What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document produced after a detailed inspection and testing of your property's electrical installation. It assesses whether the installation is safe to use, identifies any defects, and recommends remedial action where needed.
For Scottish landlords, an EICR is now a legal requirement every five years. While not legally mandated for owner-occupiers, it is strongly recommended for any property over ten years old, before buying a home, or after major electrical work.
The Visual Inspection
Before any testing begins, the electrician conducts a thorough visual inspection. They examine the consumer unit for damage, correct labelling, and modern protective devices. They check sockets and switches for cracks, overheating signs, and proper installation. Light fittings, earthing arrangements, and cable routes are all assessed for visible defects.
Access is the biggest variable. In properties with loft conversions, underfloor heating, or hidden junction boxes, the inspection may be limited to accessible areas. Your electrician will note any restrictions on the report.
Electrical Testing Procedures
Testing includes continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance between live conductors and earth, polarity verification at every point, and RCD functionality tests. Earth electrode resistance is measured where applicable, and circuit breaker characteristics are verified.
These tests require power to be disconnected for short periods, typically fifteen to thirty minutes per circuit. The electrician will need access to every room and may need to move furniture to reach sockets and fittings.
Understanding the Codes
Defects are classified using standard codes. C1 means danger present, risk of injury, and requires immediate remedial action. The electrician will attempt to make safe any C1 issue on the spot. C2 means potentially dangerous and requires urgent remedial action.
C3 means improvement recommended but not required for safety. FI means further investigation needed without delay. An installation with only C3 observations is deemed satisfactory, while any C1, C2, or FI means the overall assessment is unsatisfactory.
How Long Does It Take?
A typical two-bedroom Glasgow flat takes two to three hours. A four-bedroom house with outbuildings and external power may take four to six hours. Complex properties with multiple consumer units, three-phase supplies, or extensive external lighting take longer.
Your electrician will provide a quotation beforehand based on property size and description. Some offer fixed-price EICR services, while others charge by time. Both approaches are valid as long as the price is agreed in advance.
After the Inspection
You should receive a printed or digital EICR certificate within a few days. This includes the installation details, test results, coded observations, and the overall assessment. If the report is unsatisfactory, a separate quotation for remedial work will follow.
Keep your EICR safe. You will need it for insurance, property sales, letting agents, and to prove compliance with Scottish landlord regulations. Set a calendar reminder five years ahead for your next inspection.
