What is EICR? The ultimate quick guide

Why EICRs matter

When it comes to the safety of your home or business, most people think about locks on the doors or smoke alarms in the hall. Electrics can sometimes be overlooked. If the lights come on and the sockets work, everything must be fine, right?

Not always. That’s where an EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, becomes essential.

An EICR is a thorough check-up of your property’s electrical installation. It helps confirm the wiring, circuits, sockets, and switchgear are still operating safely. Like a service for your car, it’s about spotting issues before they turn into real problems, while giving you peace of mind.

No matter if you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in York, Harrogate, Ripon or nearby, having an up-to-date EICR could protect more than your property. It could protect lives.

What exactly is an EICR and who needs one?

What is it?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the document produced after a qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical systems in a property. This includes everything from your consumer unit (or fuse board) to sockets, light fittings, and the wiring concealed behind walls. The aim is to determine whether the system is safe.

The electrician checks for faults, damage, and deterioration that may pose a risk. You’ll receive a report stating whether your installation is satisfactory or needs work.

Who should get one?

• Landlords, In England, an EICR is legally required every five years in privately rented properties.
• Homeowners, While not required by law, periodic inspections help keep your home safe. Every 10 years is a good rule of thumb, or sooner if you’re buying, selling, or renovating.
• Business owners, Workplace safety rules and insurance policies often require current documentation. A recent EICR helps ensure compliance.

How often should checks happen?

• Rental properties: every 5 years or at every tenancy change
• Owner-occupied homes: every 10 years
• Commercial premises: typically every 5 years, depending on usage

If you’re unsure when your last inspection occurred, it might already be time. Faulty electrics don’t always give visible warning signs, but can lead to power cuts, equipment damage, or worse.

What’s the risk of skipping an EICR?

The assumption that “my electrics have always worked fine” can be dangerous. Faulty wiring is a common cause of fires in UK homes.

Without a current EICR, you may face:

• Insurance claim issues if you can’t produce a recent inspection
• Legal trouble as a landlord for non-compliance
• Protection risks for your family, tenants, or staff due to hidden electrical faults

Ask yourself this: when was the last time you had a full electrical check carried out?

What to expect during an EICR inspection

How it works

When you book an EICR with Full Circuit Electrical, we start with a visual inspection, checking for things like wear, overheating, or sub-standard workmanship. Next, we run tests on your circuits, such as insulation resistance and earth continuity.

This won’t involve tearing walls apart. We aim to minimise disruption and complete the inspection efficiently and tidily.

Understanding the report codes

After testing, you’ll get a report with one or more of the following codes:

• C1, Danger present. Urgent attention is needed immediately.
• C2, Potentially dangerous. Fix as soon as possible.
• C3, Not unsafe, but an improvement is advised.

How long does it take?

A small flat might take a couple of hours. Larger homes or business sites will take longer, based on size, complexity, and access. Costs vary as well, depending on these factors. A trusted electrician will give you a clear quote up front.

What if your property doesn’t pass?

If your EICR result is ‘unsatisfactory’, we’ll walk you through each point and recommend the exact steps needed. No pressure or sales tactics… just clear, honest advice to make things safe.

Why it pays to act early

It’s not just about rules. There are real benefits to staying ahead:

• Preventing accidents, Avoid fires, shocks, or electrical failures.
• Meeting requirements, Helps secure legal and insurance compliance.
• Peace of mind, Confirms your system is in good shape, for you and others.
• Property value, A recent EICR reassures buyers and tenants.

Delaying safety checks can be far more costly than booking an inspection. Electrical problems often strike without warning… but most are preventable.

Taking electrical safety seriously

At Full Circuit Electrical, we’ve helped homeowners, landlords, and businesses across York, Harrogate, Ripon and nearby areas feel confident in their electrical safety. An EICR might not be on your daily to-do list, but it should be scheduled soon.

Don’t leave it to chance. Our local team is ready to help make sure everything is in order.

Reach out by message or phone to book an EICR or ask a question. You’ll find contact details over on our contact page here: https://www.fullcircuitelectrical.co.uk/contact-us/

Or feel free to start a live chat with us.

We’ll make sure it’s sorted… so you don’t need to worry.