Does an EICR Check Lighting Circuits? UK 2025 Light Fittings Guide

Does an EICR Check Lighting Circuits? UK 2025 Light Fittings Guide

💡 Does an EICR Check Light Fittings & Lighting Circuits? UK 2025 Guide

Lighting circuits are one of the most common areas where faults appear during an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). From old pendant wiring to loose downlight connections, lighting issues can lead to C2 or FI codes very quickly.

This 2025 guide explains exactly what an EICR checks, what problems are commonly found, and whether your light fittings themselves are inspected.

📚 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

Yes — an EICR checks lighting circuits, their wiring, and the safety of any connected fittings.

The electrician tests:

  • circuit wiring
  • switch lines and loop-in connections
  • continuity of protective conductor (CPC/earth)
  • RCD protection (if required)
  • condition of ceiling roses and junction boxes

Unsafe light fittings may receive C2 or C3 codes depending on risk.

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

💡 What an EICR Checks on Lighting Circuits

An EICR will inspect:

  • the wiring supplying the lights
  • junction boxes (loop-in/loop-out)
  • earth continuity (CPC present?)
  • insulation resistance
  • switch and dimmer wiring
  • RCD/RCBO coverage (modern requirement)
  • condition of cables (brittle rubber, VIR, etc.)

Older lighting circuits often cause unsatisfactory results due to missing earths or damaged insulation.

🔧 Does an EICR Check Light Fittings Themselves?

Yes — but only visually and for safety.

The electrician will check:

  • loose fittings
  • heat damage around lamps
  • exposed live parts
  • incorrectly installed metal fittings without earth
  • unsafe bathroom lights

Light fittings are not electrically tested like appliances during PAT — they are checked visually and coded if unsafe.

❌ Common Lighting Faults Found in EICRs

These are frequently found during inspections:

  • C2: No earth/CPC to metal light fittings
  • C2: Exposed live wiring behind fittings
  • C2: Bathroom light unsuitable for zone
  • FI: Inaccessible junction boxes
  • C3: Old pendant wiring showing age
  • C2: Loose downlight connections
  • C3: Halogen downlights (risk of heat damage)

For code meanings, see: EICR Codes Explained .

🚿 Special Rules for Bathroom Lighting

Bathrooms have electrical “zones” with strict lighting requirements. An EICR checks whether the lighting in each zone is compliant.

Common failures include:

  • non-IP rated fittings in Zones 1 and 2
  • no RCD protection on bathroom circuits
  • poorly installed extractor fan wiring
  • cables too close to wet areas

For further safety reading, see how long inspections take: How Long Does an EICR Take?

✨ What About LED Downlights & Smart Lighting?

LED downlights are checked for:

  • secure connections
  • suitable drivers
  • overheating or signs of poor installation
  • correct earthing

Smart lighting (Hue, LIFX, Wi-Fi switches) is inspected the same way as standard lighting — the wiring, not the smart device, is tested.

🏠 Lighting Rules for Landlords in 2025

Landlords must ensure lighting circuits meet BS 7671 requirements, including:

  • RCD-protected lighting circuits (recommended)
  • proper bathroom lighting zones
  • no metal fittings on un-earthed circuits
  • safe downlights, no loose wiring

Landlords must have a valid EICR every 5 years. More details here: Landlord EICR Requirements (2025) .

🔗 Related Electrical Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are light fittings tested in an EICR?

Yes — visually checked for safety, earthing, and heat damage.

Can a lighting circuit fail an EICR?

Yes — common C2 faults include no earth and exposed wiring.

Do lighting circuits need RCD protection?

Recommended in modern installations and required in new works.

Do LED downlights get tested?

The wiring is tested; the lamp itself is not.

Is bathroom lighting checked?

Yes — incorrect IP ratings and unsafe fittings often get coded.

Lighting circuits are a major part of every EICR — and a common source of failures. Knowing what is checked helps homeowners, landlords, and buyers stay safe and compliant in 2025.

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