If you are asking what does an EICR check, you are usually trying to answer a bigger question – is the electrics in this property actually safe, and will any problems need sorting now rather than later? That is exactly what an Electrical Installation Condition Report is for. It is not a quick glance at a fuse board or a simple pass-or-fail visit. It is a structured inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation to see whether it is safe for continued use.
For homeowners, landlords, buyers and business owners, that matters for slightly different reasons. A homeowner may want peace of mind before renovation work. A landlord may need to meet legal duties. A buyer may not want hidden electrical issues after completion. A business owner may need to protect staff, customers and day-to-day operations. In every case, the purpose is the same – identify damage, wear, poor workmanship, outdated components and anything that could increase the risk of electric shock or fire.
What does an EICR check during an inspection?
An EICR checks the fixed wiring and associated electrical components in a property. That includes the consumer unit or distribution board, circuits, protective devices, earthing and bonding arrangements, socket circuits, lighting circuits and other permanently connected parts of the installation.
It does not work like a standard maintenance visit where an electrician comes to repair a fault there and then. The report is an assessment of condition. If issues are found, they are recorded, coded and explained, and any remedial work can then be quoted separately.
The electrician will usually begin with a visual inspection. This covers obvious signs of deterioration or poor installation, such as damaged accessories, overheating, exposed live parts, unsuitable equipment, missing covers, or evidence that previous alterations have not been carried out to current standards. They will also look at whether the system appears suitable for the way the property is being used.
After the visual checks, the installation is tested using specialist equipment. This is where the report goes beyond what can be seen on the surface. Electrical faults are not always visible. A socket may look fine but still have a dangerous issue behind it.
The main areas an EICR will assess
Earthing and bonding
Earthing and bonding are central to electrical safety. An EICR checks whether the installation has suitable earthing arrangements and whether bonding is in place where required, such as to incoming metal water or gas services. If these protections are inadequate, fault conditions can become far more dangerous.
Consumer unit and protective devices
The report will assess the condition and suitability of the consumer unit, including circuit breakers and RCD protection. In some older properties, the fuse board may still function, but that does not always mean it provides the level of protection expected today. Whether it needs upgrading depends on the condition, the test results and the level of risk.
Wiring condition
Cables are checked as far as reasonably possible to confirm they are in a satisfactory condition. This includes signs of age-related deterioration, damage, poor routing, or unsuitable alterations. In older homes, wiring may still be serviceable, but age alone is not the deciding factor. The real issue is whether it remains safe.
Sockets, switches and light fittings
An EICR includes inspection and testing of accessories such as sockets, switches and lighting points. The electrician is checking for damage, polarity issues, loose connections and signs of overheating or wear. Accessories in kitchens, bathrooms or outdoor areas may receive closer attention because of the increased risk in those environments.
Circuit testing
The circuits themselves are tested to verify that they disconnect correctly under fault conditions and that they meet the required standards for insulation resistance, continuity and polarity. This is technical work, but the practical meaning is simple – it confirms whether the circuits are likely to perform safely under normal use and fault conditions.
What an EICR does not check
It helps to be clear on the limits of the report. An EICR focuses on the fixed installation, not every portable appliance in the building. Items such as kettles, toasters, extension leads and plug-in office equipment are not usually covered by the report.
It is also not a guarantee that no fault will ever develop after the inspection. Electrical systems can deteriorate over time, and properties change. New appliances are added, circuits are extended and wear builds up. The report confirms the condition at the time of inspection.
In some cases, access can also affect what is checked. If parts of the installation are concealed behind walls, under floors, or blocked by heavy furniture, the electrician can only inspect what is reasonably accessible. A good report will note any limitations clearly.
What the observation codes mean
One of the most useful parts of an EICR is the coding system. This tells you how serious any issues are.
C1 means danger is present. There is an immediate risk of injury, and urgent action is required.
C2 means potentially dangerous. It may not be causing immediate harm at that moment, but it still needs prompt remedial work.
C3 means improvement recommended. This is not usually a reason for the report to be unsatisfactory on its own, but it highlights something below current best practice.
FI means further investigation required. This is used when the electrician cannot confirm safety without more detailed examination.
A report with C1, C2 or FI observations will generally be classed as unsatisfactory. A report with only C3 observations can still be satisfactory. That distinction matters, particularly for landlords and anyone dealing with property sales or insurance queries.
Does an old installation automatically fail?
Not necessarily. This is one of the most common misunderstandings. Electrical regulations have changed over the years, so an older installation will not always match the latest standard in every respect. That alone does not mean it is unsafe.
What matters is whether the condition of the installation presents a risk. An older board, for example, may be recorded as needing improvement, but if the test results are sound and there is no immediate danger, the coding may reflect that. On the other hand, age often goes hand in hand with wear, past alterations and missing protection, so older properties do tend to need closer scrutiny.
This is where experience matters. A proper EICR is not about failing a property for the sake of it. It is about applying the regulations correctly, identifying real risks and giving clear advice on what should happen next.
When should you book an EICR?
For rented residential property, landlords have specific legal responsibilities around inspection intervals. For owner-occupied homes, there is more flexibility, but that does not mean waiting until there is a problem. It is sensible to arrange an EICR when buying a property, before major refurbishment, if the installation appears dated, or if you are noticing warning signs such as tripping circuits, damaged fittings or unusual smells from electrical accessories.
Commercial premises also benefit from regular inspection. Offices, shops, workshops and other business properties rely on electrical systems every day. A hidden fault can cause disruption as well as safety issues. The right inspection interval depends on the type of premises, how heavily it is used and the nature of the installation.
What happens during the visit?
In most cases, the power will need to be turned off for parts of the inspection and testing. That is normal. The electrician needs to isolate circuits safely to carry out proper tests. For occupied homes and working premises, this is usually planned in a way that keeps disruption manageable.
The time required depends on the size and complexity of the property. A small flat will usually take less time than a large house or commercial unit with multiple distribution boards and circuits. Access, condition and any previous alterations also affect how long the inspection takes.
Once the testing is complete, you receive the report with the findings, observations and outcome. If remedial work is needed, that should be explained in straightforward terms so you know which issues are urgent and which are recommended improvements.
Why the quality of the inspection matters
An EICR is only as useful as the person carrying it out. A rushed inspection or vague report does not give you much confidence, especially if you are making decisions about compliance, property purchase or safety upgrades.
Using a qualified, properly insured contractor with recognised accreditation gives you a much clearer picture of the installation. It also means the report is more likely to be practical and well explained, rather than full of technical language with no context. For customers across Plymouth and the surrounding area, Goodwin Electrical approaches EICRs in exactly that way – clear reporting, honest advice and remedial recommendations based on safety, not sales pressure.
If you want the short answer to what does an EICR check, it checks whether the fixed electrics in your property are safe to keep using. The better question is whether you have enough confidence in your installation without one. If the answer is no, an inspection gives you something far more useful than guesswork – a clear view of what is safe, what needs attention and what can wait.