What’s Included in an EICR? Full UK Inspection Checklist 2025

What’s Included in an EICR? Full UK Inspection Checklist 2025

📝 What’s Included in an EICR? Full UK Inspection Checklist for 2025

Booking an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) but not sure what actually gets checked? Many homeowners and landlords wonder what the electrician looks at, how thorough the inspection is, and what is tested.

This friendly UK guide explains exactly what’s included in an EICR in 2025, along with a full checklist so you know what to expect.

📚 Contents

🔍 What an EICR Covers

An EICR checks the overall condition and safety of your property’s electrical system. It evaluates whether the installation meets BS 7671 (UK Wiring Regulations) and identifies any defects.

The inspection includes:

  • visual checks
  • dead tests (power off)
  • live tests (power on)
  • inspection of circuits and protective devices
  • earthing & bonding verification

The purpose is to ensure the installation is safe for continued use.

👀 Visual Inspection Checklist

The electrician first performs a visual assessment, checking for:

  • Signs of overheating or burning
  • Damaged sockets, switches or fittings
  • Correct labelling on the consumer unit
  • Loose or exposed wiring
  • Evidence of DIY electrical work
  • Presence of RCDs/Rcbo protection
  • Condition of light fittings & cables
  • Earthing and bonding cables visible where needed
  • Old fuse boxes or outdated equipment

⚡ Dead Testing (Power Off)

Dead tests ensure the wiring is correctly installed and safe. These include:

  • Continuity testing (making sure wires are connected properly)
  • Insulation resistance (checking cables are not deteriorated)
  • Polarity testing (ensuring wires are in the right place)

Dead tests help highlight faults that may not be visible to the eye.

🔌 Live Testing (Power On)

These tests check how the installation behaves under real electrical load:

  • RCD trip tests (ensures safety devices trip fast enough)
  • Earth loop impedance (Zs) readings
  • Prospective fault current (PEFC/PSCC)
  • Functional testing of switches and devices

These checks confirm the system will disconnect safely if a fault occurs.

🔧 Circuits & Consumer Unit Checks

A major part of the EICR is inspecting the consumer unit (fuse box) and all circuits.

Electricians check:

  • Condition of the consumer unit
  • Correct size of breakers or fuses
  • Signs of overheating inside the board
  • Old-style rewireable fuses
  • Whether circuits are correctly labelled
  • RCD/Rcbo protection where required
  • Loose or corroded connections

You can learn more about circuits & codes here: EICR Codes Explained .

🔗 Earthing & Bonding Checks

Earthing and bonding are essential for safety. An EICR checks:

  • main earthing connection
  • bonding to gas pipe
  • bonding to water pipe
  • bonding to oil or structural steel (if applicable)

Missing or undersized bonding is one of the most common C2 or C3 issues.

🚪 What’s NOT Included in an EICR?

An EICR does not include:

  • Fixing faults (this is remedial work)
  • Testing portable appliances (that’s PAT testing)
  • Opening walls or flooring
  • Testing items the electrician cannot safely access
  • Inspection of non-electrical systems (alarms, boilers, CCTV)

The EICR only checks the fixed electrical installation.

📄 What You Get in the Final Report

At the end, you receive a formal EICR document containing:

  • Overall outcome (Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory)
  • C1, C2, C3 or FI codes for any defects
  • Test results for each circuit
  • List of observations
  • Next recommended inspection date

To understand the codes, see the full guide here: How to Read EICR Codes .

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an EICR take?

A flat may take 1–2 hours, a house 2–4 hours, and large homes or HMOs longer.

What happens if my EICR fails?

You’ll need to fix C1, C2, or FI issues before the installation becomes safe.

Does an EICR include PAT testing?

No — PAT testing is separate and applies to portable appliances.

Is everything tested physically?

No — only fixed wiring. Appliances, boilers, alarms, and consumer devices are not part of an EICR.

Do electricians move furniture?

Not usually. Clear access helps speed up the inspection.

How often should an EICR be done?

Every 5 years for rentals, and every 10 years for homeowners. Full guide here: EICR Frequency Guide 2025 .

An EICR provides a detailed check of your electrical installation, ensuring it meets safety standards and giving you peace of mind for 2025 and beyond.

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