing depends on the type of device and how it’s used. PAT testing is essential for ensuring electrical appliances are safe to use, particularly in workplaces and rental properties.
Is an EICR certificate required?
Recent legislation requires landlords of privately rented properties to hold a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) certificate for all new tenancies and renewals, effective from July 1st, 2020.
Business owners are also legally obligated to maintain a valid EICR to ensure the safety of staff, customers, and tenants. Failure to comply may lead to prosecution if harm results from unsafe electrical systems.
While homeowners are not legally required to obtain an EICR, it’s highly recommended to have a new electrical inspection every ten years for privately owned properties.
If you’re selling your property, your buyer’s solicitor may request proof of regular electrical maintenance, making an EICR certificate valuable. Additionally, neglecting electrical maintenance could lead to insurance claims being denied.
How often is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) required?
It’s recommended to carry out a visual inspection of your property’s electrical systems annually. However, a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is legally required every five years in the UK. Additionally, a new EICR certificate must be obtained each time there is a change of tenant.
If the EICR report flags urgent issues with codes C1 or C2, immediate repairs are mandatory. After completing the necessary repairs, landlords must inform their tenants and local authorities in writing to confirm the property’s safety status.
FAQs
Questions? We're glad you asked
The purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is to ensure legal compliance by providing a detailed record of all inspections carried out. The report highlights any necessary corrective actions landlords must take to obtain certification or improve the safety of their property if electrical faults or concerns are found.
During the electrical safety inspection, the following objectives are addressed:
Identify potential hazards in permanent installations such as lights, sockets, fixtures, and electric storage boilers.
Detect poorly executed electrical work that could threaten occupants’ safety.
Verify that electrical circuits and equipment are not overloaded.
Ensure proper earthing and bonding, and confirm circuit breakers will trip during electrical surges.
Identify any components that do not meet the Wiring Regulations set by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Since April 2021, the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has been a legal requirement in England for all rental properties, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Landlords must have a qualified professional inspect and test their property’s electrical installations at least every five years. Failure to obtain an EICR can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and liability for any unreported electrical faults.
Local authorities also have the power to carry out emergency repairs if needed, with costs charged to the landlord. If you’re a landlord without a current EICR, it’s crucial to arrange one promptly to comply with the law and protect your tenants.
During an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assessment, various issues within the electrical system may be identified, including:
The effectiveness of bonding and earthing systems.
The presence and proper functioning of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), especially for outdoor sockets.
The condition of visible cables, lighting fixtures, and downlighters.
Signs of wear or deterioration in electrical equipment and installations.
The suitability of control gear and switchgear.
The operation of sockets, switches, light fittings, and other electrical devices.
Any modifications to the property that may have compromised the electrical system.
Detection of “daisy chaining,” where multiple extension leads are connected together, which can pose a safety risk.
After completing the electrical testing and inspection, the electrician may take a few days to issue the Electrical Safety Certificate, as they need time to upload and analyze the findings.
EICR Codes Explained:
C1 (Danger Present – Risk of Injury): This is the most serious code, indicating an immediate risk of electric shock or fire. Examples include damaged insulation, exposed live parts, or broken switches/sockets. Urgent action is required to fix the issue or isolate the affected part or circuit.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): This code signals that remedial work is needed soon, as the defect could become dangerous. Examples include missing mains bonding, faulty earthing, or RCDs that fail to trip during testing.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): This code means the installation does not fully comply with wiring regulations but poses no immediate danger. It’s similar to an advisory note—you’re not legally required to fix it, but doing so would enhance safety.
FI (Further Investigation Required): This indicates a potential problem needing more detailed assessment by an engineer before deciding on the next steps.
According to current regulations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for rental properties is valid for five years. However, it’s recommended to renew the report at the start of each new tenancy.
According to regulations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be completed by a competent and qualified professional.
This means the certificate should be issued by a qualified electrician who has undergone the necessary training and certification for periodic testing and inspection of electrical installations.
To ensure compliance with the latest safety standards, such as the IET 18th Edition, many qualified electricians register with recognised scheme providers.
Some of the most reputable accreditation bodies in the UK include NICEIC, Stroma, Napit, and Elecsa.
While accreditation with these organisations is not mandatory to issue an Electrical Certificate, electricians must hold the appropriate qualifications and credentials.
To ensure the safety of your family or your rental property, it is important to obtain an electrical safety certificate from reputable professionals. Multicerts provides EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) from £119 for 1/3 bed and 4/5 bed for £139
The overall cost of the inspection will also depend on the number of circuits and consumer units/fuse boxes. Obtaining an up-to-date electrical safety certificate is crucial for your peace of mind and the safety of your home or investment property.
The primary purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection is to identify any significant electrical issues within a property’s electrical systems and installations.
The inspection includes both a visual assessment and thorough testing of electrical components inside the property (such as main cables and distribution boards) and outside (like light fittings, switches, and sockets).
Common tests carried out during the inspection include Dead Testing, Live Testing, and Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing. These tests may require a brief power outage.
The time needed for the inspection depends on factors such as the property’s size, age, complexity, and number of circuits. Discovering major faults may also extend the inspection duration.
Summary of EICR Tests:
Visual Inspection: The electrician begins by visually checking the premises and electrical systems for obvious issues.
Dead Testing: This involves three parts—Insulation Resistance Testing, Continuity Testing, and Polarity Testing. These tests detect defective connections, verify insulation integrity to prevent electric shocks, and ensure correct wiring.
Live Testing: These tests confirm that the electrical system can safely disconnect power during a fault, preventing danger or further damage.
RCD Testing: For newer installations, Residual Current Devices are tested to ensure they will trip properly to protect against fire risks.
Yes, the electrician will need to briefly turn off the power to each circuit during testing. This short interruption is necessary to safely carry out the required inspections and ensure accurate results.
The time needed to complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) varies depending on factors such as property size, number of circuits, complexity of the electrical system, and any issues discovered during inspection.
Generally, a small apartment may take around 45 minutes to an hour, while larger properties can require three to four hours to complete.
Yes, if any part of the electrical system is deemed unsafe or unsuitable by the engineer, the installation will be marked as 'unsatisfactory.' This means the identified issues must be resolved before the property can be legally rented out.
After the EICR inspection, it may take a few days to receive the results, as the engineer needs time to upload their findings digitally and email the report to you.
If your electrical system meets the required safety standards, the report will be marked as ‘satisfactory.’ However, if it falls short, the report will be classified as ‘unsatisfactory,’ indicating that remedial work is necessary to bring the installation up to standard.
The report will specify which parts of the system failed and why. During the EICR, four codes are used to classify faults. If any C1, C2, or FI codes are recorded, the inspection will be deemed unsatisfactory.
Remedial Work:
C1 Faults: These represent immediate danger. The assessor may take prompt action to isolate the faulty part or even shut down the property until repairs are made.
C2 Faults: These require urgent remedial work, which landlords must complete within 28 days according to UK law.
After completing the necessary repairs, landlords must inform both tenants and local authorities in writing that the work has been carried out within the required timeframe.