What Is an EICR?
An EICR -- Electrical Installation Condition Report -- is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. A qualified electrician inspects and tests every circuit, from the consumer unit to each socket, switch, and light, checking for deterioration, defects, and anything that does not meet the current BS 7671 wiring regulations.
The report details the condition of the installation and assigns observation codes to any issues found. It is not a visual check -- it involves opening the consumer unit, testing circuits under load, measuring earth fault loop impedance, insulation resistance, and RCD trip times.
Who Needs an EICR?
Landlords -- It Is the Law
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require all private landlords to have an EICR carried out by a qualified person before new tenants move in and at least every 5 years thereafter. A copy must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to the local authority on request. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Homeowners
While not a legal requirement for owner-occupiers, an EICR is strongly recommended every 10 years, or when buying a property. Many conveyancing solicitors now request one as part of the purchasing process. For older homes in Bath, Wells, and the surrounding villages, an EICR often reveals issues that would otherwise go undetected until something goes wrong.
Businesses and Commercial Properties
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers have a duty to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition. An EICR every 5 years (or more frequently for high-risk environments) demonstrates compliance. We carry out commercial EICR testing across Somerset for offices, shops, factories, care homes, and schools.
EICR Observation Codes Explained
When issues are found during an EICR, each one is assigned a classification code:
Danger Present
Immediate risk of injury. Requires urgent action. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit on the spot.
Potentially Dangerous
Not immediately dangerous but could become so. Requires remedial work. Results in an UNSATISFACTORY report.
Improvement Recommended
Not dangerous but could be improved. Does NOT cause a fail. Advisory only.
Further Investigation
Cannot be fully assessed during the inspection. Further investigation required to determine the extent of the issue.
An EICR results in either a SATISFACTORY or UNSATISFACTORY overall outcome. Any C1 or C2 observation makes the report unsatisfactory. C3 codes alone do not cause a fail.
What Happens if Your Property Fails?
If your EICR comes back unsatisfactory, do not panic. Here is what happens:
- You receive the report detailing exactly what was found and the classification codes.
- Remedial work must be completed within 28 days (or less for C1 codes, which require immediate action).
- Written confirmation of the remedial work must be provided to tenants and the local authority within 28 days of completion.
- We re-test the affected circuits and issue an updated report confirming the installation is now satisfactory.
Common reasons for failure include lack of RCD protection, deteriorated wiring, missing earthing or bonding, and outdated consumer units. A consumer unit upgrade resolves many of these issues in a single visit.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
| Property Type | Frequency | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Private rented (landlord) | Every 5 years | Yes -- 2020 Regulations |
| Owner-occupied home | Every 10 years | Recommended, not mandatory |
| Commercial premises | Every 5 years | Duty of care |
| Swimming pools / saunas | Every 1 year | BS 7671 requirement |
| Construction sites | Every 3 months | BS 7671 requirement |
EICR Costs in Somerset
| Property Size | Typical Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bed flat | From £120 | 1-2 hours |
| 3 bed house | From £160 | 2-3 hours |
| 4-5 bed house | From £200 | 3-4 hours |
| HMO (per unit) | From £100 | Varies |
| Commercial (small) | From £250 | Half day |
We offer discounted rates for landlords with multiple properties across Shepton Mallet, Frome, Midsomer Norton, Street, and Cheddar. Ask about our portfolio pricing when you get in touch.
What to Expect on the Day
An EICR inspection involves testing live circuits, so there will be brief power interruptions to individual circuits during the process. The electrician will need access to the consumer unit, all rooms, the loft space, and any outbuildings with electrical supplies. Here is a rough timeline:
- Visual inspection -- checking for visible defects, damage, and non-compliance.
- Dead testing -- circuits are isolated and tested for insulation resistance, continuity, and polarity.
- Live testing -- earth fault loop impedance, RCD trip times, and prospective fault current.
- Report -- same-day report issued digitally. Hard copies available on request.
Why Choose DS Electrical?
- NAPIT Approved -- registered to carry out and certify EICR inspections
- City & Guilds 2391 -- qualified in inspection and testing
- Same-day reports -- digital certificates issued on the day
- Remedial work -- if issues are found, we can carry out repairs immediately in most cases
- Landlord portfolios -- discounted rates for multiple properties
- Covering Somerset -- Wells, Shepton Mallet, Bath, Frome, Midsomer Norton, Street, Cheddar