What is an EICR? The Complete Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — sometimes called a periodic inspection report or electrical safety certificate — is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after a thorough inspection of a property's fixed electrical installations. These include the consumer unit (fuse box), wiring, sockets, light fittings, switches, and any other permanently wired equipment.

The inspection assesses whether the electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued use, identifies any damage, deterioration, defects or dangerous conditions, and highlights any areas that do not meet current wiring regulations (BS 7671). The result is either a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory outcome, depending on the severity of any observations found.

EICRs are carried out by NICEIC or NAPIT registered electricians who are qualified to test and inspect fixed electrical installations. At EICR Basildon, every inspection is performed by a fully accredited engineer to the highest standards.

Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. An EICR provides peace of mind that the electrical installation in your property is safe, and that it complies with current regulations. For landlords in England, an EICR is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Landlords must have an EICR carried out at least every five years and provide a copy to tenants.

For homeowners, an EICR is strongly recommended every ten years, or whenever you buy a property, carry out major renovations, or want reassurance about the safety of an older installation. Mortgage lenders and home insurers increasingly request evidence of a valid EICR.

The duration of an EICR inspection depends on the size of the property and the number of electrical circuits. A typical two to three-bedroom house with around eight circuits usually takes two to four hours. Larger properties, HMOs, or commercial premises may take longer. Our electricians work efficiently and with minimal disruption — you will typically need to be home as power may be turned off briefly to individual circuits during testing.

Once the inspection is complete, your formal EICR certificate is usually issued within 28 days. Remedial works, if required, can be carried out by our team to bring the installation to a satisfactory standard.

We provide EICR inspections across Basildon, Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Rayleigh, Wickford, and the wider Essex area. We also cover parts of East London and Greater London. Whether you need an EICR for a residential house, flat, HMO, or commercial property, our NICEIC and NAPIT registered electricians are available to book at a time that suits you.

Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive of VAT — you'll receive a clear quote before any work begins. There are no hidden call-out fees or surprise charges. Get in touch today to request your free quote.