Does an EICR Check Under the Floorboards? UK 2025 Wiring Guide

Does an EICR Check Under the Floorboards? UK 2025 Wiring Guide

🪵 Does an EICR Check Under the Floorboards? UK 2025 Flooring & Cable Routing Guide

Does an EICR Check Under the Floorboards

One of the most common questions UK homeowners ask before an EICR is:

“Do electricians lift floorboards during an EICR?”

Many electrical cables run beneath floors, especially in older homes — so it’s natural to wonder whether these areas are checked.

This guide explains exactly what is inspected, what isn’t, when floorboards may be lifted, and how hidden wiring affects your EICR result.

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đź“Ś Quick Answer

No — an EICR does not usually involve lifting floorboards.

Electricians only inspect wiring under floors if:

  • there is an existing access hatch
  • a board is already loose or removable
  • a floorboard is lifted safely without damage

If wiring cannot be accessed safely, the electrician will record a:

  • Limitation (not accessible)
  • FI (Further Investigation Required)

For code meanings, see: EICR Codes Explained.

🔍 What an EICR Checks Beneath Floors

If the electrician can safely access the wiring, they look for:

  • cables running too close to pipes
  • damaged insulation
  • joint boxes under flooring (not permitted)
  • unsupported wiring
  • wiring not in safe routes
  • old rubber or VIR cable
  • rodent damage

Many older UK homes hide serious issues under the floors.

For full inspection details, see: What’s Included in an EICR? .

🪚 Do Electricians Lift Floorboards?

Not normally. An EICR is a visual and test-based inspection — it does not require destructive work.

Electricians will NOT lift floorboards if:

  • boards are laminate or click-flooring
  • boards are nailed, glued, or difficult to remove
  • carpets would need to be pulled up
  • there is a risk of damage
  • the work becomes intrusive

Electricians MAY lift a floorboard if:

  • a board is already loose or removable
  • there is a clear, accessible hatch
  • lifting it will not damage flooring
  • wiring is known to be faulty and accessible

⚠️ When Under-Floor Wiring Causes FI or Limitations

Expect to see these notes on your EICR:

  • “LIM – Under-floor wiring inaccessible”
  • “FI – Suspected fault under floorboards”
  • “Unable to verify junction boxes beneath flooring”

Limitations do not automatically fail an EICR — but FI usually does.

For fail explanations, see: Why EICRs Fail & How to Fix Them .

❌ Common Under-Floor Wiring Issues Found in EICRs

  • C2: Junction boxes hidden under flooring
  • C2: Damaged twin & earth cable
  • C3: Loose or unsupported cables
  • C2: Rubber/VIR cables from pre-1960s
  • FI: Rodent damage suspected
  • C2: Cables resting against hot water pipes

These faults are extremely common in older UK homes.

🏠 New Builds vs Older Homes – What’s Different?

New Builds vs Older Homes – What’s Different?

New Builds

  • cables usually clipped neatly between joists
  • fewer junction boxes
  • modern PVC cable throughout

Older Properties

  • VIR, rubber or cloth-insulated cable may be present
  • DIY wiring is common
  • loose, unsupported or mixed wiring types
  • junction boxes hidden under flooring

Many older homes fail due to hidden wiring issues.

đź“ś Special Rules for Landlords (2025)

Landlords must ensure:

  • wiring beneath floors is safe
  • no inaccessible junction boxes
  • no damaged cables beneath carpets or boards
  • EICR carried out every 5 years

Full rules here: Landlord EICR Rules .

đź”— Related Guides

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electricians lift floorboards in an EICR?

Not usually — only if loose, accessible, or removable without damage.

What if wiring under the floor cannot be inspected?

A limitation or FI code will be recorded.

Does inaccessible wiring make my report fail?

No — only FI causes an “unsatisfactory” result.

Can rodents damage wiring under the floor?

Yes — and this often leads to FI or C2

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