An EICR inspection checks the condition and safety of the fixed electrical installation in a property. A qualified electrician will visually inspect components, test circuits and protective devices, identify deterioration or potential hazards, then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report showing whether the installation is satisfactory. If problems are found, the report will explain which issues need attention and how serious they are.
For business owners, landlords and facilities managers, knowing what happens during EICR testing makes the process much easier to plan for.
What Does an EICR Actually Check?
An EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installation rather than everyday portable appliances.
This can include:
- Distribution boards and consumer units
- Fixed wiring and circuits
- Sockets and switches
- Lighting circuits
- Earthing and bonding
- Protective devices such as RCDs
- Permanently connected electrical equipment where it forms part of the installation
The electrician is looking for damage, deterioration, defects and conditions that could create a safety risk.
The Health and Safety Executive states that electrical installations used at work must be maintained to prevent danger. An EICR provides a structured way to assess the condition of an installation and identify work that may be required.
What Happens at the Start of an EICR Inspection?
Before testing begins, the electrician will usually discuss the property, how it is used and any known electrical problems.
For a commercial building, they may also need information about operating hours, sensitive equipment and areas where switching circuits off could cause disruption.
The electrician then carries out a visual inspection. This can reveal obvious problems such as damaged accessories, signs of overheating, exposed wiring or unsuitable alterations.
Existing electrical records can also be useful, particularly in larger premises with more complex installations.
What Electrical Tests Are Carried Out?
An EICR involves more than looking at sockets and wiring. Electrical testing is used to check how the installation performs and whether its protective measures are working correctly.
Tests may include checking:
Earthing and Bonding
Earthing and bonding help protect people from electric shock if a fault develops. The electrician will check that suitable arrangements are in place and functioning correctly.
Circuit Continuity
Testing can confirm that conductors have a continuous path through the circuit, including protective conductors designed to carry fault current safely.
Insulation Resistance
Insulation resistance testing helps identify deterioration or damage to the insulation surrounding electrical conductors.
RCD Operation
Residual Current Devices are designed to disconnect the electricity supply rapidly when certain faults occur. Where RCDs are installed, their operation can be tested as part of the inspection.
Circuit Protection
The electrician will also check whether circuits have suitable protective devices and whether the installation is appropriate for its current use.
Some testing requires circuits to be temporarily isolated. In a workplace, this should be planned carefully to avoid unnecessary disruption.
What Do EICR Codes Mean?
Once the inspection and testing are complete, any observations are recorded using standard classification codes.
C1 means danger is present and immediate remedial action is required.
C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial action is needed.
C3 means improvement is recommended. A C3 observation does not make the report unsatisfactory by itself.
The report may also use FI where further investigation is required without delay.
If the inspection identifies a C1, C2 or FI observation, the overall result will normally be recorded as unsatisfactory.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the entire electrical installation needs replacing. Often, specific faults can be repaired before the affected parts are tested again.
How Long Does an EICR Inspection Take?
There isn’t one fixed timescale.
A small premises with a straightforward electrical installation may be inspected relatively quickly. A large commercial building containing numerous distribution boards and circuits will take considerably longer.
Access also makes a difference. If areas are locked, equipment cannot be isolated or circuits aren’t labelled properly, testing may take longer.
For commercial properties, good planning is particularly important. An electrician can often arrange testing around working hours or break the inspection into stages to limit disruption.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once testing is complete, you’ll receive the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Electrical Safety First explains that the report records damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and relevant non-compliances identified during the inspection.
If the result is satisfactory, the electrician will recommend when the next periodic inspection should take place.
If the report is unsatisfactory, the next step is to arrange the required remedial work. SB Electrical Solutions can provide both EICR inspections and wider commercial electrical services, making it easier to deal with faults identified during testing.
How Should You Prepare for an EICR?
A little preparation can make the inspection easier.
Make sure the electrician can access distribution boards, electrical cupboards and relevant parts of the building. If you have previous EICRs, circuit schedules or electrical certificates, have them available.
Businesses should also identify any equipment or areas that cannot lose power without warning. Discussing this beforehand allows the electrician to plan isolation and testing around your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an EICR require the electricity to be switched off?
Parts of the installation usually need to be isolated during testing. The entire property may not necessarily lose power at once, particularly in larger commercial premises where work can often be completed circuit by circuit.
Is PAT testing included in an EICR?
No. An EICR examines the fixed electrical installation. Portable Appliance Testing covers electrical equipment and appliances and is a separate process.
Can an EICR fail?
An EICR is described as satisfactory or unsatisfactory rather than pass or fail. C1, C2 or FI observations normally result in an unsatisfactory outcome until the relevant problems have been addressed.
How often should an EICR be carried out?
The appropriate interval depends on the type of installation, its condition and the environment in which it is used. The electrician will normally recommend the date of the next inspection on the report.
Final Thoughts
An EICR gives you a clear picture of what’s happening within an electrical installation, including problems that aren’t obvious during everyday use. The inspection covers the condition of wiring, circuits, protective devices and other fixed electrical components, followed by a report explaining any issues found.
For businesses, regular EICR testing also supports a sensible approach to electrical maintenance and workplace safety.
If you need EICR testing for a home or commercial property in Essex, contact SB Electrical Solutions to arrange an inspection and get straightforward advice on any work your electrical installation needs.
