Quality & Inspections · Mandatory · Completion

Electrical Test Certificate EICR

An Electrical Installation Condition Report certifying that the electrical installation meets BS 7671.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. BS 7671 / Building Regs Part P remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

Legal basis	BS 7671:2018+A3:2024 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) + Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 + Building Regulations Part P
EIC vs EICR	EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) for ALL new installations and alterations; EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for existing installation condition assessment
BS 7671 18th Ed A3	Current standard with 2024 updates covering EV charging installations, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and energy storage systems
Notifiable work	Under Part P (England) — new circuits, consumer unit replacements, work in special locations (bathrooms, swimming pools). Must be competent person scheme member (NICEIC, ELECSA, NAPIT) or notified to Building Control
EICR codes	C1 — danger present, immediate action required; C2 — potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action; C3 — improvement recommended; FI — further investigation required

1. The Electrical Installation Certificate — Confirmation That New Work Is Safe

Every new electrical installation, and every alteration or addition to an existing installation, must be followed by the issue of an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This certificate confirms that the design, construction, inspection, and testing of the work comply with BS 7671. For existing installations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses whether the installation remains safe for continued use.

The EIC is not a formality — it is a declaration by the designer, installer, and inspector that every circuit has been designed to the current edition of BS 7671, constructed in accordance with that design, and tested to confirm compliance. The accompanying test schedules record the results of every inspection and test: continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, and RCD operation. Without a complete EIC and its test schedules, there is no evidence that the installation is safe.

Under Building Regulations Part P (England), certain electrical work in domestic premises is notifiable. This includes the installation of new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and any electrical work in special locations such as bathrooms, swimming pools, and saunas. Notifiable work must either be carried out by a member of a competent person scheme (NICEIC, ELECSA, NAPIT) or be notified to Building Control before work begins.

C1 and C2 codes require urgent action

C1 and C2 coded items on an EICR must be remedied within 28 days — the installation must be made safe before normal use resumes. C1 indicates danger is present and requires immediate action; C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent remedial work.

2. EIC and EICR Record Fields

The following table sets out the principal sections of an EIC and EICR. Each section provides evidence of a specific aspect of compliance, safety, or condition.

Section	Description
Scope	Whether EIC (new work) or EICR (condition assessment), and the extent of work or assessment covered
Premises details	Address, type of premises, maximum demand, and earthing arrangement (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT)
Extent of installation	Circuits, distribution boards, and areas covered by the certificate or report
Design	Confirmation that the design complies with BS 7671 — signed by the designer (EIC only)
Construction	Confirmation that the installation was constructed in accordance with the design — signed by the installer (EIC only)
Inspection and testing	Schedule of inspection items and full test results: continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, RCD operation
EICR observations	Coded observations (C1, C2, C3, FI) with descriptions, locations, and recommended actions (EICR only)
Overall assessment	Satisfactory or unsatisfactory — based on the absence or presence of C1 and C2 coded items
Next inspection	Recommended date for the next periodic inspection, based on premises type and usage
Signatures	Designer, installer, and inspector (EIC) or inspector only (EICR), with qualifications and competent person scheme membership

3. Common Mistakes

New electrical work not covered by an EIC

Every new circuit, alteration, or addition must be accompanied by an EIC with full test schedules. A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) is only appropriate for minor alterations to existing circuits that do not involve a new circuit. Issuing a MEIWC for work that requires an EIC is non-compliant.

EICR carried out by an unqualified person

An EICR must be conducted by a competent person with sufficient knowledge and experience to assess the safety of the installation. This typically means a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme. An EICR by an unqualified person has no validity.

Not retaining test schedules with the EIC or EICR

The EIC and EICR are incomplete without the accompanying schedules of inspection and test results. The test schedules provide the detailed evidence that supports the certificate or report. They must be retained together as a single document set.

C1 or C2 coded items not remedied within 28 days

C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) coded observations on an EICR require urgent action. C1 items should be made safe immediately; C2 items must be remedied as soon as practicable. Failing to act on C1 and C2 items exposes occupants to electrical danger and the duty holder to legal liability.

Providing an EICR without addressing C1 and C2 items

An EICR that identifies C1 or C2 items and is handed to the client without explanation or follow-up action is irresponsible. The inspector must clearly communicate the danger, recommend immediate action, and where appropriate make the installation safe before leaving site.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an EIC and a Minor Works Certificate?▾

An EIC is required for all new circuits and significant alterations. A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) is only appropriate for minor alterations to an existing circuit that do not involve the provision of a new circuit — for example, adding a socket outlet to an existing ring final circuit.

What does an EICR test?▾

An EICR includes visual inspection and a programme of testing covering continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance, polarity verification, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, and RCD operation. The results determine whether the installation is safe for continued use.

How often should an EICR be conducted?▾

Domestic owner-occupied properties — every 10 years. Rented (private and social) — every 5 years (mandatory under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020). Commercial premises — every 5 years. Industrial premises — every 3 years.

Does an EICR confirm compliance with the current edition of BS 7671?▾

No. An EICR assesses whether the installation is safe for continued use based on the edition of BS 7671 that was current when the installation was designed and installed. It does not require the installation to be upgraded to the current edition, but it will identify any conditions that present a danger or potential danger regardless of age.

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