How to Understand an EICR: A Practical Guide for Homeowners and Landlords
If you’ve recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed for your home or rental property, you might be looking at pages of technical terms and wondering what it all means. You’re not alone. Many homeowners receive these reports but struggle to interpret whether the results are good, bad, or something in between.
This guide explains what an EICR is, why it matters, and how to read one — without the jargon.
What an EICR Is (and Isn’t)
An EICR is a professional inspection and testing process designed to assess the current condition of an electrical installation. It checks whether the system is safe, c ompliant with the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), and free from serious defects that could cause injury or fire.
It’s important to note that an EICR is not a fault-finding exercise. The purpose isn’t to fix problems on the day, but to identify them and record their potential risk. The report gives a snapshot of the installation’s safety at the time of inspection — even if the system was installed under an earlier version of the wiring regulations.
Electrical regulations evolve over time, and all EICRs must be judged against the current edition of BS 7671, regardless of when the installation was fitted.
For further background on identifying risks and unsafe conditions, see Hazards in Electrical Installations – Lesson 7.
Why an EICR Is Needed
There are several common reasons you might need an EICR:
- Property transactions – Mortgage lenders or insurers often request an up-to-date EICR before completing a sale or issuing a policy.
- Rental compliance – Since April 2021, landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR carried out at least once every five years, or sooner if recommended by a qualified electrician.
- Insurance and liability – Having regular EICRs demonstrates due diligence and can protect you if an electrical fault leads to damage or injury.
- Post-incident checks – After events such as flooding or fire, an EICR helps determine whether circuits and components remain safe to use.
Even if not legally required, experts recommend testing every ten years for owner-occupied homes, or every five years for rented or commercial properties.
What’s Included in the Report
An EICR must clearly set out the extent and limitations of the inspection. For example, an electrician might note that certain parts of a circuit couldn’t be accessed due to furniture or building structure. The report should include:
- The specific areas or circuits inspected.
- Any limitations agreed before the inspection.
- Reasons for those limitations (e.g., cables buried within walls).
- The name of the person who agreed to those limitations (usually the client).
Alongside this, the report contains a schedule of test results and inspection findings. These give an overview of circuit condition, protective devices, and overall system performance.
When complete, the electrician signs a declaration confirming that — within the agreed scope — the report accurately reflects the condition of the installation at the time of inspection.
To understand how professional teams handle inspection records and communication on site, see Site Management and Team Communication – Lesson 8.
The Role of Periodic Inspection and Testing
Periodic inspection and testing underpin the EICR process. They help ensure that installations remain safe to use as they age, as wear, corrosion, and overloading can all affect performance.
During this stage, electricians look for:
- Non-compliances with BS 7671 that could pose danger.
- Signs of overheating, damage or deterioration.
- Proper functioning of safety devices, such as RCDs and circuit breakers.
- Protection measures against electric shock, burns, or fire.
The inspector then records their observations and assigns a classification code to each issue found.
Understanding Observation Codes
Each observation in an EICR is rated according to severity. These classification codes are what most property owners focus on, because they indicate whether any action is required — and how urgently.
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Immediate action required — the installation is unsafe to use. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Urgent remedial work required to make it safe. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Not unsafe, but could be enhanced for better safety or compliance. |
| FI | Further investigation required. | Something needs checking before the condition can be confirmed. |
If your report contains C1 or C2 codes, you must arrange remedial work as soon as possible. A C3 code is more advisory — it doesn’t mean failure, but i mprovement would be beneficial.
A competent electrician will always explain the meaning of these codes clearly. However, if you’re ever unsure, ask for clarification in plain English rather than technical terms.
For more on recognising safety concerns and how to control them effectively, review Hazards and Inspection – Lesson 8.
The Schedule of Test Results
At the end of your EICR, you’ll find the Schedule of Test Results — a detailed record of the electrical tests carried out on each circuit. It might look daunting at first, but it’s simply a breakdown of key safety readings.
Common entries include:
- Circuit reference and description (e.g. “Ring final circuit – kitchen”).
- Protective device details (fuse or MCB type, rating, and manufacturer).
- Cable type and size.
- RCD trip times (verifying how quickly protective devices operate).
- Continuity and insulation resistance readings.
- Polarity and earth fault loop impedance results.
Not every box will be filled — some tests don’t apply to all circuits, or may be omitted due to agreed limitations. What matters most is that the report provides enough data to prove the installation has been properly tested and assessed.
Common Misunderstandings
Many property owners misinterpret EICR results because of t erminology. A few key points help avoid confusion:
- “Unsatisfactory” on the report means one or more C1 or C2 codes were found. These must be corrected before the report can be considered compliant.
- “Satisfactory” means no dangerous defects were identified. It doesn’t guarantee perfection — just that the installation met safety standards at the time of testing.
- Limitations do not automatically indicate a problem; they simply show where access was restricted or certain checks weren’t feasible.
- Older installations aren’t automatically unsafe. Compliance is judged against modern standards, but older wiring can still be safe if properly maintained.
What Happens Next
If remedial work is needed, your electrician should issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) or an updated report confirming the system now meets the required standard. Keep all documentation — it will be valuable for insurance, resale, or tenancy records.
Landlords must ensure remedial works are completed within 28 days (or sooner if specified) and provide written confirmation to tenants and the local authority.
Regularly reviewing reports and maintaining accurate records helps prevent small issues from becoming major hazards. It also demonstrates that you take your responsibilities seriously — a vital point for compliance and tenant safety.
To learn more about how teams coordinate inspection outcomes and site safety protocols, visit Site Management Team Procedures – Lesson 2.
Why Understanding an EICR Matters
Electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time. Cables weaken, insulation ages, and connection points loosen — all of which increase the risk of electric shock or fire.
An EICR helps you catch those risks early. It’s not just a formality for landlords or a checkbox for insurers; it’s an essential part of keeping people safe in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Understanding your report also empowers you to make informed decisions. Instead of seeing it as a technical document, view it as a safety snapshot — a clear record showing what’s working well and what needs attention.
The best way to stay safe is to view electrical testing as routine maintenance rather than a one-off task. Keep your certificates organised, schedule inspections on time, and act promptly on recommendations.
Elec Training is a City & Guilds-approved electrical training centre based in Wolverhampton, serving learners from Birmingham and across the wider West Midlands. We help electricians and property owners alike understand inspection standards, reporting procedures, and real-world safety practices aligned with BS 7671.
If you’re ready to strengthen your electrical knowledge or become qualified to carry out EICRs yourself, explore Elec Training’s full range of professional electrical courses at https://elec.training/.
FAQs
What exactly is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced following an assessment of the electrical installations within a property, carried out by a qualified electrician. It evaluates the condition of the wiring, sockets, switches, and other fixed electrical parts to ensure they are safe and compliant with current standards, identifying any defects, damage, or non-compliances that could pose risks.
How often should homeowners and landlords have an EICR carried out?
For landlords in rental properties (private and social sectors), an EICR is legally required every 5 years, or upon a change of tenancy if sooner, to comply with UK regulations. For homeowners, while not legally mandatory, it is recommended every 10 years, or more frequently if issues are noted, when buying/selling a property, or after major alterations.
What’s the difference between a “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” EICR result?
A “satisfactory” EICR result means the electrical installation is safe for continued use, with no immediate or urgent dangers (no C1, C2, or FI codes), though C3 improvements may be suggested. An “unsatisfactory” result indicates serious issues (C1, C2, or FI codes present), meaning the installation is not safe and requires remedial action before it can be deemed compliant.
What do the C1, C2, C3 and FI codes on my report mean?
C1 means “Danger present” – an immediate threat to safety requiring urgent remedial action (e.g., exposed live wires). C2 means “Potentially dangerous” – urgent remedial action needed to prevent future risks (e.g., no RCD protection). C3 means “Improvement recommended” – not immediately dangerous but could be enhanced for better safety (e.g., outdated but functional wiring). FI means “Further investigation required” – something suspicious or inaccessible needs deeper checking, as it couldn’t be fully assessed during the inspection.
Does an EICR include fixing faults or just identifying them?
An EICR is solely an inspection and report that identifies faults and issues; it does not include any remedial work or fixes, which must be arranged separately by a qualified electrician after the report is issued.
Is an older electrical installation automatically considered unsafe?
No, an older electrical installation is not automatically considered unsafe; its safety depends on its condition, maintenance, and compliance with standards at the time of installation. However, it may lack modern safety features like RCDs, so an EICR is recommended to assess risks.
What happens if my report includes C1 or C2 issues?
If an EICR includes C1 (immediate danger) or C2 (potential danger) issues, the report is unsatisfactory, and remedial work must be carried out urgently to make the installation safe. For rentals, landlords must fix these before letting or within 28 days, providing proof to authorities; failure can lead to fines up to £30,000. Homeowners should address them promptly to avoid risks.
Why are EICRs now legally required for rental properties?
EICRs are legally required for rental properties under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (and similar in Scotland/Wales) to ensure tenant safety, reduce risks of electrical fires/shocks, and hold landlords accountable, with inspections every 5 years to maintain habitable standards.
How should I interpret the Schedule of Test Results section?
The Schedule of Test Results section details technical measurements from the inspection, such as continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD trip times, compared against BS 7671 standards. Values should meet or exceed minimums (e.g., insulation resistance >1 MΩ); anomalies may indicate faults, and the inspector notes if compliant.
Where can I learn to carry out or better understand EICRs professionally?
You can learn through professional courses like the City & Guilds 2391-52 Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing (3-5 days, focusing on periodic inspections), offered by providers such as Elec Training.
