EICR Testing Checklist for UK 2025

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) test formally assesses the safety and functionality of a property’s electrical installations and highlights any defects, deterioration, or issues in the electrical systems. In the UK, the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 makes it compulsory for property holders to perform an EICR every 5 years or according to the report. This UK legislation applies to privately rented properties and provides tenants with protection against electrical safety issues.

Property holders must fulfil the prerequisites, ensuring the electrician can access the property and de-energize the electrical systems before conducting an EICR. Homeowners should also provide documentation of previous inspections and clear areas around electrical installations, such as consumer units and outlets, to allow for a thorough examination.

Performing an EICR without a detailed checklist is risky and not advisable in the UK laws. A structured EICR checklist ensures inspectors cover all critical aspects of the inspection, including the condition of wiring and circuits, consumer units, and protective devices, as well as testing earthing and bonding measures. 

What Checklist Should Customers Complete Before an EICR Inspection?

Preparing for an EICR inspection ensures smooth execution and accurate results, as following a checklist helps the customer avoid delays and enables the electrician to conduct a thorough inspection.

Here is the checklist customers should complete to prepare for an EICR inspection.

1. Clear Access: Allow the electrician to access all electrical installations, including consumer units, sockets, and switches. Clearing pathways ensures the electrician can inspect these points without interruptions.
2. Remove Obstructions: Move furniture, appliances, or other items that block access to electrical points. Providing clear spaces allows the electrician to perform detailed visual and functional inspections.
3. Provide Documentation: Share previous electrical inspection reports, building plans, or certificates of recent electrical work. These documents help the electrician review your property’s electrical history effectively.
4. Verify Power Supply: Check that the main electricity supply works and is easily accessible. You should prepare for power isolation during the inspection to ensure safety.
5. Prepare Information: Compile details about the building’s age, previous electrical modifications, and any known electrical issues. Providing this information helps the electrician identify potential risks and plan their work.
6. Inform Tenants: If you rent the property, inform tenants about the inspection date, time, and potential power interruptions. Clear communication ensures everyone is prepared and cooperative.
7. Safety Preparation: Secure pets, supervise children, and disconnect non-essential electrical devices. Taking these precautions ensures a safe environment during the inspection.

What is the EICR Checklist for Electricians?

Electricians rely on a comprehensive checklist to ensure a thorough and compliant Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection. This checklist covers every step necessary to identify safety issues, maintain regulatory compliance, and recommend required actions.

1. Pre-Inspection Preparation

Electricians review the property’s electrical history to understand past inspections and any known issues. They verify insurance coverage to ensure liability protection during the inspection. Additionally, they prepare all necessary testing equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform the inspection safely and efficiently. Before arriving, they confirm the appointment details with the property owner or tenant to avoid delays and ensure accessibility.

2. Initial Property Assessment

The first stage of the inspection involves visually examining the property’s electrical systems. Electricians inspect visible electrical installations to ensure safety and compliance. They check the consumer unit or fuse box, ensuring it meets safety standards and is accessible for testing. The wiring is examined for damage, wear, or overheating. They also verify the earthing and bonding systems to ensure fault currents can safely ground. Electricians assess socket outlets, switches, and light fittings for secure installation and functionality. Limited inspections (10-20%) may apply to sockets and switches, but electricians document any areas they cannot access due to furniture or appliances.

3. Detailed Electrical Testing

Electricians conduct various tests to evaluate the safety and performance of the property’s electrical system. These include earth fault loop impedance tests to measure fault path resistance and insulation resistance tests to ensure there is no leakage current that could pose a risk. They test residual current devices (RCDs) to confirm they trip correctly under fault conditions. Polarity circuit checks ensure electrical points are wired correctly, while circuit protection ratings are verified to match the loads they support. Voltage drop measurements help identify efficiency issues, and protective conductor continuity tests confirm the grounding system’s integrity.

4. Documentation and Reporting

Once the inspection is complete, electricians document their findings in detail. They record all observations on the EICR form, categorizing any defects as C1 (Immediate Danger), C2 (Potential Danger), C3 (Improvement Recommended), or FI (Further Investigation Required). Clear repair recommendations are provided for any identified issues, and an electrical safety certificate is issued to confirm compliance or outline required remedial actions.

5. Technical Standards Compliance

Electricians strictly follow the latest safety standards like BS 7671:2018 wiring regulations, ensuring insulation resistance meets the minimum requirement of 1 MΩ. RCD trip times are tested to confirm they fall within the acceptable limit of 300mA within 40ms. Earth fault loop impedance values are measured to verify compliance with the regulations, ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently.

What to Do After Completing a Successful EICR Checklist?

The EICR testing procedure involves several key steps, including inspection, earthing and bonding, RCD testing, insulation resistance testing, and circuit testing. After completing the EICR testing procedure, electricians issue a compliance certificate that outlines the condition of the electrical systems. Property owners should address any recommended improvements, retain the certificate for future reference, and schedule regular inspections to maintain safety standards.

Who Can Help You Perform EICR for Your Property?

An expert electrician with certifications such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or SELECT and extensive experience in electrical safety inspections can help you perform an EICR for your property. Landlord Property Certificates provide access to certified electricians who deliver accurate and reliable EICR certificate services. Our team of qualified electricians holds certifications such as NICEIC and NAPIT, and our commitment to quality makes us the best choice for EICR inspections. We deliver precise, efficient services with quick turnaround times and competitive pricing. 

How Much Do You Have to Pay to Conduct an EICR?

You have to pay around £100-£150 to conduct an EICR for a one-bedroom flat, while larger properties, such as a three-bedroom house, may range from £200-£300. Commercial properties or those with intricate electrical systems may require higher costs due to the detailed inspections involved. Understanding EICR pricing helps property owners budget effectively while ensuring inspections safeguard the property and its occupants.

Is EICR Valid for 3 Years or 5 Years?

Yes, the EICR validity time is typically 5 years under the current UK regulations, but it can depend on the recommendations in the report. Properties with high-risk environments or complex electrical systems may require frequent inspections every 3 years or more to ensure safety and compliance.