📋 What Is an EICR and When Do I Need One?

Written by Anthony O’Brien – Qualified Electrician & Owner of AJOB Electrical Ltd, NICEIC Approved Contractor in Leeds & Wakefield

🔍 What Is an EICR?

An EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s a formal inspection and testing report that checks the condition and safety of the electrical wiring in your home or rental property.

It’s a bit like an MOT for your electrics.

EICRs are carried out by qualified electricians to:

Identify any damage, deterioration or defects
Highlight potential electric shock or fire risks
Assess whether the installation is safe for continued use
Ensure compliance with the latest BS 7671 Wiring Regulations

At the end, you'll receive a written report that outlines any issues and whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

🏠 When Do I Need an EICR?

🔹 Homeowners

While not a legal requirement, we recommend an EICR:

Every 10 years for a private home
If you're planning to sell or buy a property
After major building or electrical work
If your home is 30+ years old and hasn’t been tested recently
If you’re experiencing tripping circuits, flickering lights or other faults

🔹 Landlords

As of 1st April 2021, all rented properties in England must have a valid EICR under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

This means:

You must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years
A copy must be given to new tenants before they move in
Any urgent (C1 or C2) issues must be fixed within 28 days — and a confirmation provided

At AJOB Electrical, we provide EICRs for landlords across Leeds and Wakefield with clear reporting, fixed quotes for remedial work if needed, and minimal disruption to tenants.

⚠️ What Does an EICR Involve?

An EICR is a thorough inspection and series of tests on your electrical installation. It includes checks on:

Consumer unit (fuse box)
Wiring condition (insulation resistance, continuity, polarity)
Earthing and bonding
Socket outlets, switches and lighting
RCDs, MCBs and protective devices
Signs of wear, overheating or poor workmanship
Additions or alterations to the system

We inspect everything to determine if it’s safe, compliant, and fit for continued use.

🧾 Understanding Your EICR Report

At the end, you’ll receive a written report with codes:

C1 – Danger present: Immediate action required (e.g. exposed live parts)
C2 – Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial work needed (e.g. no RCD on sockets)
C3 – Improvement recommended: Not dangerous, but doesn’t meet latest standards
FI – Further Investigation needed: Something couldn’t be fully assessed during the test

If your EICR is marked Unsatisfactory, it doesn’t necessarily mean the whole system is unsafe — just that at least one C1 or C2 issue must be resolved before it can be declared safe.

We'll always explain what the results mean and offer a fixed quote for any recommended work.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take?

This depends on the size and complexity of your property:

1–2 bed flat: 2–3 hours
3 bed house: 3–5 hours
Larger or extended properties: Up to 1 full day

We can schedule visits around tenants or your own availability, and always work tidily and respectfully.

✅ Why Choose AJOB Electrical for Your EICR?

NICEIC Approved Contractor
Full testing using calibrated instruments
Clear, jargon-free reporting
Free advice on any remedials
Minimal disruption to your day
Landlord reports emailed promptly with optional hard copies
Trusted by homeowners, landlords and managing agents across Leeds & Wakefield

We also provide additional documentation to help you understand your results, including guides on:

Why AC RCDs should be replaced with Type A
Electrical Safety First Code Explanations (Best Practice Guide 4)

🙋‍♂️ FAQs

Is an EICR a legal requirement for homeowners?
Not currently — but it's strongly recommended every 10 years or during a property sale. It's also a common request by insurers or surveyors.

Can I get an EICR if I’m not sure whether I need one?
Absolutely. We’ll inspect your property and give honest advice based on what we find — there’s no pressure to commit to further work.

How much does an EICR cost?
We offer fixed prices based on the number of circuits in your home. For most domestic properties, it’s affordable and straightforward — and far cheaper than the potential cost of undetected faults.

📍 Local EICR Specialists in Leeds & Wakefield

We’ve carried out hundreds of electrical inspections across:

Rothwell, Morley, Garforth, Pudsey
Wakefield, Ossett, Outwood, Stanley
Beeston, East Ardsley, Robin Hood & beyond

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord or letting agent, you can rely on AJOB Electrical Ltd for accurate, compliant reporting and professional service.