An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a thorough inspection and test of the electrical installation in your property. It checks that the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and other fixed electrical accessories are safe and in satisfactory condition.

EICRs are required by law for rental properties and are recommended for homeowners, particularly in older properties, when buying or selling, or when electrical work has not been carried out for a number of years.

This guide explains what you can expect when you book a Domestic EICR with EPM.

Before Your Appointment

To help us carry out the inspection efficiently, it is helpful if you can:

• Ensure access to all rooms in the property is available for the duration of the appointment, including any loft hatch, outbuildings or garages where electrical accessories are fitted.

• Make sure the consumer unit is accessible and not obstructed.

• Let us know of any known electrical faults or issues before the appointment.

• Secure any pets, as the electrician will need to move freely through the property.

Please be aware that circuits will be switched off temporarily throughout the inspection. It is worth letting anyone else in the property know in advance.

If there are any parking restrictions or access instructions, please let us know before the appointment.

What Happens During the Visit?

The electrician will carry out a visual inspection of the electrical installation throughout the property, including the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and any other fixed electrical accessories.

Following the visual inspection, each circuit will be tested in turn using specialist equipment. Circuits are switched off individually while they are being tested, then restored before moving on to the next. At the end of the inspection, everything will be returned to its normal working state.

Once the inspection and testing is complete, a report will be issued. This sets out the condition of the installation and records any observations made during the inspection. Observations are graded as follows:

• C1: Danger present. Requires immediate action.

• C2: Potentially dangerous. Requires urgent attention.

• C3: Improvement recommended. Not immediately dangerous but worth addressing.

• FI: Further investigation required before a judgement can be made.

Where the installation is in satisfactory condition with no C1 or C2 observations, the report will be issued as satisfactory. Where C1 or C2 observations are recorded, remedial work will be required to bring the installation up to standard.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

The time needed depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits installed.

As a general guide:

• A one or two bedroom property typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.

• A three or four bedroom property typically takes around 3 to 4 hours.

• Larger properties or those with more circuits will take longer.

Things That Could Affect the Job

Most EICRs proceed straightforwardly, but occasionally we may find:

• Access to parts of the installation is restricted, for example where wiring runs through inaccessible areas or accessories are obstructed.

• The installation is older and requires additional time to inspect and test.

• The consumer unit or wiring is in a condition that requires further investigation before the inspection can be completed.

• Faults are identified that require remedial work before a satisfactory report can be issued.

If remedial work is required following the inspection, we will discuss the findings with you and provide a separate quotation for any work needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the power be off throughout the inspection?

Not all at once. Each circuit is switched off individually while it is being tested and restored before the next circuit is tested. There will be periods during the inspection where individual sockets, lights or other circuits are temporarily without power.

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

No. You do not need to be present during the inspection, but access to the full property will be needed for the duration of the appointment.

What happens if my property does not pass?

The report will set out any C1 or C2 observations that need to be addressed. You will need to arrange remedial work to bring the installation up to standard. Once the work is completed, the affected circuits can be re-tested and the report updated.

How long is an EICR valid for?

For rental properties, an EICR is required every five years or at each change of tenancy. For owner-occupied properties, an EICR is recommended every ten years. Your report will include a recommended date for the next inspection.

Will you carry out any repairs on the day?

The EICR itself is an inspection only. If minor remedial items are identified, we may be able to discuss these with you on the day, but any additional work would be quoted and agreed separately.

Key Points

Typical appointment: Around 2 to 3 hours for a one or two bedroom property. Around 3 to 4 hours for a three or four bedroom property. Larger properties or those with more circuits will take longer.

Engineer required: One electrician.

Typical visits: One visit for the inspection. A follow-up visit may be required if remedial work is identified.

Materials: None. The EICR is an inspection and testing service only.

Property disruption: Individual circuits will be temporarily switched off during testing throughout the inspection. All circuits will be restored before the electrician leaves.

Access required: Access to all rooms, the consumer unit, and all electrical accessories throughout the property for the duration of the appointment.