An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) represents far more than a regulatory box to tick—it’s an essential safety measure that protects your property and everyone within it. Whether you’re a homeowner concerned about electrical safety, a landlord meeting legal obligations, or a business ensuring workplace compliance, proper preparation makes all the difference between a smooth inspection and a frustrating experience.
At DH Electrical Services, our NAPIT approved electricians have conducted thousands of EICR inspections across the North West. We’ve seen firsthand how simple preparation steps can dramatically improve the inspection process. This comprehensive guide shares our expert knowledge to help you properly prepare for your upcoming EICR inspection.
What Exactly Is an EICR Inspection?
Before diving into preparation steps, it’s worth understanding what an EICR actually involves. An EICR is a detailed assessment of your property’s fixed electrical installations, conducted by a qualified electrician. The inspection examines everything from your consumer unit (fuseboard) to your wiring, sockets, light fittings and all electrical circuits.
The primary purpose? To identify any potential electrical hazards that might put property occupants at risk. During the inspection, the electrician will:
- Test all circuits for safety and functionality
- Examine the condition of electrical installations
- Check compliance with current electrical regulations
- Visually inspect accessible wiring and connections
- Verify earthing and bonding arrangements
Unlike basic visual checks, an EICR involves technical testing requiring power to be switched on and off multiple times. The inspection typically takes several hours, depending on property size and electrical complexity.
Understanding EICR Classification Codes
Upon completion, your EICR will classify any issues found using standard coding:
C1 – Danger Present: These issues present immediate risk of injury and require instant attention. In these cases, our electricians take immediate action to remove the danger.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous: While not presenting immediate danger, these issues require remedial work, typically within weeks rather than months.
C3 – Improvement Recommended: These are suggestions for enhancing safety but aren’t required for compliance.
FI – Further Investigation: This indicates areas requiring additional examination before a definitive assessment can be made.
Now that you understand what’s involved, let’s explore how to prepare effectively.
• Read More > What C1, C2 and C3 Mean For Your Property
Essential Pre-EICR Inspection Checklist
1. Clear Access to All Electrical Points
One of the most common inspection delays occurs when electricians cannot access electrical points. Before your appointment:
- Move furniture away from wall sockets
- Clear items from around the consumer unit
- Ensure access to light fittings
- Clear cupboards containing electrical distribution boards
- Remove items stored in electrical cupboards
Remember, if our electricians cannot access certain areas, your EICR might be incomplete, potentially requiring a return visit at additional cost.
2. Prepare for Temporary Power Interruptions
During an EICR, power must be disconnected multiple times throughout the property. Plan ahead by:
- Backing up computers and electronic devices
- Charging mobile phones fully before the inspection
- Notifying all building occupants about the planned power outages
- Temporarily disconnecting sensitive electronics
- Considering alternative arrangements for essential electrical equipment
For businesses particularly dependent on continuous power, scheduling your EICR outside operating hours often proves most practical.
3. Gather Previous Electrical Documentation
Having previous documentation readily available helps our electricians understand your property’s electrical history:
- Previous EICR reports
- Electrical installation certificates
- Documentation of any remedial work completed
- Records of electrical modifications or extensions
- Warranties for recent electrical installations
This information enables more thorough assessment and potentially faster inspection completion.
4. Identify and Label Your Consumer Unit Circuits
While not essential, clearly labelled consumer unit circuits significantly assist the inspection process:
- Identify which switches control which areas
- Mark any known issues or peculiarities
- Note any circuits that have been added or modified
- Document any non-standard installations
Our electricians appreciate this preparation, as it helps them navigate your electrical system more efficiently.
Property-Specific Preparation Guidance
For Homeowners
Residential properties present unique considerations:
- Inform all household members about the inspection date and temporary power outages
- Secure pets in areas away from where the electrician will be working
- Consider alternative meal arrangements if kitchen power will be disconnected
- Temporarily relocate vulnerable individuals who depend on electrical medical equipment
- Back up security system settings that might reset during power cycling
Many homeowners choose to be present during the inspection, allowing them to discuss any electrical concerns directly with our experts.
For Landlords and Rental Properties
Landlords face specific legal obligations regarding EICRs:
- Schedule inspections between tenancies when possible
- Provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ written notice
- Clearly communicate inspection requirements to tenants
- Arrange access to all areas, including tenant-occupied spaces
- Keep records of all communications regarding the inspection
Remember, since 2020, private rental properties in England must have an EICR conducted every five years, with new tenancies requiring a valid EICR since July 2020, and all rental properties needing one from April 2021.
For Commercial Properties
Businesses require additional planning to minimise operational disruption:
- Schedule inspections during off-hours or weekends when possible
- Inform staff about potential IT system outages
- Back up essential data and systems
- Arrange temporary alternatives for critical electrical systems
- Consider section-by-section testing for larger premises
Our commercial clients particularly value our flexible scheduling options, which help minimise business interruption during essential electrical safety work.
What to Expect on Inspection Day
When our DH Electrical technicians arrive for your EICR inspection, they’ll:
- Introduce themselves and discuss the inspection process
- Confirm access to all required areas
- Visually inspect all accessible electrical installations
- Conduct necessary electrical testing, temporarily disconnecting power as needed
- Document findings throughout the property
- Provide an overview of results before leaving
Most residential inspections take 3-5 hours, while commercial properties may require longer depending on size and complexity.
After Your EICR Inspection
Once completed, you’ll receive a detailed report documenting your electrical installation’s condition. This report will:
- Identify any defects requiring attention
- Classify issues by severity using the standard coding system
- Recommend necessary remedial work
- Provide a clear record of your property’s electrical safety status
- Include a certificate of inspection if the installation passes
If your inspection reveals C1 or C2 issues, our team can provide competitive quotes for necessary remedial work. Once completed, we’ll issue an updated EICR confirming the installation meets current safety standards.
• Read More > Full Guide to EICRs
Ensure Your Electrical Safety with DH Electrical Services
As NAPIT approved electricians serving the North West region for decades, DH Electrical Services provides comprehensive electrical inspection & testing with a focus on quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Whether you need an initial EICR, remedial work following an inspection, or advice on improving your property’s electrical safety, our experienced team is ready to help. We’re proud to serve Liverpool and surrounding areas with exceptional electrical services tailored to your specific needs.
Contact us today at [email protected] to schedule your EICR inspection with North West England’s trusted electrical professionals.