1. Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)

Type of consumer unit — is it a modern compliant unit with RCDs and MCBs, or an older rewireable fuse board?

Condition of the enclosure — any damage, burning or discolouration

Correct labelling of all circuits

Operation of RCDs (Residual Current Devices) — tested for correct tripping time using calibrated test equipment

Circuit breaker operation and correct current ratings for each circuit

Presence of main switch and its operation

Isolation of all circuits possible from consumer unit

Suitable location and accessibility of the consumer unit

2. Fixed Wiring and Cables

Visual condition of accessible wiring — checking for damage, deterioration or inappropriate routing

Correct cable sizing for the circuit it serves

Protection of cables (conduit, trunking, or buried correctly in walls)

Age and type of insulation — old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring noted

Insulation resistance testing — applied voltage tests to verify wiring insulation integrity

Earth loop impedance tests — verifying fault current path is adequate

3. Sockets, Switches and Accessories

Visual inspection of all accessible sockets, switches and light fittings

Correct polarity at every socket verified

Condition of sockets — no cracking, burning or loose fittings

Correct fusing in plug tops of appliances (where accessible)

RCD protection for socket circuits in bathrooms and kitchens as required

4. Earthing and Bonding

Main protective earthing conductor — size, connection and continuity verified

Main bonding conductors — gas and water services bonded to earth where required

Supplementary bonding in bathrooms — pipework, radiators and metal accessories checked where applicable

Earth continuity tested at every point on the installation

6. Electrical Testing Carried Out

In addition to the visual inspection, our electrician carries out a series of electrical tests using calibrated test equipment:

Continuity testing — ring circuit continuity, protective conductor continuity

Insulation resistance testing — 500V DC test between live conductors and between live conductors and earth

Polarity testing — every socket and light switch verified

Earth fault loop impedance (Ze and Zs) — measured at consumer unit and at each test point

RCD operation testing — each RCD tested at 50% and 100% of rated tripping current and at 5× rated current

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EICR Checklist — Prepare Your Property for Inspection

Full EICR Inspection Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare your property for an efficient EICR. The more accessible everything is on inspection day, the faster and smoother the process will be.

Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)

☑️ Consumer unit is accessible and clearly labelled
☑️ All circuits are labelled in the consumer unit
☑️ No signs of scorch marks, burning smell or discolouration
☑️ RCD protection present (required since 17th Edition wiring regulations)
☑️ No open cable entries into consumer unit
☑️ Consumer unit is metal (required for new installations and replacements)

Earthing and Bonding

☑️ Main earthing conductor visible and secure at consumer unit
☑️ Main protective bonding to incoming gas pipe in place
☑️ Main protective bonding to incoming water pipe in place
☑️ Earth clips/clamps are secure and undamaged

Wiring and Cables

☑️ No exposed wires or damaged cable insulation
☑️ Cables run in safe zones or protected in conduit
☑️ Old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring identified
☑️ No DIY cable splices or junction boxes without proper connectors
☑️ All cable penetrations through walls and floors are sealed

Sockets, Switches and Accessories

☑️ No cracked or broken socket faceplates
☑️ No overloaded sockets with multiple adapter plugs
☑️ Socket-outlets in kitchens and bathrooms comply with safe zone requirements
☑️ Outdoor sockets are weatherproof (IP rated)

Lighting

☑️ All lighting fittings are appropriate for their location
☑️ Recessed downlights have appropriate fire hoods or are fire-rated
☑️ No exposed live connections at light fittings
☑️ Bathroom lighting is IP-rated for the zone it is installed in

Fixed Electrical Equipment

☑️ Electric shower is correctly rated and protected by MCB of correct rating
☑️ Cooker/hob switch is present and accessible
☑️ Immersion heater circuit is on a separate circuit with correct MCB rating
☑️ EV charging points are OZEV-approved and correctly installed

Most Common EICR Failure Points in London Properties

DefectCode

No RCD protection on socket circuits (older properties)C2

Old rubber or fabric wiring (pre-1970s properties)C2 or FI

No main bonding to gas/water pipesC2

Damaged or cracked socket faceplatesC2 or C3

Plastic consumer unitC3

Unlabelled circuits in consumer unitC3

Exposed conductors at junction boxesC1 (immediate danger)

Overloaded ring circuit from DIY extensionsC2

Broken/missing light fittings in loftC2 or C3

What to Do Before Your EICR

Label your circuits — unlabelled consumer units slow down the inspection and result in C3 notations.
Ensure access to the consumer unit, meter cupboard, loft hatch and all rooms.
Clear obstructions from around the consumer unit and electrical accessories.
Inform tenants that the power may be switched off for short periods during dead testing.
Fix obvious damage — cracked sockets and broken faceplates are easy fixes that prevent avoidable notations.

After Your EICR — What to Do Next

If the result is Satisfactory: Keep the certificate safely. Give copies to your tenants within 28 days. Note the next inspection date (usually 5 years). Provide to the local authority within 7 days if requested.

If the result is Unsatisfactory (C1 or C2 codes): Arrange for a qualified electrician to complete all remedial works within 28 days of the original inspection. Once complete, obtain a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Give copies to tenants and the local authority within 28 days of the original EICR date. Failure to do this can result in a fine of up to £30,000.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the EICR take in a typical 3-bed property?

A 3-bedroom property typically takes 3–4 hours for a full EICR. This includes visual inspection, dead testing and live testing of all circuits. Larger properties or those with complex installations (outbuildings, solar panels, EV chargers) will take longer.

Do tenants need to leave during the EICR?

Not necessarily, but they should be aware the power will be switched off for periods during dead testing. It helps if the property is available for the full duration and access routes to all rooms and the consumer unit are clear.

Does a new build need an EICR?

A new build should have been issued with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) on completion. This is valid for 5 years, after which a full EICR is required. Check your licence conditions as some HMO authorities still require an EICR for newer builds.

EICR Checklist — What Does an Electrical Inspection Check?

EICR Inspection Checklist — What Our Electricians Test