Does an EICR Check Boiler Wiring? UK 2025 Heating & Electrical Guide

Does an EICR Check Boiler Wiring? UK 2025 Heating & Electrical Guide

🔥 Does an EICR Check Boiler Wiring? UK 2025 Heating & Electrical Safety Guide

boiler

Homeowners, landlords and buyers often ask whether an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) includes the wiring for boilers, heating controls and thermostats.

The answer isn’t always straightforward — because boiler systems involve both electricians and heating engineers. This guide explains exactly what an EICR covers, what it doesn’t, and when boiler wiring may impact your report in 2025.

📚 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

Yes — an EICR checks boiler wiring, because it is part of the fixed electrical installation.

The EICR will inspect:

  • the boiler’s fused spur or socket
  • wiring supplying power to the boiler
  • control wiring between boiler & programmer
  • earthing and bonding arrangements

But the EICR does not test the boiler itself — that is the job of a Gas Safe heating engineer.

🔌 What an EICR Actually Checks

An EICR inspects the fixed wiring of a property. This includes:

  • circuit wiring
  • consumer unit
  • sockets and switches
  • lighting circuits
  • RCD/RCBO protection
  • earthing and bonding

Anything wired into the building permanently is part of the inspection.

For a full list, see: What’s Included in an EICR (2025 Checklist) .

🔥 Does an EICR Check Boiler Wiring?

Yes — boiler wiring is included.

Boiler systems are typically connected via:

  • a fused spur (most common)
  • a plug and socket (older installs)
  • a dedicated heating circuit

The EICR will check that:

  • wiring is safe and undamaged
  • the boiler’s supply is correctly fused
  • the circuit is RCD-protected (recommended)
  • earthing is present and adequate

Faulty boiler wiring is a common cause of:

  • circuit tripping
  • poor heating control
  • FI (Further Investigation) findings

🎛️ What About Thermostats, Timers & Smart Heating?

Thermostats, Timers & Smart Heating?

Most modern heating systems include:

  • wall thermostats
  • room sensors
  • motorised valves (S-plan/Y-plan)
  • timers or programmers
  • smart controls (Hive, Nest, Tado)

An EICR will inspect the wiring that connects these components, but not the devices themselves.

Smart thermostats are treated the same as any other low-voltage control device.

❌ Can Boiler Wiring Cause an EICR to Fail?

Yes — common boiler-related EICR issues include:

  • C2 – poorly terminated wiring in the boiler spur
  • C2 – no RCD protection on the heating circuit
  • C3 – outdated wiring colours or controls
  • FI – inaccessible wiring centre or joint box
  • C1 – exposed live parts (rare but serious)

For an explanation of codes, see: EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3, FI) .

🏠 Extra Rules for Landlords (2025)

Landlords must ensure boilers and heating systems are:

  • electrically safe (via EICR)
  • gas safe (via annual boiler service)
  • adequately protected by RCDs
  • not supplied through unsafe spurs or wiring

A valid EICR is legally required every 5 years in rental properties. For details, see: Landlord EICR Legal Requirements .

🔗 Related Electrical Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an EICR check the boiler itself?

No — only the wiring. Gas engineers test the boiler.

Is boiler wiring part of the fixed installation?

Yes — it is permanently wired and therefore included.

Do smart heating controls get tested?

Only their wiring, not the device functionality.

Can boiler wiring fail an EICR?

Yes — if unsafe, poorly terminated, or lacking RCD protection.

Do landlords need both EICR and gas certificates?

Yes — gas safety and electrical safety are separate legal duties.

Boiler wiring is part of the fixed electrical installation — so it is always included in an EICR. Understanding this helps homeowners, buyers and landlords ensure safe heating systems in 2025.

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