If you’ve been told you need an EICR — or you’ve just come across the term — you might be wondering what it is, whether it’s really necessary, and what’s involved.

At EPM, we get asked this all the time by homeowners across Exeter and the surrounding area, so let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It's a detailed inspection and testing of your property’s fixed wiring — things like sockets, switches, the consumer unit (fuse board), and all the cabling behind the scenes.

Think of it like an MOT for your electrics. It tells you:

• Is everything safe?

• Are there any risks of electric shock or fire?

• Does everything meet current standards?

Who Actually Needs an EICR?

Let’s make it simple. Here’s when you should or must get an EICR done:

Homeowners (Owner-Occupied)

It’s not legally required, but it's strongly recommended every 10 years — or if you’re noticing issues like:

• Flickering lights

• Tripping circuits

• Overheating sockets

• Burn marks on outlets or the consumer unit

Many customers ask us for an EICR before major renovation works, a kitchen refit, or just for peace of mind in an older property.

Landlords

Yes, 100% required by law. You must have a valid EICR:

• Every 5 years, or

• At the start of a new tenancy

If issues are found, they must be fixed within 28 days. This applies to all rented properties — no exceptions.

When Buying or Selling a Home

We often get called out for pre-purchase EICRs. If you’re buying a house, an EICR gives you a true picture of the electrical safety — something a basic survey usually won’t tell you.

Likewise, if you’re selling, it can help avoid surprises that might delay or affect your sale price.

How Much Does an EICR Cost in 2025?

In the Exeter area, you can expect to pay roughly:

Property TypeTypical Cost1-2 Bed Flat/House£150–£2003-4 Bed House£200–£250Larger HomesFrom £250+

Prices depend on the size of the property and number of circuits. Be wary of cheap offers that seem too good to be true — we’ve seen rushed inspections with no testing at all.

What Happens During the Test?

A qualified EPM electrician will:

• Inspect your consumer unit and main cabling

• Test every circuit for safety

• Check for proper earthing and bonding

• Identify any potential risks (like exposed wiring or overheating)

• Provide a full written report

If any issues are found, we’ll explain exactly what they mean and give you clear, no-pressure options.

What Do the Results Mean?

Your EICR will come back as either:

• Satisfactory – you’re all good 

• Unsatisfactory – there are one or more issues 

Common EICR codes include:

• C1 – Immediate danger (needs fixing now)

• C2 – Potential danger

• C3 – Improvement recommended (not urgent)

What We’ve Seen Locally

We’ve carried out EICRs in all kinds of Exeter properties — from new builds to Victorian terraces. In older homes, we often find:

• No RCD protection

• Loose or corroded connections

• Undersized bonding to gas/water

• DIY additions that don’t meet regs

Sometimes, people assume “it’s been fine for years” — but once we test it, serious faults come to light. That’s why an EICR can be such a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts from EPM

An EICR isn’t just a bit of paperwork — it’s about protecting your home, your family, and anyone who uses your electrics. Whether it’s peace of mind or a legal requirement, we’re here to make it straightforward.

If you're not sure whether you need one, just give us a shout. We’ll happily talk it through — no jargon, no hard sell.

📞 Ready to get booked in? Fill in a online form or call now to speak with a qualified local electrician.