What Does an EICR Actually Check? A Homeowner’s Guide

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, checks whether the fixed wiring in your home is safe to use. It can identify faults that are not obvious during everyday life, helping you reduce electrical risks, support insurance requirements and enjoy greater peace of mind.

What an EICR checks and why it matters

An EICR is a detailed assessment of your electrical installation, including the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits and other fixed accessories. It does not usually cover portable appliances such as televisions or kettles, although an electrician may point out visible concerns around them.

During the inspection, an electrician compares the installation with current safety standards while also considering the age and condition of the system. A satisfactory report provides useful evidence that the installation has been assessed, while an unsatisfactory report explains what needs attention.

Regular inspections are particularly sensible when buying a property, before renting out a home, after major alterations or when an installation is older. An EICR can also reveal deterioration before it leads to electric shock, fire, equipment damage or an unexpected loss of power.

What happens during the inspection?

1. Visual inspection

The electrician begins by looking over accessible parts of the installation. They check for damaged accessories, loose connections, exposed conductors, unsuitable modifications, signs of heat and other visible issues around the consumer unit, sockets and switches.

You may be asked about previous electrical work, recurring problems or anything that has been added since the property was built. This background can help the electrician focus on areas that need closer investigation.

2. Dead testing

Some tests are completed with the power switched off. Dead testing can include checking continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance and polarity. These tests help confirm that cables and protective connections are complete, suitably insulated and connected correctly.

Power will normally need to be isolated for part of the assessment, so plan for appliances, lighting and heating controls to be temporarily unavailable. A competent electrician should explain what will be switched off and take appropriate precautions.

3. Live testing

Once it is safe to do so, live testing checks how the installation performs while energised. This may include testing RCD operation, earth fault loop impedance and the effectiveness of automatic disconnection arrangements.

Testing is carried out with suitable equipment and should not be attempted by a homeowner. The electrician records the results and uses them alongside the visual inspection to decide whether any observations require action.

What electricians look for

An EICR is more than a quick look at the fuse box. The electrician assesses whether the installation has suitable protection and whether its components remain in a safe condition.

• Earthing and bonding: protective connections help reduce the risk of dangerous touch voltages.

• Overheating: scorch marks, discolouration, melted plastic or warm connections can indicate loose terminals or excessive load.

• RCD protection: residual current devices can disconnect power quickly when they detect leakage, helping protect against electric shock.

• Cable condition: cables are checked for damage, poor insulation, unsuitable routing and signs of age-related deterioration.

• Circuit loading: the electrician considers whether circuits are being asked to supply more power than they can safely handle.

The condition of the consumer unit, the suitability of protective devices and the presence of correct connections are also considered. Not every older installation automatically fails, but defects that create a safety risk must be addressed.

Understanding EICR codes

The codes on an EICR describe the seriousness of each observation. They help you understand which issues need immediate attention and which recommendations can be planned.

C1, C2 and FI in plain English

C1 means danger present. There is an immediate risk of injury, such as an accessible live conductor or severely damaged equipment. The electrician should make the situation safe straight away where possible.

C2 means potentially dangerous. The issue may not have caused harm yet, but it could do so under certain conditions. Examples might include inadequate earthing, exposed wiring or a serious fault affecting protection. C2 observations normally need prompt remedial work.

FI means further investigation required. The electrician has found something that cannot be confirmed fully during the inspection, such as an unusual connection or an intermittent fault. Further testing may be needed before the installation can be assessed confidently.

You may also see C3, which indicates an improvement is recommended but the issue is not considered dangerous. A report with C3 observations can still be satisfactory, depending on the complete findings. Ask your electrician to explain every code and whether any work should be prioritised.

Common surprises in domestic properties

Older homes and properties with several rounds of DIY work can contain unexpected arrangements. Borrowed neutrals, where a neutral conductor is shared incorrectly between circuits, can create testing problems and serious safety concerns.

Mixed accessories are another common finding, such as different wiring methods or fittings added at different times. DIY spurs may be poorly connected or installed without suitable protection, while outdoor circuits can have damaged cables, inadequate weatherproofing or missing RCD protection.

These observations do not always mean the whole installation needs replacing. A qualified electrician can explain the specific risk, the recommended remedy and whether further investigation is needed.

Preparing for your EICR

Good preparation helps the inspection run smoothly and ensures the electrician can access important equipment. Before the appointment, consider the following:

• Clear access to the consumer unit, meter cupboard, sockets and fixed electrical equipment.

• Make a note of flickering lights, tripping circuits, buzzing sounds or warm accessories.

• Tell the electrician about extensions, alterations and any previous electrical repairs.

• Arrange access to outdoor supplies, garages, loft spaces and outbuildings where fixed wiring is installed.

It is also sensible to ask which areas are included, whether power will need to be disconnected, what the report codes mean and whether any recommended work is urgent. Confirm that you will receive a written report listing test results and observations.