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An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the formal document produced following a periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation. It replaced the older Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) and is the standard form used across the UK electrical industry to record the condition of a fixed electrical installation in a building.

The EICR is defined by BS 7671:2018 (the IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition) and follows the model forms published in Appendix 6 of the standard. It records the extent of the installation inspected, the supply characteristics, details of the earthing arrangements, the test results for every circuit, and any observations about departures from the current standard or defects that could pose a danger.

The purpose of the EICR is twofold. First, it provides a snapshot of the condition of an installation at a point in time, identifying any damage, deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions. Second, it provides recommendations for remedial work needed to bring the installation up to an acceptable standard of safety. The overall assessment is either Satisfactory (meaning the installation is safe for continued use) or Unsatisfactory (meaning remedial work is needed).

An EICR is not the same as a simple visual check. It involves dead testing (with the supply isolated) and live testing, covering continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance, polarity verification, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, and RCD operation. The inspector must access distribution boards, remove covers where necessary, and test a representative sample of accessories.

The recommended intervals for periodic inspection and testing depend on the type of installation and its use. These intervals are set out in Table 3.2 of the IET Guidance Note 3 (GN3, 9th Edition) and reflect the risk profile of different types of premises.

For landlords in England, the legal requirement is clear: you must have a valid EICR before a tenant moves in and renew it at least every 5 years. Failing to comply can result in civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach. The report must be given to new tenants before they occupy the property and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Local authorities can also request a copy within 7 days.

Beyond the legal requirements, an EICR is also commonly requested during property sales, insurance renewals, mortgage applications, and commercial lease negotiations. Many insurers now require evidence of a satisfactory EICR as a condition of cover. For commercial premises, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides additional obligations.

The legal landscape around EICR certificates has changed significantly in recent years. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 made periodic electrical inspections a legal requirement for all privately rented properties in England. Similar regulations apply in Scotland under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and associated guidance.

Under the English regulations, landlords must ensure that electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at intervals of no more than 5 years. The first report must be obtained before a new tenancy begins. If the report is unsatisfactory, the landlord must complete all remedial work identified with C1 or C2 codes within 28 days (or a shorter period if specified by the inspector) and obtain written confirmation from a qualified person that the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard.

For non-compliance, local authorities have enforcement powers including the ability to issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach, arrange remedial work themselves and recover costs, and require landlords to provide the report to tenants. The regulations also created a duty for landlords to supply a copy of the most recent EICR to new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection date.

Beyond the private rented sector, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition in commercial and industrial premises. While these regulations do not specify an EICR by name, periodic inspection and testing to BS 7671 is widely recognised as the standard method of demonstrating compliance. See our Part P guide for more on notifiable work and building regulations.