What Is An EICR And Do I Need One?

Let’s answer both questions. An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report and if you run a business you probably do. It would also make sense even if you don’t run a business but are just a householder.

The fact is that all electrical systems deteriorate over time. The problem is that we don’t very often even consider it. The factors that affect any electrical installation are the amount of use that it gets, the environment in which it is working, and the maintenance – if any – that it gets.

The trouble is that we think of electrical wiring, if we think at all, that it is just something that is there behind the walls or in the ceiling in the same way that we might think of the water pipes. They are just “there”. What could possibly go wrong?  

Unfortunately, they can and do go wrong. However, if something goes wrong with your water pipes the worst that is going to happen is you are going to get wet. If something goes wrong with your electrical wiring the worst that is going to happen is that somebody could die.

This is why the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonable and practicable, such danger". Unfortunately, the regulations don’t explain what is meant by “reasonable and practical”.

This is why you need a specialist engineer to inspect your wiring and sockets, and also any other fixed appliances such as a heated towel rail or a wired-in smoke detector, and check on its’ safety.

There are a number of companies in the UK who have qualified electricians who can carry out an EICR for you and provide you with a certificate of the condition of your wiring, and more importantly advise if anything needs to be done.

What does an EICR cost? There is no instant answer, but most companies that carry out an EICR will work out the EICRcost on the basis of how many circuits they have to inspect.