If you are a landlord, homeowner, buyer or property manager, you may be asking: what does an EICR check include in the UK? An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation inside a property. At Electrician in London, we carry out EICR inspections across London to help property owners understand whether their electrics are safe, compliant and suitable for continued use.
An EICR does not usually test portable appliances such as kettles, lamps or televisions. Instead, it focuses on the permanent electrical system: wiring, circuits, consumer units, sockets, switches, earthing, bonding and protective devices. The aim is to identify dangers, deterioration, defects and anything that may put people or property at risk.
What Is the Purpose of an EICR?
The purpose of an EICR is to assess the condition of an electrical installation and confirm whether it is safe for continued use. Electrical systems naturally age over time. Cables can deteriorate, connections can loosen, protective devices can become outdated, and previous DIY work may create hidden risks.
In rented homes in England, landlords are required to have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. For homeowners, an EICR is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended before buying, selling, renovating or if there are signs of electrical problems.
Consumer Unit and Fuse Board Inspection
One of the first things checked during an EICR is the consumer unit, also known as the fuse board. This is the centre of the property’s electrical system, distributing power to different circuits.
The electrician will check whether the consumer unit is accessible, correctly labelled, securely fitted and suitable for the installation. They will also inspect protective devices such as circuit breakers, RCDs and RCBOs.
Common issues found at the consumer unit include missing RCD protection, damaged covers, exposed live parts, poor labelling, signs of overheating, incorrect circuit protection or outdated fuse boards that no longer meet modern safety expectations.
Wiring and Circuit Testing
An EICR includes testing of fixed wiring and electrical circuits. This is one of the most important parts of the inspection because many electrical problems are hidden behind walls, ceilings and floors.
The electrician may test lighting circuits, socket circuits, cooker circuits, shower circuits, immersion heater circuits and other fixed electrical supplies. These tests help identify faults such as poor insulation resistance, incorrect polarity, broken conductors, overloaded circuits or unsafe connections.
Circuit testing helps show whether electricity can flow safely and whether protective devices will operate correctly if a fault occurs.
RCD Protection Checks
RCD protection is a key safety feature in modern electrical installations. An RCD is designed to disconnect the power quickly if it detects leakage current, helping reduce the risk of electric shock.
During an EICR, the electrician will check whether suitable RCD protection is present where required and whether it operates within the correct time. Lack of RCD protection is a common issue in older London properties, especially where consumer units have not been upgraded for many years.
Sockets, Switches and Electrical Accessories
An EICR also includes inspection of visible electrical accessories. This may include plug sockets, light switches, isolator switches, fused spurs and connection points for fixed appliances.
The electrician will look for cracked fittings, loose sockets, scorch marks, overheating, poor positioning, exposed wiring or signs of unsafe alteration. They may remove a sample of accessories to inspect the wiring behind them, depending on access and the scope of the inspection.
Damaged sockets and loose switches may look minor, but they can point to deeper problems, especially if there are signs of heat or arcing.
Earthing and Bonding Checks
Earthing and bonding are essential parts of electrical safety. Earthing provides a safe path for fault current, while bonding helps reduce the risk of electric shock by connecting metal services such as gas and water pipes to the electrical safety system.
During an EICR, the electrician will check the presence, condition and adequacy of main earthing and protective bonding. Missing or inadequate bonding is a common reason for an unsatisfactory report.
This part of the inspection is especially important in older properties, converted flats and homes where plumbing or electrical alterations have been carried out over time.
Lighting Circuits and Fixed Fittings
Lighting circuits are also checked during an EICR. The electrician will assess the condition of wiring, switches, light fittings and circuit protection.
Common lighting issues include missing earth connections, damaged fittings, poorly installed downlights, overheating around recessed lights, incorrect bathroom lighting zones and unsafe DIY additions.
In bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas, electrical fittings must be suitable for the environment. The inspection helps identify whether fittings are safe for their location.
Bathroom, Kitchen and Outdoor Electrical Safety
Certain areas of a property carry higher electrical risk because of water, moisture and heavier appliance use. Bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, garages and external sockets are therefore important parts of an EICR.
The electrician will check whether electrical items are correctly positioned, suitably protected and appropriate for their environment. In bathrooms, zones around baths and showers are particularly important. Outdoor sockets should be weatherproof and RCD protected.
These checks help prevent shock risk, water-related faults and unsafe installations in high-risk locations.
Signs of Damage, Overheating or Deterioration
A visual inspection is also part of the EICR. The electrician will look for warning signs such as burn marks, melted accessories, damaged cables, exposed conductors, loose connections, corrosion, ageing insulation and signs of previous overheating.
In older London buildings, electrical systems may have been altered many times over the years. An EICR helps identify whether those changes have left behind unsafe or non-compliant work.
Understanding EICR Observation Codes
After the inspection, the electrician records observations using standard EICR codes. These codes explain the seriousness of each issue.
- C1: Danger present. Immediate action required.
- C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required.
- C3: Improvement recommended, but not usually a fail on its own.
- FI: Further investigation required without delay.
If a report contains C1, C2 or FI observations, it will usually be classed as unsatisfactory. C3 recommendations should still be taken seriously, but they do not normally make the report unsatisfactory by themselves.
What Is Not Usually Included in an EICR?
An EICR is thorough, but it is not the same as a full rewire survey or appliance test. It usually does not include testing of portable appliances, hidden wiring that cannot be accessed without damage, or dismantling large parts of the property.
It also does not guarantee that no future faults will occur. The report reflects the condition of the installation at the time of inspection.
EICR Certificate Cost in London
The cost of an EICR in London depends on the property size, number of circuits, access, condition and whether the property is a flat, house, HMO, rental property or commercial space.
Landlords can review London Landlord EICR Certificates from £79.99 ⚡ for clear pricing. If you are comparing inspection costs, you can also check EICR Certificate Cost in London before booking.
Choosing a qualified electrician matters. A proper EICR should be detailed, accurate and supported by clear advice if remedial work is required.
Final Advice: What Does an EICR Check Include?
An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation, including consumer units, wiring, circuits, sockets, switches, earthing, bonding, RCD protection and visible safety concerns. It helps identify whether an installation is safe, whether remedial work is needed and when the next inspection should take place.
For landlords, it is an important legal safety duty. For homeowners, sellers and buyers, it is a valuable way to understand the condition of the property’s electrical system.
Book an EICR Inspection in London
If you need a professional electrical safety inspection for a home, rental property or commercial premises, contact London Electricians for reliable testing, certification and practical advice across London.