How often should you have an EICR?
Understanding the right timing for an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) helps you keep buildings safe for everyone: homeowners, landlords, businesses, schools, entertainment venues, swimming pools and farms.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR is an expert inspection and set of tests on a building’s electrical wiring to make sure everything is safe and meets UK regulations (BS 7671). A certified electrician examines parts like consumer units, circuits, sockets, switches, and protective devices. They then provide a report identifying any issues using codes (C1, C2, C3, FI) that indicate severity.
Why the Frequency Matters
Safety: Electrical faults can lead to fires or shocks. Regular inspections catch them early.
Compliance: Landlords must legally have an EICR every 5 years in the UK. Commercial property owners need inspections too as part of their health and safety duties.
Insurance: Many policies require up-to-date inspections—without them, claims may be rejected.
Property Changes: Changes like renovation, tenant turnover, or installation of pools/EV chargers can necessitate more frequent checks.
How Often Should You Get an EICR?
Here’s a simple table for the UK frequency guidelines:
| Property / Situation | Inspection Interval |
|---|---|
| Domestic owner-occupied properties | Every 10 years (or change of occupancy)Â |
| Private rental homes / HMOs | Every 5 years (by law)Â |
| Commercial offices, shops, schools, etc. | Every 5 years (or sooner)Â |
| Agriculture, factories, farms, leisure | Every 3 years |
| Swimming pools, medical areas, petrol stations, saunas, marinas | Every Year |
When You Might Need One Sooner
An EICR is normally valid until the next scheduled date—but certain situations should trigger an earlier check:
Age or condition of property: Older installations often need retesting earlier.
Change of tenancy or ownership: Required by law or highly recommended.
Electrical incidents, such as flickering lights, blown fuses, or burning smells.
Significant upgrades, such as adding high-load equipment or rewiring.
Condition noted on last EICR: Your electrician may specify a shorter interval if standards were marginal.
Who Should Carry Out the Inspection?
Always use a qualified, registered electrician—such as someone certified by NICEIC or ECA—who follows BS 7671 (UK wiring regulations). At Countrywide Electrical Testing Ltd, all of our electricians are NICEIC certified and experienced in electrical testing in both the domestic and commercial setting.
What Happens During an EICR?
Visual Inspection: Checking all visible wiring and accessories for damage or unsafe alterations.
Electrical Tests: Examining earthing, insulation, circuit breakers, and more.
Report Issued: You’ll receive a report that outlines defects using standardized codes:
C1 – Immediate danger
C2 – Potential danger (urgent needs)
C3 – Improvement recommended
FI – Further Investigation
Outcome: If there are C1 or C2 issues, the installation is marked as unsatisfactory until fixed.
FAQs (with simple answers)
FAQs (Simple Answers)
How long does an EICR take?
Usually 1–2 hours for a home, potentially 3 for larger houses; smaller commercial units can take 3–4 hours.
Large sites can take a longer time depending on the size of the site and complexity of the site. For a more detailed answer on the larger sites give us a call for a no obligation quote where we can tell you a timeframe to work within.
Are power cuts needed?
Yes—power will need to be turned off briefly for safety tests. We will always let you know when power cuts are happening and how long they should last for.
How much does it cost?
Typical UK homes range between £150–£250. Larger or industrial buildings cost more, the cost will depend on the size of the site and the complexity of the electrical tests required.
Is it legally required?
Required by law every 5 years for landlords and HMOs in UK. Commercial buildings should also follow recommended schedules.
Troubleshooting & Common Misunderstandings
“It’s a hassle” → Landlords can schedule EICR check-ups ahead of tenancy changes to avoid last-minute stress. We can also work with tenants to arrange a suitable time to perform the test so both landlord and tenant are happy.
“Doesn’t my tenant arrange it?” → No, it’s the landlord’s responsibility under law.Â
“More often equals better insurance” → Accurate. Many insurance providers prefer a valid EICR on file to cover electrical claims. This applies to both landlords and commercial properties.
Final Thoughts
The frequency of an EICR depends mainly on what type of property it is and how much risk exists in its use. For most UK homes, a check every 10 years is fine, but rentals must have it every 5 by law. In higher-risk environments like farms, factories, medical units, or pools, more frequent testing—sometimes annually—is best.Â
At Countrywide Electrical Testing Ltd we provide a fast, proffessional and friendly service and we can set out a schedule to remind you about your upcoming electrical test. Get in contact today using the contact form at the bottom of this page.