Does My House Need an EICR? Understanding When Electrical Inspections Are Required

If you’re wondering whether your house needs an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset ask us this question, and the answer depends on your specific circumstances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain when electrical inspections are required, who needs them, and what to expect from the process.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that records the condition of your property’s electrical installation. During the inspection, a qualified electrician thoroughly examines your wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), earthing and bonding arrangements, and fixed electrical systems to identify any potential safety issues or non-compliance with current regulations.

The inspection assesses your installation against the requirements of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), the UK national standard for electrical safety. Unlike an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), which is issued for new installations or major alterations, an EICR is a periodic inspection of your existing electrical system to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

Do I Need an EICR for My House?

Whether you need an EICR depends on several factors, including property ownership, occupancy type, and how long it’s been since your last inspection.

Owner-Occupied Homes

If you own and live in your home, an EICR is not legally mandatory in England. However, it is strongly recommended as best practice for electrical safety. Industry guidance suggests that owner-occupiers should have their domestic electrical installations inspected every 10 years, or sooner if:

• You notice signs of electrical problems (flickering lights, burning smells, frequent tripping)
• The property is older and may have outdated wiring
• You’re planning significant renovations or extensions
• You’ve purchased the property and don’t know the history of the electrical installation

Regular inspections help identify deteriorating cables, loose connections, overloaded circuits, and missing safety devices before they become dangerous.

Landlords and Private Rented Sector Properties

If you’re a landlord letting residential property in England, an EICR is a legal requirement. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate that landlords must:

• Have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years
• Provide a copy of the EICR to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection
• Provide a copy to new tenants before they occupy the property
• Provide a copy to the local authority within seven days if requested
• Carry out any necessary remedial works identified in the report within 28 days, or a shorter period if the inspector specifies immediate or urgent action

These regulations apply to most assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy. If your EICR identifies issues categorised as C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous), you must complete the remedial works before allowing tenants to occupy the property.

Homebuyers

If you’re buying a property, we strongly recommend commissioning an EICR as part of your pre-purchase surveys. Standard homebuyer surveys typically don’t include in-depth electrical testing, so an EICR provides valuable peace of mind and can identify costly electrical issues before you commit to the purchase. This is particularly important for older properties or those that haven’t been rewired in several decades.

Many mortgage lenders and insurance companies now request evidence of a satisfactory EICR, especially for properties built before the 1990s or with known electrical concerns.

Recent Installations and Rewires

If your property has recently been rewired or had significant electrical work completed, the electrician should have provided you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming the work meets current standards. This certificate is valid, but you should still plan for your first EICR within five to ten years, depending on the property type and use. If you’re in Verwood or elsewhere in the region and need a rewire followed by proper certification, we’re here to help.

How Often Should an EICR Be Carried Out?

The frequency of electrical inspections varies based on property type and risk:

• Private rented properties: At least every five years, or sooner if specified in the previous report
• Owner-occupied homes: Every ten years as best practice
• Properties with swimming pools or hot tubs: More frequent inspections may be necessary
• Change of occupancy: Recommended whenever a property changes hands

At TJC Fire & Electrical, we serve homeowners throughout Poole, Bournemouth, Ferndown, Ringwood, Christchurch, Southampton, Portsmouth, Dorchester, and Wimborne, helping ensure your electrical systems remain safe and compliant.

What Does an EICR Inspection Involve?

During an EICR inspection, our qualified electricians will:

1. Visual examination: Check the condition of all accessible electrical components, including the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, and fixed appliances
2. Testing: Perform electrical tests to verify earthing and bonding, polarity, insulation resistance, and circuit protection
3. Assessment: Evaluate whether the installation complies with BS 7671 and identify any potential safety hazards
4. Documentation: Record all findings, observations, and test results in the formal EICR

The inspection typically takes between two to four hours for an average domestic property, though larger homes or properties with complex installations may take longer. We prioritise transparent communication and excellent customer service, keeping you informed throughout the entire process to ensure you understand our findings.

You’ll need to provide access to all areas containing electrical installations, including loft spaces, garages, and outbuildings. If any areas are inaccessible, these will be noted as limitations on the report.

Understanding EICR Outcome Codes

After the inspection, you’ll receive an EICR that classifies any defects or observations using standardised codes:

C1 – Danger Present

This indicates an immediate risk of injury. The installation is unsafe and should not be used until the fault is rectified. Examples include exposed live parts or missing earth connections.

C2 – Potentially Dangerous

These defects don’t pose an immediate danger but are potentially dangerous and require urgent attention. Common C2 issues include lack of RCD (residual current device) protection, damaged accessories, or inadequate earthing and bonding arrangements.

C3 – Improvement Recommended

While not dangerous, these observations indicate that the installation would benefit from improvements to meet current best practice standards. Examples might include outdated accessories or lack of surge protection devices (SPDs).

FI – Further Investigation Required

This code indicates that the electrician was unable to fully assess a particular aspect and recommends further investigation.

The overall outcome will be either Satisfactory (safe to continue using) or Unsatisfactory (remedial work required before the installation can be considered safe). If your report is unsatisfactory due to C1 or C2 issues, these should be addressed immediately by a qualified electrician.

Common Electrical Issues Found During EICRs

Through our work across Southern England, we frequently identify these common electrical problems during EICR inspections:

• Lack of RCD protection: Older consumer units may not have adequate RCD protection for circuits, which is required under current regulations
• Inadequate earthing and bonding: Missing or insufficient earth connections to water and gas pipes
• Outdated consumer units: Old-fashioned fuse boards with rewirable fuses or metal consumer units that don’t meet current safety standards
• Damaged or deteriorating wiring: Particularly in properties over 30-40 years old
• Overloaded circuits: Too many appliances or lighting points on a single circuit
• DIY electrical work: Non-compliant alterations or additions carried out without proper certification

Many of these issues can be resolved through consumer unit upgrades, rewiring affected circuits, or installing additional safety devices. We provide clear explanations of any problems found and transparent quotations for necessary remedial works.

EICRs for Business Owners and Commercial Premises

If you own or manage commercial premises in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, or Somerset, electrical safety is equally important. Commercial electrical installations typically require inspection every five years, though higher-risk environments may need more frequent testing:

• Offices and retail premises: Every five years
• Industrial premises and factories: Every three years
• Leisure and entertainment venues: Every three years
• Buildings open to the public: Every five years or as determined by risk assessment

Under health and safety legislation, employers and building owners have a duty of care to ensure electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition. An EICR demonstrates due diligence and helps protect employees, customers, and visitors from electrical hazards.

We work with businesses throughout the region to schedule inspections at convenient times that minimise disruption to your operations. Our team holds the relevant UK accreditations and has extensive experience with diverse commercial installations.

How to Prepare Your Property for an EICR

To ensure a smooth and comprehensive inspection:

• Provide full access: Ensure the electrician can access your consumer unit, all rooms, loft space, garage, and any outbuildings
• Clear the area: Remove any items blocking access to sockets, switches, or the consumer unit
• Identify concerns: Make note of any electrical issues you’ve experienced (tripping, flickering lights, dead sockets) to discuss with the electrician
• Arrange pet care: If you have pets, consider arrangements to keep them comfortable during the inspection
• Schedule appropriately: Allow sufficient time for the inspection to be completed without rushing

If you’re a landlord, you’ll need to provide reasonable notice to tenants and coordinate access arrangements in accordance with your tenancy agreement.

What Happens After Your EICR?

If your EICR is satisfactory, you can continue using your electrical installation safely until the next inspection is due (as recommended on the report).

If remedial works are required:

1. We’ll provide you with a detailed quotation explaining what needs to be done and why
2. Once approved, we’ll schedule the repairs at a time convenient for you
3. After completing the works, we’ll issue the appropriate certification
4. For landlords, remedial works must be completed within the timeframes specified in the regulations

We believe in keeping our clients informed throughout the entire process, from project inception to completion, to ensure that your vision becomes a reality. Our commitment to excellent customer service means you’ll always understand what’s happening and why.

Why Choose TJC Fire & Electrical for Your EICR?

Based in Ferndown, we’re a local electrical and fire safety contractor serving domestic and commercial clients across Southern England. Our team holds the relevant UK accreditations and qualifications to carry out EICRs and remedial works to the highest standards.

Our customers value our professional approach and attention to detail:

“I have recently had a new consumer unit fitted and two outdoor lights replaced. I am very pleased with the work Taran has carried out and his professionalism throughout.”

“Taran and his team were knowledgeable and professional throughout. Needed a job done within a small time frame, he completed and installed new light fixtures in our house extension. Quality of work and attention to detail was outstanding. Would highly recommend TJC!”

“We have used TJC for our fire alarm and commercial wiring. They never miss a beat and cannot fault them. Competitive pricing and all round good service.”

We provide free quotations and prioritise transparent communication throughout every project. Whether you need an EICR for compliance, peace of mind, or as part of a property transaction, our experienced team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new EICR for each new tenancy?

No. An EICR remains valid for five years (or the period specified on the report) regardless of how many times the tenancy changes during that period. However, you must provide a copy of the current valid EICR to each new tenant before they move in.

Can I carry out my own electrical inspection?

No. EICRs must be carried out by a qualified and competent person who has the knowledge, training, and test equipment necessary to inspect and test electrical installations safely. This typically means a registered electrician with appropriate qualifications and membership of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ECA, or Stroma.

What’s the difference between an EICR and PAT testing?

An EICR inspects the fixed electrical installation of your property (wiring, consumer unit, sockets, lighting circuits). PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tests individual portable electrical appliances and equipment. Both serve different purposes, and landlords may need both depending on what electrical equipment they provide with the property.

How much does an EICR cost?

The cost varies depending on property size, age, and complexity. A typical domestic EICR for an average-sized home ranges from £150 to £350, while larger properties or those with complex installations may cost more. We provide free, transparent quotations with no hidden costs.

Will my insurance company require an EICR?

Many insurance providers now ask for evidence of electrical safety, particularly for older properties or rental properties. Some insurers may request an EICR as a condition of cover or renewal. Check with your specific insurer to understand their requirements.

What if the electrician can’t access certain areas?

If any parts of the installation cannot be inspected (for example, wiring under floors or behind walls), these limitations will be recorded on the report as “LIM” (limitations). While the report will still be valid, areas with limitations haven’t been fully assessed, so you won’t have complete assurance about the safety of those parts of the installation.

Get Your EICR Booked Today

Don’t wait until electrical problems arise or legal deadlines approach. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting peace of mind, a landlord ensuring compliance, or a business owner fulfilling your duty of care, we’re here to help with professional EICR inspections across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset.

Contact us today for a free quotation, or learn more about our comprehensive domestic and commercial electrical services.

For more information about electrical safety regulations and best practices, visit Electrical Safety First, the UK’s leading electrical safety charity, or review the official UK Government guidance on electrical safety standards for landlords and tenants.

At TJC Fire & Electrical, we’re committed to keeping homes and businesses across the region electrically safe. Get in touch to discuss your electrical inspection needs today.