An Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually shortened to EICR, records the condition of a fixed electrical installation after inspection and testing. It is intended to identify damage, deterioration, defects and conditions that could present danger.
What is looked at?
The inspection concerns the fixed installation rather than simply checking whether lights and sockets work. The electrician will assess appropriate parts of the wiring, consumer unit, protective devices, earthing and bonding, circuits and accessories, with testing used to establish electrical condition.
Does an EICR mean everything must be replaced?
No. An inspection records observations and their significance. Older equipment is not automatically condemned simply because a newer design now exists. The important question is whether the installation is safe for continued service and whether defects or potentially dangerous conditions have been identified.
When is an EICR useful?
An EICR can be particularly useful when buying an older property, before major renovation, where there is little information about previous electrical work, or when an installation has not been inspected for a long time. In England, landlords covered by the electrical safety regulations must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the report requires it.
After the report
If remedial work is recommended, ask the electrician to explain the observations and priorities. The report should give you a much firmer basis for deciding what work is actually necessary than assumptions based only on the age of the property.
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