On average, an EICR inspection takes one to four hours. The length of the test depends on the size of the property, the accessibility of electrical systems and the number of electrical equipment, among other factors.

Additional inspection may be required, depending on the electrician’s findings from the comprehensive assessment.

After the inspection, the electrician will issue an EICR that you keep until the next inspection date. This is not a certificate, but simply a report that details the overall condition of your installation and the remedial work required, if needed.

The EICR will specify damages, defects, deterioration and other conditions that could put everyone in the building at risk. Pictures might be added to the report to emphasise areas of concern.

If your EICR report reveals issues with your electrical system, the results will come out as “Unsatisfactory,” meaning there is remedial work to be done. The electrician will also provide a fixed price quotation for the remedial work.

The electrician will indicate a code to specify the extent of the risk and the required action:

Code 1: Danger present. Occupants are at risk of injury and immediate action is needed.

Code 2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is needed to make the electrical installation safe.

Code 3: Improvement recommended. This is the only EICR classification code that indicates your electrical system poses no danger, but improvements can be made.

FI: Further investigation is required. This means the contractor can’t determine the safety of the installation without additional information or investigation. An example of this is the lack of a main protective bonding of a Lightning Protection System (LPS), where the contractor must consult with the designer to confirm that it is safe to bond the LPS.

The Electrical Safety Standards require that you resolve any electrical issues within 28 days beginning with the day when you received the recommendation from the electrician.

Once the necessary corrective work is finished, the electrician will issue an EICR Certificate of Safety to verify that your electrical systems are safe.

After obtaining written confirmation from the electrician that further investigation or remedial work in the property is required, make copies and send them to each tenant within 28 days of completion of the corrective action. A copy of the report must also be sent to the local housing authority within the same time frame.

Failure to correct issues within the timeframe makes you at risk to penalties. You’ll receive a written notice from the local housing authority requesting you to address the remedial work within 21 days.

If corrective action is not completed within the given period, the local housing authority arranges for an authorised person to enter your premises to take remedial action.

The Electrical Safety Standards recommend that an EICR should be conducted at intervals of no more than five years.

A qualified electrician may recommend a more frequent inspection for the following reasons:

Age of installation: An EICR needs to be carried out regularly for old electrical systems.

Type of property: Properties with swimming pools need a more frequent assessment. It is recommended that these types of properties are tested every one to three years.

Environmental conditions: A property needs to be inspected right away after fire or flooding to determine the extent of the damage of the electrical installations.

Misuse of the installation: More frequent testing is required if the electrical system was tampered with or vandalised.

Change in usage of the property: There could be a change of tenancy in a rental property, or a property is being prepared to be purchased or sold. Aside from ensuring that the electrical system is safe, an EICR helps determine if remedial work needs to be performed before the property changes tenancy.

Your EICR serves as proof that you complied with electrical safety standards and did the reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all occupants of your property.

You are required to give copies of EICR to the following people:

Existing tenants of the residential premises. Copies must be given to them within 28 days after testing and inspection.

New tenants before they occupy the premises. Prospective tenants may also request for a copy of the EICR before agreeing on a sale.

The local housing authority. A copy must be given to them within seven days after you’ve received a written request from them.

The electrician carrying out the next EICR inspection. This will give them a background of your electrical system before starting a new inspection.

After inspecting and testing, the electrician will apply a label to the electrical installation, indicating the date of the inspection and the recommended date for the next EICR test. The electrician must also record the next inspection date on the EICR.

The electrician may recommend a more periodic inspection based on several factors, and the recommendation must be justified in the report.

The average cost of an EICR for a two-bed flat is £120 to £150. The price can go up depending on several factors like:

Location: Properties in the city tend to have a higher cost of EICR.

Age of the property: Older properties require a more thorough inspection because of the deterioration and wear and tear of the electrical system.

Size of the property: Larger properties require a more extensive inspection.

Type of property: An industrial facility will need to be examined more thoroughly than a flat or hostel.

The extent of testing: Although we encourage a thorough inspection of all systems, it might not be feasible given factors like your property’s layout or the nature of your business. Asking the electrician or engineer to inspect only certain areas of the property lowers the cost but may not provide a complete picture of the condition of your electrical system.

Accessibility and condition of the electrical system: If your electrical installations are difficult to access, or if they have deteriorated over time, the contractor might charge higher.

Make sure that your EICR inspection is worth every penny with these tips:

Hire a qualified electrician or engineer

Choose an electrician that has relevant accreditations, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation and the Electrical Contractors’ Association. These governing bodies evaluate electrical contractors to ensure they meet technical and safety standards. Ask for relevant certifications from the contractor before they show up on your property.

Read up on relevant regulations

It might seem like a tiresome task but taking the time to read electrical safety regulations ensures that you are aware of the measures needed to make your property safe for tenants and employees. You might even find aspects from these regulations that you still have to address.

Conduct a preliminary inspection of your property

Before an inspection by the contractor, conduct a visual inspection of your electrical system and appliances and take note of visible problems. This minimises any issues that your contractor will detect during the EICR test. A preliminary inspection also determines which areas of the electrical system you can’t reach and have to be assessed by a qualified electrician.

Remedy issues found after a visual inspection

Once you find damaged extension cords, sockets and electrical fittings, replace them immediately. Tape extension cords, wires and cables to floors and walls when necessary. Install ground fault circuit interpreters in areas where there is a greater risk of electric shock, like bathrooms and swimming pools.

Inform your tenants beforehand

Send a memo to your tenants that an EICR will be performed on the property. Indicate the date, how long the testing will take and what disruptions to their daily activities they can expect. This allows tenants to plan how they can continue their activities while the inspection is ongoing.