Electrical Installation Condition Reports in Dorking
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, is a detailed check of the fixed wiring in a property. Rickman Electrical Services Ltd carries out EICR testing for landlords, letting agents, homeowners and buyers in Dorking and across Surrey. You get a clear report on the condition of the installation and what, if anything, needs doing.
An EICR is often called a landlord electrical certificate or an electrical safety certificate. Whatever the name, the report records what was inspected, what was tested and what was found.
What an EICR Covers
We inspect and test the fixed electrical installation, which means the wiring and everything permanently connected to it:
- The consumer unit, circuit breakers and RCD protection
- Sockets, switches and light fittings
- Earthing, and bonding to the gas and water pipes
- Testing of each circuit for faults, wear and damage
- A written report with clear observations and codes
Portable appliances such as kettles and televisions are not part of an EICR.
For Landlords
Landlords in England must have the electrical installation in a rented home inspected and tested at least every five years. Tenants must be given a copy of the report, and any remedial work it lists must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
For Homeowners
There is no legal duty for owner occupiers, but an inspection is recommended at least every ten years. It is also a sensible check before a renovation, or if the electrics have not been looked at for a long time.
For Buyers and Sellers
An EICR gives a buyer a clear picture of the electrics before they commit, and gives a seller a report to share. If work is needed, it can be planned before moving day.
Understanding Your EICR Report
Each observation in the report is given a code, so you can see at a glance what needs attention. C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means potentially dangerous, with urgent remedial work needed. C3 means an improvement is recommended. FI means further investigation is needed without delay.
A report with any C1, C2 or FI codes is unsatisfactory. Once the remedial work is done, landlords must give written confirmation that it is complete to their tenants and to the local council within 28 days. If your report needs work, such as a consumer unit replacement, we can quote for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need an EICR?
For a rented home in England, at least every five years, or sooner if the last report says so. For a home you own and live in, every ten years is the usual recommendation.
How long does an EICR take?
Most houses and flats take a few hours, depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. The power is off for short periods while circuits are tested.
How much does an EICR cost?
The cost depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits to test. Send us the address and the number of bedrooms and we will give you a clear price before we book the inspection.
What happens if my property fails?
The report lists the items that need attention and how urgent they are. We can quote for the remedial work, and once it is done you receive the paperwork to show it is complete.
Is an EICR the same as a gas safety certificate?
No. A gas safety certificate covers gas appliances and is needed every year. An EICR covers the electrical installation and is needed at least every five years in a rented home.