What is the EICR schedule of inspections?

The EICR schedule of inspections is a structured checklist that forms part of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) as defined in BS 7671 Appendix 6. It lists all the items that must be visually inspected during a periodic inspection of an electrical installation. The schedule is divided into sections covering distribution equipment, wiring systems, current-using equipment, protective measures, isolation and switching, and miscellaneous items. For each item, the inspector records whether it is satisfactory, unsatisfactory, not applicable, or subject to a limitation. The schedule of inspections is separate from the schedule of test results — the inspection covers visual checks that do not require test instruments, while the test results cover electrical measurements such as continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operating times.

Do I need to check every item on the schedule of inspections?

Yes. Every item on the schedule of inspections must be addressed. You should not leave any items blank. For each item, record one of the following: a tick (satisfactory), a cross (unsatisfactory — which should then be recorded as an observation with a classification code), N/A (not applicable — for example, if there is no three-phase equipment in a single-phase domestic installation), or LIM (limitation — if you were unable to inspect that item due to access restrictions, concealed wiring, or other practical limitations). Leaving items blank on the schedule is one of the most common reasons for EICR rejection by competent person scheme providers. If an item does not apply to the installation, mark it N/A. If you could not inspect it, mark it LIM and record the limitation in the extent and limitations section of the report.

What is the difference between the schedule of inspections and the schedule of test results?

The schedule of inspections covers visual inspection items — things you can check by looking at the installation without using test instruments. This includes the condition of the consumer unit, the condition of wiring, the presence of earthing and bonding, the condition of accessories, and the suitability of the installation for its environment. The schedule of test results covers electrical measurements made with calibrated test instruments — continuity of protective conductors (R1+R2), insulation resistance (in megohms), polarity, earth fault loop impedance (Zs in ohms), RCD operating times (in milliseconds), and prospective fault current. Both schedules are required parts of the EICR and must be completed for every inspection. The visual inspection is typically carried out first as a walk-through of the installation, followed by dead testing (continuity and insulation resistance) and then live testing (loop impedance, RCD, polarity).

What are the most common C2 observations found during visual inspection?

The most common C2 (Potentially Dangerous) observations found during the visual inspection phase of an EICR include: absence of a circuit protective conductor (CPC) on one or more circuits, particularly in older installations wired before earthing was mandatory; absence of RCD protection for socket outlet circuits in domestic premises; damaged consumer unit or distribution board enclosure exposing live parts; absence of main protective bonding to gas, water, or oil services (Regulation 411.3.1.1 requires exposed-conductive-parts to be connected to a protective conductor; Regulation 544.1.1 governs bonding conductor sizing); absence of 30 mA RCD protection on domestic lighting circuits as now required by Regulation 411.3.4 (A4:2026); incorrect polarity at accessories (live and neutral reversed); damaged or deteriorated cable insulation exposing conductors; and absence of fire barriers where cables pass through walls or floors. Each of these observations represents a condition that could lead to electric shock or fire and requires urgent remedial action.

How do I record an unsatisfactory item on the schedule of inspections?

When you find an item on the schedule of inspections that is unsatisfactory, you should mark the item with a cross on the schedule. You must then record the deficiency as an observation in the observations section of the EICR, with a description of the issue, its location, and the appropriate classification code (C1, C2, C3, or FI). The description should be specific enough that a different electrician could locate and rectify the issue from your description alone. For example, rather than writing "bonding missing," write "Main protective bonding to incoming water service absent at point of entry, utility cupboard under stairs — Regulation 411.3.1.1 / 544.1.1." Include the relevant BS 7671 regulation reference where applicable. The classification code should reflect the severity of the risk: C1 for immediate danger, C2 for potentially dangerous conditions, C3 for improvements recommended, or FI if further investigation is needed to determine the classification.

Can I use the Elec-Mate app for the schedule of inspections on site?

Yes. Elec-Mate has the complete Schedule of Inspections built into the EICR form, matching the BS 7671 Appendix 6 model form exactly. Every section and every item is listed. As you walk the installation, you tick items as satisfactory, cross them as unsatisfactory, or mark them as N/A or LIM. If you mark an item as unsatisfactory, the app prompts you to add an observation with a classification code and description. Any items left unaddressed are flagged before you can complete the certificate, so nothing gets missed. The board scanner feature can also pre-populate distribution board details — MCB ratings, circuit designations, and board layout — from a photograph of the board, saving significant data entry time. All data saves automatically to your phone and syncs to the cloud, so nothing is lost even if your battery dies or you lose signal.

What should I do if I cannot access an area to inspect it?

If you cannot access an area of the installation — for example, because of furniture blocking access to socket outlets, stored goods preventing access to a distribution board, locked rooms, or areas that would require destructive investigation to inspect — you should record the limitation in two places. First, mark the relevant items on the schedule of inspections as LIM (limitation). Second, record the limitation in the extent and limitations section of the EICR with a clear description of what could not be inspected and why. Be specific: "Socket outlets in bedroom 2 not inspected — room inaccessible due to locked door, key not available" is much better than "some areas not accessed." If the limitation is significant enough that it prevents you from making an overall assessment of the installation, you should state this clearly and may need to classify the limitation as FI (Further Investigation required) so that the client understands the inspection was incomplete.

INSPECTION GUIDE

EICR Schedule of Inspections: What to Check

The complete guide to the EICR schedule of inspections per BS 7671 Appendix 6. Every section explained — distribution equipment, wiring systems, current-using equipment, protective measures, isolation and switching, and miscellaneous items. Common C2 and C3 observations for each section, plus practical tips for a thorough visual inspection.

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12 min readUpdated 2026-06-10Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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What is the schedule of inspections on an EICR?

The schedule of inspections is the visual-inspection checklist that accompanies an EICR, based on the model forms in BS 7671 Appendix 6. It works through the installation section by section — intake and distribution equipment, wiring systems, current-using equipment, special locations, and isolation and switching — recording each item as acceptable or noting a defect with a classification code (C1, C2, C3 or FI). Every relevant item must be checked before the report can be issued.

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Key Takeaways

1The EICR schedule of inspections follows the BS 7671 Appendix 6 model form and covers six main sections: distribution equipment, wiring systems, current-using equipment, protective measures, isolation and switching, and miscellaneous items.
2Each item in the schedule is marked as satisfactory (tick), unsatisfactory (cross), not applicable (N/A), or limitation (LIM) — every item must be addressed and none should be left blank.
3Common C2 observations include missing CPCs, absent RCD protection where required, damaged consumer unit enclosures, and lack of main protective bonding to services.
4Common C3 observations include absence of SPD protection, old wiring colours not re-identified, and lack of circuit charts at the distribution board.
5Elec-Mate has the complete Schedule of Inspections built into the EICR form matching BS 7671 Appendix 6 — tick items as you walk the installation, and any unticked items are flagged before you can complete the certificate.
6A4:2026 introduced new requirements relevant to domestic EICRs: Reg 411.3.4 mandates 30 mA RCD protection for AC lighting circuits in domestic premises; Reg 421.1.7 recommends AFDDs on AC final circuits to mitigate arc-fault fire risk. Both are codeable observations on a domestic EICR.

01 · Inspection Guide

EICR Schedule of Inspections: Overview

The schedule of inspections is one of the core components of an EICR. It is the structured checklist of visual inspection items that the inspector must work through during a periodic inspection of an electrical installation. The schedule follows the model form published in Appendix 6 of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.

The schedule is divided into six main sections, each covering a different aspect of the installation. Every item must be addressed — satisfactory, unsatisfactory, not applicable, or limitation. Unsatisfactory items must be recorded as observations with the appropriate classification code (C1, C2, C3, or FI).

The visual inspection is typically the first phase of the periodic inspection process. Before any testing is carried out, the inspector walks the installation, checking every item on the schedule. This walk-through identifies visible defects, damage, deterioration, and departures from the standard. The findings from the visual inspection inform the subsequent testing strategy — for example, if the visual inspection reveals a missing CPC on a circuit, the inspector will prioritise testing on that circuit.

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02 · Inspection Guide

Section 1: Distribution Equipment

Section 1 of the schedule covers the condition and compliance of the distribution equipment — consumer units, distribution boards, main switches, RCDs, RCBOs, MCBs, fuses, and SPDs. This is typically the starting point of the visual inspection because the distribution board is the heart of the installation.

Items to Check

Condition of enclosure: Is the consumer unit or distribution board in good physical condition? No cracks, burn marks, missing covers, or damage. For domestic premises, is it a non-combustible (metal) enclosure as required by Regulation 421.1.201?
Security of fixing: Is the board securely fixed to the wall? Are all fixings present and tight?
Circuit identification: Are all circuits clearly identified with a circuit chart or schedule? Does the chart correspond to the actual circuit arrangement? (Regulation 514.9.1 — note: A4:2026 introduced an exception for certain domestic premises; check applicability before coding absent charts as C3 in domestic installations)
Adequacy of access: Can the consumer unit or distribution board be accessed safely? Is there adequate working space in front of the board?
Presence of SPDs: For installations where SPDs are required (Regulation 443), are they present and in good condition? Check the status indicator on the SPD if fitted.
AFDDs (arc fault detection devices): Regulation 421.1.7 (A4:2026) recommends AFDDs on AC final circuits of a fixed installation to mitigate fire risk from arc fault currents. Absence is typically coded C3 on new or rewired domestic installations. Note the regulation is recommendatory (not mandatory).
RCD quarterly test notice: Is the notice advising the user to test the RCD quarterly present? (Regulation 514.12 — note: A4:2026 introduced an exception for domestic premises in certain situations; verify whether the exception applies before coding absence as C3 in a domestic installation)

Common C2 observations in this section include: consumer unit with a combustible (plastic) enclosure in a domestic premises where Regulation 421.1.201 requires a non-combustible (or non-combustible-enclosed) enclosure, missing or damaged covers exposing live busbars, and absence of circuit identification.

03 · Inspection Guide

Section 2: Wiring Systems

Section 2 covers the condition of the wiring systems throughout the installation — cables, containment (trunking, conduit, cable tray), cable supports, and the routing of cables through the building.

Items to Check

Cable condition: Is the cable sheath intact and undamaged? Any signs of overheating, discolouration, or deterioration? Cable types such as older rubber-insulated or lead-sheathed cable require particular attention.
Cable supports and fixings: Are cables adequately supported at appropriate intervals? Are clips, cleats, and fixings secure? Are cables protected from mechanical damage where they run across surfaces?
Cable routing: Are cables routed in safe zones where concealed in walls? Any evidence of cables being routed through thermal insulation without derating?
Containment condition: Is trunking, conduit, and cable tray in good condition? Lids in place? No damage or corrosion? Adequate capacity (not overfilled)?
Fire barriers and seals: Are fire barriers present where cables pass through fire-rated walls, floors, or ceilings? (Regulation 527.2) This is a commonly missed item.
Cable identification: Are cables identified with appropriate markings? For pre-harmonised wiring colours (red/black), have they been re-identified where they terminate alongside harmonised colours (brown/blue)?

04 · Inspection Guide

Section 3: Current-Using Equipment

Section 3 covers the condition of the fixed current-using equipment connected to the installation — socket outlets, light fittings, switches, cooker outlets, shaver supply units, immersion heaters, fixed appliances, and other accessories.

Items to Check

Condition of accessories: Are socket outlets, light switches, ceiling roses, and other accessories in good physical condition? No cracks, damage, discolouration, or burn marks.
Security of mounting: Are all accessories securely mounted to the wall or surface? No loose fixings or accessories pulling away from the mounting surface.
Suitability for environment: Are accessories appropriate for the environment? For example, IP-rated accessories in bathrooms (BS 7671 Section 701), weatherproof accessories for outdoor use.
Correct connection: Where accessible without removing accessories from the wall, check for signs of incorrect connection — scorch marks indicating loose connections, signs of arcing, or overheating.
Enclosure integrity: Are all covers, lids, and bezels in place? No exposed live parts accessible to the user.

05 · Inspection Guide

Section 4: Protective Measures

Section 4 is critically important — it covers the protective measures that prevent electric shock and fire. This section checks that the installation has adequate protection for the people using it and for the building itself.

Items to Check

Main protective bonding: Are main protective bonding conductors connected to incoming water, gas, oil, and other metallic services? Regulation 411.3.1.1 requires exposed-conductive-parts to be connected to a protective conductor; Regulation 544.1.1 governs bonding conductor sizing — under PME (TN-C-S), Table 54.8 sets the minimum at 10 mm² copper where the PEN conductor is 35 mm² or less. Check at the point of entry of each service.
Supplementary bonding: Where required (such as bathrooms under certain conditions), are supplementary bonding conductors present and correctly connected?
RCD protection — socket outlets and special locations: Are 30 mA RCDs fitted to circuits that require additional protection? This includes socket outlet circuits, bathroom circuits (Section 701), outdoor circuits, and circuits supplying mobile equipment used outdoors.
RCD protection — domestic lighting circuits (A4:2026): Regulation 411.3.4 requires that, within domestic (household) premises, AC final circuits supplying luminaires shall have additional protection by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA. Absence of RCD protection on domestic lighting circuits is a codeable C2 observation introduced by A4:2026.
Earthing arrangement: Is the earthing arrangement correct and appropriate? Verify the type (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT). For TT systems, is the earth electrode present and in good condition?
Earthing conductor: Is the main earthing conductor present, of adequate size, correctly connected, and in good condition?
SELV/PELV systems: Where separated extra-low voltage or protective extra-low voltage systems are present, is the separation maintained?

Missing main protective bonding is one of the most common and most serious findings during periodic inspection. It is almost always classified as C2 (Potentially Dangerous) because the absence of bonding means that metallic services could become live in the event of a fault, creating a shock risk. For guidance on earthing systems, see the earthing arrangements guide.

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06 · Inspection Guide

Section 5: Isolation and Switching

Section 5 covers the means of isolation and switching — the switches, isolators, and disconnecting devices that allow the installation or individual circuits to be safely disconnected for maintenance, fault finding, or emergency purposes.

Items to Check

Main switch: Is there a readily accessible means of isolation for the entire installation? Is the main switch clearly identified? Can it be operated easily?
Circuit isolation: Can each circuit be individually isolated at the distribution board? Are the isolating devices (MCBs, RCBOs) clearly labelled to identify the circuit they protect?
Emergency switching: Where required (for example, immersion heaters, fixed space heaters, and some commercial equipment), are emergency switching devices present, accessible, and clearly identified?
Functional switching: Do local switches (light switches, cooker switches, fused connection units) operate correctly and provide the switching function intended?
Fireman's switch: Where required (for example, for exterior luminous signs above 230V or high-voltage discharge lighting installations), is the fireman's switch present, correctly positioned, and clearly labelled in red?

07 · Inspection Guide

Section 6: Miscellaneous

Section 6 covers items that do not fit neatly into the other five sections but are important for the overall assessment of the installation.

Items to Check

Warning and caution labels: Are all required warning labels present? This includes RCD quarterly test notices (Regulation 514.12 — A4:2026 introduced an exception for domestic premises in certain situations), dual supply warnings (where applicable), voltage warnings, and labels indicating the type of earthing system.
Diagrams and documentation: Are circuit diagrams, schedules, and as-installed drawings available and up to date? (Regulation 514.9.1 requires that a durable circuit chart or schedule is provided at or near each distribution board — A4:2026 introduced an exception for certain domestic premises.)
Presence of non-standard colours: If the installation contains pre-harmonised wiring colours (red and black), are they re-identified where they terminate alongside harmonised colours (brown and blue) at the distribution board?
Previous alterations: Is there evidence of previous alterations or additions? Are they of an acceptable standard? Have they been certificated?
Additional protection requirements: Where the current edition of BS 7671 requires protection that was not required when the installation was originally installed (such as RCD protection for socket outlet circuits, 30 mA RCD protection for domestic lighting circuits per Reg 411.3.4 A4:2026, or AFDDs per Reg 421.1.7 A4:2026), has it been assessed and recorded? Absence of AFDDs on new or rewired domestic installations is typically coded C3 (Reg 421.1.7 is recommendatory).

08 · Inspection Guide

Common Observations by Section

Certain observations come up repeatedly during periodic inspections. Knowing the most common findings for each section helps you inspect more thoroughly and ensures you do not overlook frequently occurring defects.

Common C2 Observations

Missing CPC on one or more circuits (older installations)
Absent main protective bonding to water, gas, or oil services (Reg 411.3.1.1 / 544.1.1)
No RCD protection on socket outlet circuits up to 32A
No 30 mA RCD on domestic lighting circuits (Reg 411.3.4, A4:2026)
Damaged consumer unit enclosure with exposed live parts
Inadequate earthing conductor (undersized or damaged)
Reversed polarity at socket outlets or light fittings
Exposed live conductors accessible to the user

Common C3 Observations

Absence of AFDD on new/rewired domestic installation (Reg 421.1.7, A4:2026 — recommendatory)
Absence of SPD protection (Regulation 443 requirements)
Old wiring colours (red/black) not re-identified at the distribution board
No circuit chart or schedule at the distribution board
Absence of RCD quarterly test notice
Consumer unit enclosure is combustible (plastic) in a domestic premises
Supplementary bonding absent in bathroom (where no longer required if conditions met)
Missing fire seals where cables pass through fire-rated construction

It is worth noting that the classification of some observations depends on the specific circumstances. For example, a missing CPC is typically C2 because it represents a failure of the earth fault protection mechanism. However, if the circuit is protected by a 30mA RCD (which provides additional protection against electric shock independent of the earth), the risk is somewhat mitigated, though the observation would still normally be classified as C2 because the RCD is a secondary protection measure, not a substitute for a CPC.

09 · Inspection Guide

Tips for a Thorough Visual Inspection

A thorough visual inspection is the foundation of a good EICR. Once the visual inspection is complete, the correct testing sequence follows — dead tests first, then live tests. The following practical tips will help you carry out a systematic and comprehensive inspection.

Start at the origin: Begin at the supply intake and consumer unit, then work outwards through the installation room by room. This systematic approach ensures nothing is missed.
Use a torch: Many consumer units and ceiling voids are poorly lit. A good torch reveals damage, discolouration, and defects that are invisible in ambient lighting.
Check every room: Do not skip rooms. Check every socket outlet, switch, light fitting, and visible cable in every room. If you cannot access a room, record the limitation.
Look at the loft and under-stairs cupboard: These are common locations for junction boxes, cable runs, and bonding connections. They are also areas where DIY work is frequently found.
Check the meter cupboard: Verify the supply type, check the earthing arrangement at the cutout, and look at the condition of the meter tails.
Record findings in real time: Do not rely on memory. Record observations as you find them using the Elec-Mate app or a notepad. Details that seem obvious on site become impossible to recall accurately after you have left.

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EICR Schedule of Inspections: What to Check

What is the schedule of inspections on an EICR?

Key Takeaways

EICR Schedule of Inspections: Overview

Complete Schedule of Inspections in the app

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Section 1: Distribution Equipment

Items to Check

Section 2: Wiring Systems

Items to Check

Section 3: Current-Using Equipment

Items to Check

Section 4: Protective Measures

Items to Check

Record test results hands-free on site

Section 5: Isolation and Switching

Items to Check

Section 6: Miscellaneous

Items to Check

Common Observations by Section

Common C2 Observations

Common C3 Observations

Tips for a Thorough Visual Inspection

Board scanner pre-populates the EICR

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EICR schedule of inspections?

Do I need to check every item on the schedule of inspections?

What is the difference between the schedule of inspections and the schedule of test results?

What are the most common C2 observations found during visual inspection?

How do I record an unsatisfactory item on the schedule of inspections?

Can I use the Elec-Mate app for the schedule of inspections on site?

What should I do if I cannot access an area to inspect it?

Continue reading

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Schedule of Inspections Built Into the App