#eicrtestprocedure

Introduction

An EICR Test (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a crucial safety inspection for any property in the UK. Whether you're a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, understanding the EICR test procedure can help you stay compliant with regulations and ensure your electrical installations are safe for use.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire EICR process, explain its importance, and highlight what to expect during an inspection. If you're considering booking an EICR test in the UK, especially in London and surrounding areas, this guide is for you.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the safety of electrical systems within a building. The test identifies:

Faulty wiring

Overloaded circuits

Potential fire hazards

Lack of earthing or bonding

General wear and tear of electrical components

Why is the EICR Test Important?

The EICR is not just a recommendation; it’s a legal requirement for landlords under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. It ensures that tenants and occupants are protected from electrical faults that could lead to fires, electrocution, or other serious hazards.

For homeowners and commercial property owners, it's a valuable safety measure and can be a requirement for insurance or property sales.

How Often is an EICR Required?

The frequency of EICR testing depends on the type of property:

Domestic properties: Every 10 years (or every 5 years if rented)

Commercial properties: Every 5 years

Industrial premises: Every 3 years

Caravan parks: Annually

More frequent testing may be recommended depending on the building's condition and use.

Step-by-Step: EICR Test Procedure

Let’s take a closer look at the stages of an EICR test:

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

The electrician will first gather basic details about the property, including its size, age, type of use, and any known issues. They will plan the inspection accordingly, considering accessibility and safety procedures.

Key Tasks:

Site walkthrough

Discussion with property owner or manager

Review of existing electrical documentation (if any)

2. Visual Inspection

Before any testing begins, a thorough visual examination is carried out. This helps identify immediate hazards and visible defects.

The visual inspection checks for:

Exposed live wires

Burn marks around sockets

Incorrectly labelled circuits

Signs of wear or damage

Overloaded extension cords or sockets

3. Dead Testing

This part of the EICR test is done with the power turned off. It helps determine the basic integrity of the installation.

Tests include:

Continuity testing: Ensures that conductors (wires) are properly connected and unbroken.

Insulation resistance testing: Checks that wires are adequately insulated to prevent electric shocks.

Polarity testing: Verifies that live, neutral, and earth wires are correctly connected.

4. Live Testing

Once dead testing is completed safely, the electrician will move to live testing, which is done with the power switched on.

This stage involves:

Earth fault loop impedance test: Confirms that a fault current will travel back safely to the earth.

RCD testing (Residual Current Devices): Ensures RCDs are functioning properly to trip when a fault is detected.

5. Observations and Classifications

During the inspection, any issues are recorded and categorized using a standard coding system:

C1 (Danger Present): Immediate action required (e.g. exposed live wires)

C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent repair recommended

C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not an immediate danger, but should be corrected

FI (Further Investigation Needed): The issue needs more in-depth analysis

6. Report Generation

After completing all tests and inspections, the electrician compiles the findings into an EICR report. This report includes:

Details of the installation

Test results

Identified faults and their classifications

Recommendations for remedial work

Overall assessment (Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory)

7. Follow-up and Remedial Work

If the report is marked as Unsatisfactory, remedial work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Once completed, a new report or confirmation of corrections will be issued.

For landlords, it’s mandatory to provide a copy of the satisfactory EICR to tenants and local authorities if requested.

How Long Does an EICR Take?

The time required depends on the size and complexity of the property:

1-bedroom flat: 1.5 – 2 hours

3-bedroom house: 3 – 4 hours

Commercial properties: 1 day or more, depending on the number of circuits

How Much Does an EICR Cost?

EICR test costs vary depending on location, size, and access to the electrical systems. On average:

Flats: £100 – £150

Houses: £150 – £300

Commercial sites: £250+

Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor

When booking your EICR test, make sure to:

Choose an NICEIC or NAPIT registered electrician

Check their experience with your type of property

Read customer reviews

Request a fixed quote beforehand

At CityPAT, we provide fully certified EICR inspections for homes, landlords, and businesses across London. Our skilled engineers ensure full compliance, peace of mind, and quick turnaround times.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the EICR test procedure is key to maintaining a safe and legally compliant property. It’s not just a formality – it’s a vital part of electrical safety. Whether you’re a landlord or business owner, scheduling regular EICR tests can help you prevent costly repairs and protect lives.

Book your inspection today with CityPAT and ensure your property meets all UK safety standards.