What Is an EICR in 2026?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly called an EICR, is a formal inspection and testing document that assesses the safety of your property's fixed electrical installation. In 2026, EICRs are more important than ever for Glasgow landlords, homeowners and property buyers. Scottish regulations now require landlords to have a valid EICR every five years, and mortgage lenders increasingly ask for one before approving property purchases.
The report examines your consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing arrangements. A qualified electrician checks for deterioration, damage and non-compliance with BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations. Every finding is coded, and the overall installation is classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Who Needs an EICR and How Often?
Landlords in Scotland must have an EICR every five years by law. The certificate must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days and to new tenants before they move in. Homeowners should have an EICR every ten years, or when buying or selling a property. Commercial properties require testing every five years, and some insurance policies now mandate them annually.
If your Glasgow property is over 25 years old and has never had an EICR, you should book one immediately regardless of the legal timeline. Older wiring deteriorates silently, and the first sign of a problem is often a fire or an electric shock. Prevention is always cheaper and safer than reaction.
Understanding EICR Codes
Every defect found during an EICR is assigned a code. C1 means danger is present and requires immediate remedial action. The electrician will attempt to make this safe on the spot if possible. C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is needed. C3 means improvement is recommended but not required for safety. FI means further investigation is needed without delay.
An installation with any C1, C2 or FI codes is deemed unsatisfactory overall. This means remedial work must be carried out before the installation can be considered safe. If you are a landlord, an unsatisfactory EICR means you cannot legally let the property until the required work is completed and certified.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in Glasgow?
EICR prices in Glasgow in 2026 range from £120 for a studio flat to £170 for a three-bedroom house. Larger properties with multiple consumer units or commercial three-phase supplies can cost £250 to £400. Most reputable electricians offer fixed pricing based on property size and number of circuits, with no hidden extras.
The price includes the full visual inspection, all dead and live testing, the digital report with photographs, and a remedial quotation if defects are found. Some electricians offer landlord packages combining EICR, PAT testing and smoke alarm certification at a discounted rate.
What Happens During an EICR Inspection?
- The electrician starts with a visual inspection of the consumer unit, looking for damage, correct labelling and modern protective devices
- All accessible sockets, switches and light fittings are checked for cracks, burns and signs of overheating
- Dead testing measures continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance and polarity on every circuit
- Live testing checks earth fault loop impedance, RCD functionality and earth electrode resistance
- All findings are photographed, coded and documented in the report
- You receive a digital PDF report within 48 hours with test results, codes and recommended remedial actions
Remedial Work After a Failed EICR
If your EICR is unsatisfactory, do not panic. Most C2 defects can be resolved with straightforward repairs such as replacing damaged sockets, upgrading earthing or fitting additional RCD protection. C1 issues are more serious but your electrician should have made them safe during the inspection.
Rewire Solutions provides fixed-price remedial quotations with all EICRs. We can schedule the work promptly, and all repairs are certificated with a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate. Once complete, your installation becomes satisfactory and fully compliant.
Booking Your EICR in Glasgow
Booking an EICR is straightforward. A NICEIC-registered Glasgow electrician will ask about your property size, number of bedrooms and any special requirements such as outbuildings or EV chargers. They will give you a fixed price and schedule a convenient appointment. Most inspections take 2 to 4 hours, and you will have your report within 48 hours.
