Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR): Complete Guide for Homeowners & Landlords
An electrical safety certificate, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is essential for ensuring your property’s electrical system is safe, compliant, and fit for use.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, understanding how an EICR works can help you prevent hazards, meet legal requirements, and protect occupants. Our electrical testing services are designed to ensure full compliance and safety.
⚡ Book Your Electrical Safety Certificate
What Is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection and testing procedure carried out by a qualified electrician.
It assesses the safety and condition of your electrical installation, identifying:
- Faulty or deteriorating wiring
- Electric shock risks
- Fire hazards caused by overloaded circuits
- Lack of earthing or bonding
- Non-compliance with current regulations
As part of our professional EICR testing service, we ensure all installations meet current UK standards.
At the end of the inspection, you’ll receive an electrical safety certificate confirming whether your installation is safe or requires remedial work.
Is an EICR the Same as an Electrical Safety Certificate?
Yes — the terms are often used interchangeably.
- Electrical Safety Certificate = common name
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) = official technical term
Both refer to the same inspection and report carried out by qualified professionals.
Why You Need an Electrical Safety Certificate
- ✅ Safety – Identifies hidden faults before they become dangerous
- ✅ Legal compliance – Required for landlords
- ✅ Insurance – Many insurers require a valid EICR
- ✅ Peace of mind – Confirms your system meets current standards
If issues are found, we can also carry out electrical repairs and upgrades to bring your installation up to standard.
Electrical Safety Certificate for Landlords
If you are a landlord, an electrical safety certificate (EICR) is a legal requirement. Our dedicated landlord electrical safety services ensure you remain fully compliant.
UK Legal Requirements
- An EICR must be carried out every 5 years
- A copy must be provided to tenants within 28 days
- Remedial work must be completed within 28 days
- Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000
When You Need a New EICR
- At the start of a new tenancy
- Every 5 years
- After major electrical work
What Happens During an EICR Inspection?
During an EICR, a qualified electrician will:
- Inspect your fuse board / consumer unit
- Test wiring circuits
- Check earthing and bonding
- Verify RCD protection
- Assess switches, sockets, and fittings
- Identify wear, damage, or outdated components
We also recommend upgrading outdated systems, such as consumer unit upgrades, if safety improvements are required.
Power will usually be temporarily turned off to safely complete testing.
EICR Result Codes Explained
- C1 – Danger present: Immediate action required
- C2 – Potentially dangerous: Urgent repair needed
- C3 – Improvement recommended
- FI – Further investigation required
Satisfactory = only C3 or no issues
Unsatisfactory = C1, C2, or FI present
How Much Does an Electrical Safety Certificate Cost?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) depends on:
- Number of circuits
- Property size
- Type of building
Pricing is typically charged per circuit, with a minimum fee. Contact us via our online enquiry form for a fast quote.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
- Domestic / landlord properties: 2–4 hours
- Commercial properties: 1–2 days
- Industrial sites: Depends on system size
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
| Property Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rental properties (landlords) | Every 5 years |
| Domestic homes | Every 10 years |
| Commercial buildings | Every 5 years |
| Industrial properties | Every 3 years |
What Happens If Your Electrical Safety Certificate Fails?
If your electrical installation condition report is unsatisfactory:
- You’ll receive a list of issues
- An electrician will provide a quote
- Repairs must be carried out
- A new certificate is issued once compliant
We can carry out all necessary electrical remedial work quickly and efficiently.
Areas We Cover
We provide electrical safety certificates across Essex, London, and the South East. Visit our homepage to learn more about our services.
Book Your Electrical Safety Certificate
Need a reliable Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
- ✅ NICEIC-approved electricians
- ✅ Fast turnaround times
- ✅ Landlord compliance specialists
- ✅ Competitive pricing
FAQs
What is an electrical installation condition report?
An EICR is a formal inspection that assesses the safety of your electrical systems.
Do landlords need an electrical safety certificate?
Yes, landlords are legally required to have a valid EICR every 5 years.
How long does an electrical safety certificate last?
Typically 5 years for rental properties and up to 10 years for owner-occupied homes.
Can I sell a property without an EICR?
Yes, but having a valid certificate helps reassure buyers and speed up the sale.