What are they and how often are they required
An EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report is a health check for your property’s electrical systems.
It’s a thorough inspection that makes sure all your wiring, circuits, and electrical fixtures are safe and up to standard. Think of it as an MOT for your electrical system.
A qualified electrician will check everything from your consumer unit to your sockets and switches. They’ll identify any potential hazards before they become dangerous. After testing, you’ll receive a report that flags any issues using classification codes.
Electrical faults were responsible for 27% of UK house fires in 2022-23. Pretty shocking, right?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps keep your property safe by identifying potential electrical hazards before they become dangerous.
But how often do you need one? Let’s find out.
This is where it gets a bit tricky. The testing frequency varies depending on what type of property you own.
If you’re a landlord in Yorkshire, the law is quite strict. You must have an EICR test every 5 years. This became mandatory for all tenancies in England as of April 2021 under the Electrical Safety Standards regulations.
You must provide a copy of the EICR to the existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection or to the new tenants before they move in. The consequences of ignoring this? You could face fines of up to £30,000. That’s not a typo.
Research shows that 18% of Yorkshire landlords weren’t aware of these rules last year. Don’t be one of them.
If you own your home, the rules are more relaxed but no less important. Homeowners should get an EICR every 10 years. It’s not legally required but strongly recommended for your safety.
Think about it. Your home’s wiring ages just like everything else. Regulations change. New safety standards emerge. I’ve seen homes with wiring that hasn’t been checked since the 1980s. That’s asking for trouble.
When selling your property, having a recent EICR can also make the process smoother. Buyers appreciate knowing the electrics are sound.
HMOs follow the same 5-year requirement as other rental properties. However, local authorities may have additional licensing conditions, so it’s always worth checking with your council for any specific requirements.
Business owners have varying requirements based on the type of premises.
Standard Commercial – 5 Years
Commercial – Medium Risk – 3 Years
High Risk Environments
Here’s what happens if you fail to do the EICR test on time:
For landlords, the consequences of ignoring EICR requirements are severe. Local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000. They can also serve remedial notices requiring improvements within 28 days.
For businesses, the Health and Safety Executive can take enforcement action, including prohibition notices, improvement notices, and even prosecution in serious cases.
Most insurance policies require you to maintain your property in a safe condition.
Without a valid EICR, your insurer might refuse to pay out if an electrical fault causes damage or injury. That could leave you financially exposed.
The most important reason to stay compliant is safety. Faulty electrics cause thousands of accidents every year. In Yorkshire alone, 34% of failed EICRs in Leeds cited outdated fuse boxes as a major issue.
These aren’t just numbers. They represent real risks to real people.
Getting an EICR in Yorkshire typically costs between £150-£250 for domestic properties and around £15 to £30 per circuit for commercial properties.
That might seem like an expense you could do without. But compare it to the alternatives.
Non-compliance for landlords means potential £30,000 fines. For businesses, it could invalidate your insurance.
For homeowners, skipping an EICR means risking your family’s safety and potentially costly emergency repairs later.
I’ve seen small electrical issues turn into £2,000+ repair jobs when left unchecked. Prevention is always cheaper than cure.
About 40% of properties fail their first EICR. Don’t panic if yours is one of them.
The report will identify what needs fixing. C1 and C2 faults need immediate attention. C3 issues are recommendations for improvement.
Once remedial work is complete, you’ll get a new certificate showing compliance.
Leeds City Council reports a 92% compliance rate for rental properties since the 2020 regulations came in. That’s encouraging progress.
Not just anyone can perform an EICR. You need a properly qualified electrician.
Look for professionals registered with recognised bodies like NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT.
We at CTE Contractors Ltd specialise in EICR inspections and certificates. Based in Barnsley, our team works throughout the region providing electrical safety inspections for both residential and commercial properties.
All our electricians are fully qualified and registered with NICEIC, so you can be confident in our work.
Our typical EICR process is straightforward:
When our electrician arrives, they’ll need access to all areas of your property, including those out-of-the-way spots like lofts and under floorboards.
The inspection covers everything from your consumer unit (fuse box) to individual sockets and light fittings. We test each circuit to check it’s working safely and inspect wiring for signs of wear or damage.
After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report showing any issues found, categorised by their severity. We’ll talk you through the results, so you understand exactly what they mean for your property. If remedial work is needed, we can provide a clear quote with no hidden costs.
Let’s recap the key points:
Electrical safety isn’t something to take chances with. Regular EICR testing protects your property, your insurance validity and most importantly, the people inside your building.
Whether it’s a single home, an industrial estate, a commercial, or a residential portfolio, CTE Electrical Contractors delivers expert Fixed Wire Testing to the highest standards. Our NIC EIC-accredited engineers provide thorough inspections, clear reports, and practical advice, all with minimal disruption to your daily operations.
It might be time to check. Book Your Professional EICR Today.
Book a call to discuss your EICR requirementsChris and his guys are really professional, and just very nice people to do business with.
I have used them many times now in my home for various projects and also my friends and family's homes.
Full house rewire in our house, along with spotlights and outside sockets and lights. Really pleased and I won’t be going anywhere else in future.
Chris and particularly Alex have been involved in a full refurb of our new property. We had a full rewire, plus many extras. They have all been absolutely fantastic. Very professional, helpful and great at their work. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who requires electrical work. Thank you guys.
Had Chris and the team in for a Consumer Unit change and some downlights. 1st class from start to finish. Turned up on time and job completed within timescale. Would recommend.