How Long an EICR Takes and What Is Involved

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring in a property: the consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, light fittings, switches and earthing and bonding.

It is not the same as PAT testing. PAT testing looks at portable appliances that plug in, such as kettles and lamps. An EICR looks at the permanent installation behind the walls and in the fuse board.

For a typical flat or small house, expect a few hours on site. A three-bedroom house sits somewhere in the middle, and the visit often runs to a good part of a day if the layout is awkward or there is a garage, outbuilding or extra consumer unit to include.

The main things that lengthen the job are:

- a high number of circuits - furniture or stored items blocking sockets and the fuse board - loft, under-stairs or garage areas that are hard to get into - older wiring that needs closer inspection - extensions, conversions or outbuildings with their own supply

Commercial premises and houses in multiple occupation usually take longer than a single home because there is more to test. Any timing you are given is an estimate until the electrician has seen the installation.

The electrician starts with a visual inspection, looking at the fuse board, accessories and visible cable for damage, wear, overheating or signs of poor earlier work. They then carry out tests on each circuit using specialist test equipment, checking things such as continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance and the operation of protective devices like RCDs.

To test safely, power has to be switched off to individual circuits for periods. Plan for that: save work on computers, and let anyone who relies on medical equipment or a home office know in advance. Fridges, freezers and alarms can usually be handled with a little planning, so mention them when booking.

A little preparation saves time and keeps the job shorter:

- Make sure the electrician can reach the consumer unit and any other distribution boards. - Clear space around sockets, especially behind large furniture. - Provide access to every room, the loft, garage and any outbuildings. - Share any previous reports or records of electrical work, if you have them. - Tell the electrician about any known problems such as tripping circuits, flickering lights or warm sockets.

If you are a landlord with tenants, arrange access in advance so the inspector is not turned away at the door.

You receive a written report that records what was inspected and tested. The overall result is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any faults or concerns are given observation codes that show how urgent they are. Codes for danger present or potentially dangerous issues generally mean the installation is unsatisfactory and remedial work is needed. Another code is used for items that merit improvement but are not classed as unsafe.

If the result is unsatisfactory, the usual next step is to have the faults put right and then confirm the work, often with further testing. Landlords should act promptly, because the rules on keeping and supplying reports can change. Check GOV.UK for the current position.

A report is not valid forever. It records the condition on the day of inspection and recommends a date for the next one. Five years is a common interval for rented homes, and owner-occupied homes are often inspected less frequently, but follow the date written on your own report and any current rules.

Costs depend on the size of the property, number of circuits, access, any extra boards and how long the inspection takes. Ask for a written quote that states what is included, and whether remedial work would be priced separately.