An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of the fixed electrical installation in a property. For landlords, it's now a legal requirement. For homeowners, it's the most reliable way to understand whether your wiring is safe. This guide explains what an EICR inspection involves, how to interpret the results and what to do when remedial works are identified.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR is a comprehensive inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a building. It covers:
- The consumer unit (fuse board) — breakers, RCD devices, enclosure, labelling
- All wiring circuits throughout the property
- Sockets, switches and light fittings (fixed)
- Earth bonding connections (main and supplementary)
- Smoke alarm wiring where hard-wired systems are present
The inspection uses a combination of visual examination, dead testing (circuits isolated) and live testing (circuits energised) to assess the condition of the installation against the current standard, BS 7671:2018 +A2:2022.
Understanding the Codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
Observations on an EICR are classified into four categories:
C1 — Danger Present
A C1 observation indicates immediate danger to persons or livestock. The electrician should take immediate action to make the installation safe before leaving the property. The property cannot be let until C1 items are resolved.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous
A C2 observation indicates a potentially dangerous condition that requires urgent remediation. For landlords, C1 and C2 findings must be remedied within 28 days of the inspection date and evidence provided to tenants and the local authority.
C3 — Improvement Recommended
A C3 observation is an improvement recommendation. The property can still receive a "Satisfactory" outcome with C3 items present — they do not require mandatory remediation, but addressing them is good practice.
FI — Further Investigation Required
An FI observation indicates that further investigation is required before the overall condition of the installation can be fully assessed. This is typically used where a defect cannot be confirmed without additional testing or access.
Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory
An EICR is given an overall outcome of either "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". Any C1 or C2 observation will result in an Unsatisfactory outcome. C3 observations alone do not make an EICR unsatisfactory.
A Satisfactory EICR does not mean the installation is new or perfect — it means it is safe for continued use in its current condition. A property with an Unsatisfactory EICR must have the identified issues remedied before it can be let under the 2020 Regulations.
For landlords: an Unsatisfactory EICR result means remedial works are required within 28 days. VCO Electrical can carry out remedial works and issue a new EICR or an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the works are complete.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
A typical domestic EICR takes between 2–4 hours for a 3-bedroom property, depending on the number of circuits, condition of the installation and access to cable routes. Larger or older properties with complex wiring may take longer.
How Often Is an EICR Required?
- Rental properties — every 5 years (or at every change of tenancy if sooner), under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
- Owner-occupied homes — there is no mandatory frequency for homeowners, but every 10 years is widely recommended
- Commercial premises — typically every 5 years, but varies with premises type and Electricity at Work Regulations requirements
VCO Electrical EICR Service in London
VCO Electrical carries out EICR inspections across London, Bromley, Bexley, Dartford and surrounding areas. All inspections are carried out by fully qualified electricians using calibrated test equipment. Digital EICR reports are issued to the landlord or homeowner the same day as the inspection.
- Inspections carried out to BS 7671:2018 +A2:2022 and IET Guidance Note 3 (2022)
- Digital report issued same day — no waiting for paperwork
- Remedial works quoted immediately on completion of inspection
- Key collection and direct tenant access available for landlords
- Renewal tracking — we remind you when your next EICR is due
Ready to book an EICR for your property? WhatsApp us for a fast quote.
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