⚡ What Is an Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)?
An Electrical Safety Certificate — also known as an EICR — is a detailed inspection and testing report that assesses the condition of your electrical installation.
It identifies any faults, defects, or safety risks such as overloaded circuits, electric shock hazards, or potential fire risks.
At PSS Installations, our NICEIC-approved electricians carry out fixed wire testing in line with BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) to ensure your installation meets national safety standards.
Why Do You Need an Electrical Safety Certificate?
Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business, an EICR protects you and ensures compliance with current legislation.
✅ Legal Requirement – Landlords must provide a valid EICR for all rental properties under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020.
Insurance Compliance – Many insurers require an up-to-date electrical safety certificate before providing cover.
⚡ Safety Assurance – Prevent electrical fires, shocks, or failures by identifying faults early.
Peace of Mind – Demonstrates your building is safe and maintained to professional standards.
How Much Does an Electrical Safety Certificate Cost?
EICR or fixed wire testing is typically charged per circuit, with a minimum service fee.
We can provide fast, accurate quotes — often while you’re on the phone — once we know the number of circuits in your property.
How to Count Your Electrical Circuits
If you already have a previous electrical safety certificate, check the left-hand column for circuit numbers — that’s your total.
If not, count the number of breakers or trip switches on your fuse board (or distribution board).
Commercial buildings often have multiple boards, so be sure to identify them all for an accurate quote.
If one’s missed, don’t worry — we can easily amend your quote after inspection.
What Happens During an EICR Test?
Our electricians test your installation against BS 7671 standards, checking:
Earthing and bonding adequacy
Condition of wiring and accessories
Suitability of consumer units, isolators, and breakers
RCD protection for sockets and lighting
Proper identification and safety labelling
General wear and tear or potential fire risks
Once complete, you’ll receive your Electrical Safety Certificate, detailing any issues found and whether your system is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
EICR Result Codes:
C1 – Danger present: Immediate action required
C2 – Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial work needed
C3 – Improvement recommended
FI – Further investigation required
All C1, C2, or FI items result in an unsatisfactory certificate. We’ll provide a no-obligation remedial quote to bring your installation to compliance quickly.
⏱ How Long Does Fixed Wire Testing Take?
It depends on the number of circuits and property type:
Domestic/landlord tests: 2–4 hours for one board
Commercial properties: Typically 1–2 days depending on board count and access
⚙️ Industrial sites: Approximately 20–25 circuits tested per day
We’ll always plan works around your schedule to minimise disruption.
Will the Power Need to Be Switched Off?
Yes — to ensure accurate testing, circuits are isolated during inspection.
We’ll coordinate with you in advance to avoid downtime, and for critical systems (servers, CCTV, etc.), we can plan out-of-hours testing to keep your operations running smoothly.
How Often Do You Need an Electrical Safety Certificate?
| Property Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Commercial premises (offices, hospitals, shops) | Every 5 years |
| Industrial premises | Every 3 years |
| Entertainment venues, swimming pools, caravan parks | Every 1 year |
| Rental properties (landlords) | Every 5 years or at tenancy change |
| Domestic properties (owner-occupied) | Every 10 years or change of occupancy |
✅ Stay Compliant with PSS Installations
Since 2004, PSS Installations has provided trusted electrical testing and inspection services across London, Essex, and the South & East of England.
Our experienced team delivers accurate, efficient, and fully certified electrical safety certificates to keep your property compliant and your occupants safe.
Call us on 0800 0213 264
Visit: pssinstallations.co.uk