THE STELLAR ELECTRICS GUIDES
What is an EICR?
Stellar Electrics · Updated
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It records the findings of an inspection and testing of an existing fixed electrical installation, including any recorded limitations.
Is an EICR an electrical safety certificate?
People often ask for an electrical safety certificate, electric certificate or electric safety certificate when they need an EICR. The formal document is a condition report. Explain what you need it for so the right service can be arranged.
EICR or Electrical Installation Certificate?
An EICR assesses an existing installation. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) documents new installation work, or relevant alterations or additions. One is not simply another name for the other. An EICR does not retrospectively certify how previous installation work was carried out.
Electrical Safety First explains installation certificates (PDF).
What does an inspection cover?
The focus is the fixed installation: wiring, circuits, sockets, lighting connections, the consumer unit, earthing and protective measures. This is different from portable appliance testing (PAT). Findings, test results and any limitations should be recorded in the report.
Understanding the result
A report records a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome. An unsatisfactory result means identified issues need attention; it does not mean the report should be withheld.
- C1 — danger present
- Immediate remedial action is necessary.
- C2 — potentially dangerous
- Urgent remedial action is necessary.
- FI — further investigation
- Investigation is required without delay.
- C3 — improvement recommended
- An improvement is recommended; C3 alone does not make a report unsatisfactory.
C1, C2 or FI findings result in an unsatisfactory report. Discuss the findings and required actions with the electrician. See Electrical Safety First’s classification guidance.
What happens after the inspection?
You receive a digital report after the inspection. Nadeem can explain the findings. If further investigation or repairs are needed, agree the scope and price before authorising that work. Keep the report together with any later written confirmation or certificates.
Preparing for the visit
Make the fuse board and inspection points accessible. Parts of testing require the electricity to be switched off, so discuss equipment that needs continuous power before the appointment. Share any previous report and tell Nadeem about property-specific restrictions.
Landlords should also read the England rental requirements guide.