EICR Testing in London

Residential EICR packages currently start at £99 for a studio or bedsit, £129 for a one- or two-bedroom property, £159 for three or four bedrooms, and from £199 for larger homes. The final price is confirmed after checking circuit count, consumer units, access, parking and Congestion Charge requirements. Commercial and HMO properties are quoted separately. Remedial work is not included, and any applicable VAT or additional charges are shown before booking.

A typical residential EICR takes around one to three hours, but larger, older or more complex installations can take longer. The duration depends on the number of circuits and consumer units, access to electrical points, previous alterations and whether faults are discovered during testing. Commercial and HMO inspections usually require more time. We confirm the likely appointment length after reviewing the property details and agreed inspection scope.

Yes, short power interruptions are normally required because several EICR tests must be carried out on isolated circuits. The electrician will explain when supplies need to be switched off and will try to minimise disruption. Sensitive equipment, computers, alarms and appliances should be shut down safely beforehand. If continuous power is essential for medical, business or security reasons, tell us before the appointment so the inspection can be planned appropriately.

An EICR checks the accessible and agreed parts of the fixed electrical installation, including consumer units, circuits, fixed wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, earthing, bonding, RCDs and other protective devices. Testing may cover continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth-fault loop impedance and RCD operation. Concealed cables and inaccessible areas are not automatically opened up; the report records the inspection extent, agreed limitations and any items that could not be verified.

Under the current BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 model form, C1 means danger is present and immediate remedial action is necessary. C2 identifies a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent action. C3 means improvement is recommended, while FI means further investigation is advised. These codes help prioritise the findings: C1 and C2 affect the overall assessment, whereas C3 and FI provide important advisory information about improvements or checks still needed.

No. An FI observation does not by itself make the model EICR form unsatisfactory. It means the inspector could not confirm the safety or condition of a specific part of the installation without additional investigation. FI should still be treated seriously. For regulated rented homes in England, any further investigation required by the report must generally be completed within 28 days, or sooner where the report states a shorter deadline.

An unsatisfactory EICR means safety-related work is required before the installation can be treated as satisfactory. The next step is to obtain a clear remedial quotation, complete the necessary work and keep evidence that each observation has been addressed. Depending on the repair, this may include an Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or written remedial confirmation. The original EICR remains part of the property’s electrical safety record.

No. EICR remedial work is normally priced separately from the inspection and report. The EICR identifies and classifies observations; it does not automatically authorise repairs, replacement parts or further investigation. Where action is required, Electro Conduct can provide a separate quotation explaining the work and cost before proceeding. For landlords in England, required remedial or investigative work must usually be completed within 28 days, or within any shorter period stated in the report.

Digital EICR reports are normally issued within 24 to 48 hours after the inspection, provided the test schedules and observations can be completed without additional investigation. More complex commercial, HMO or multi-board installations may take longer. If a C1 danger is found, the person ordering the report should be informed without delay rather than waiting for the final document. The completed report includes the overall assessment, observations, classification codes, test results and recommended next-inspection date.

For most rented homes in England, the electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies an earlier date. The existing tenant must receive the report within 28 days, and a new tenant must receive it before occupation. Required remedial or further investigative work must generally be completed within 28 days, or within any shorter period stated in the report.

Usually not. If the existing inspection was completed within the required interval, the report remains current and it does not require further investigative or remedial work, a new EICR is generally not needed for every change of tenant in England. The landlord must give the new tenant a copy before occupation. A fresh inspection may still be sensible if the installation has been altered, damaged or gives reason to believe it is no longer safe.

No. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, such as wiring, consumer units, circuits, sockets, switches, earthing and protective devices. PAT or in-service equipment testing concerns portable or supplied electrical equipment and is a separate process. One does not replace the other. The correct combination depends on the property, the equipment provided, the type of occupancy and any landlord or workplace responsibilities that apply to the premises.

To confirm the correct EICR package, provide the property postcode, property type, number of bedrooms, number of consumer units or distribution boards and an estimated circuit count if known. Also mention HMO or commercial use, restricted access, parking controls, the Congestion Charge Zone and any need to maintain essential power. These details help us confirm whether a package price applies or whether a tailored fixed quotation is required before booking.

Before the appointment, make sure the electrician can reach the consumer unit, sockets, switches and other agreed electrical points. Safely shut down computers, alarms and sensitive equipment that may be affected by temporary power interruptions. Provide any previous EICRs or electrical certificates if available, inform tenants or occupants about the visit, and tell the electrician in advance about medical equipment, essential power supplies or restricted-access areas.