What Does an EICR Actually Check? A Property Owner’s Guide

An EICR examines the condition and safety of a property’s fixed electrical installation, including wiring, sockets, consumer units, protective devices, earthing and bonding. Electrical testing can also identify hidden faults. Understanding what does an EICR check helps property owners know what the inspection covers and what the final report may reveal.

What Does an EICR Check?

Understanding what does an EICR check can help property owners know what the inspection involves.

The inspection can cover:

• Wiring and cable condition
• Socket outlets and switches
• Consumer units and distribution boards
• Circuit protection
• Earthing and bonding
• RCD protection
• Connections and accessories
• Signs of damage or deterioration
• Previous electrical alterations
• Other relevant parts of the installation

The exact scope depends on the property and its electrical installation. The electrician assesses the installation as a whole rather than checking only one component.

What Is Checked During an EICR?

When considering what is checked during an EICR, it is useful to separate the inspection into different parts of the electrical installation.

The electrician may examine visible components first and then carry out appropriate tests on relevant circuits and equipment.

The condition, suitability and safety of the installation are considered throughout the inspection.

This means an installation can look tidy and still have issues that require further investigation or remedial work.

Electrical Wiring and Cable Condition

Knowing what does an EICR check helps explain why both visible wiring and electrical testing are important.

The electrician may look for signs of:

• Damaged cable insulation
• Exposed conductors
• Loose connections
• Deterioration
• Poor cable routing
• Signs of overheating
• Unsuitable alterations
• Physical damage

An electrical wiring inspection can identify visible problems, while testing may reveal faults that cannot be seen.

Older cables are not automatically considered unsafe simply because of their age. Their actual condition and suitability for the installation are more important.

Where significant wiring defects are identified, the electrician can explain what needs to be repaired or investigated.

Are Sockets and Switches Checked?

Yes. Sockets, switches and other electrical accessories can form an important part of the inspection.

The electrician may look for:

• Cracks or damage
• Loose accessories
• Burning or discolouration
• Signs of overheating
• Poor connections
• Other visible defects

A socket can continue to supply power while having an underlying problem. This is why electrical safety checks should not be based simply on whether an accessory appears to work.

If a damaged accessory is identified, the required action will depend on the nature of the defect and its effect on the installation.

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Is the Consumer Unit Checked?

The consumer unit is another important part of an EICR.

It contains protective devices that help protect electrical circuits against certain faults. The electrician will consider its condition, connections, protective devices and suitability for the installation.

Depending on the property, the inspection may identify:

• Damaged equipment
• Poor connections
• Unsuitable protective devices
• Missing or inadequate protection
• Other concerns affecting electrical safety

An older consumer unit does not automatically mean that it must be replaced. The electrician assesses whether it provides suitable protection for the installation.

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Does an EICR Check Earthing and Bonding?

Yes. Earthing and bonding are important electrical installation checks because they form part of the safety arrangements within an electrical system.

The electrician may assess the condition and continuity of relevant earthing and bonding arrangements.

Potential concerns can include:

• Poor connections
• Damaged conductors
• Missing bonding
• Inadequate earthing arrangements
• Continuity problems

These checks help determine whether the installation has appropriate protective arrangements.

The electrician will consider the requirements applicable to the particular installation rather than assuming that every property should have exactly the same arrangement.

Is RCD Protection Checked?

RCD protection is also considered during an EICR where relevant.

An RCD can disconnect a circuit when it detects certain types of current leakage, providing an additional level of protection.

During EICR testing, the electrician may assess the operation and suitability of relevant RCD protection.

The presence of an RCD alone does not necessarily mean the installation is fully protected. Its type, condition, operation and application need to be considered alongside the rest of the installation.

This is particularly relevant when inspecting older properties that may have been altered or upgraded over time.

Are Electrical Circuits Tested?

Yes. Testing forms an important part of what does an EICR check because some electrical faults cannot be identified through visual inspection alone.

Depending on the installation, testing can assess matters such as:

• Continuity
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity
• Earthing arrangements
• Protective conductor continuity
• RCD operation
• Circuit condition

The electrician selects appropriate tests based on the installation and circumstances.

Testing helps provide a clearer picture of the electrical system and can identify problems that may otherwise remain unnoticed.

Does an EICR Check for Overloaded Circuits?

An EICR can identify concerns associated with circuit loading and the suitability of the installation for its intended use.

Modern homes often use more electrical equipment than older properties were originally designed to accommodate. However, having several appliances connected to one circuit does not automatically mean that the circuit is overloaded.

The electrician considers the circuit design, protective devices, cable characteristics and electrical demand before reaching a conclusion.

This is one reason EICR inspection requirements cannot be reduced to a simple visual check.

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Are Signs of Overheating or Burning Checked?

Visible signs of overheating can indicate that something within the electrical installation requires attention.

During an inspection, an electrician may identify:

• Burn marks
• Discolouration
• Melted components
• Heat damage
• Damaged insulation
• Signs of previous overheating

These signs may be found around sockets, switches, consumer units, connections or other electrical equipment.

The visible damage may not be the actual cause of the problem. Further investigation can sometimes be needed to determine why overheating occurred.

Are Previous Electrical Alterations Checked?

Many properties have been modified several times. New sockets, lighting, extensions and other electrical changes may have been added by previous owners or contractors.

An EICR can identify concerns associated with these alterations where they are accessible and relevant to the inspection.

Examples can include:

• Poorly connected cables
• Unsuitable additions
• Incorrect circuit modifications
• Inadequate protection
• Poorly installed accessories

The important point is not simply who completed the work. The electrician assesses whether the resulting installation is safe and suitable.

This can be particularly important in older properties where the electrical installation has changed considerably over the years.

What Electrical Safety Checks Are Carried Out?

The specific electrical safety checks carried out depend on the installation, but the overall aim is to assess whether the electrical system remains safe for continued use.

The electrician may consider:

Condition
Are the electrical components showing damage or deterioration?

Protection
Are suitable protective measures provided for the circuits?

Connections
Are relevant electrical connections secure and in suitable condition?

Earthing and bonding
Are the relevant arrangements satisfactory?

Testing results
Do the appropriate tests identify any electrical defects?

Suitability
Is the installation suitable for its present use?

Looking at these areas together gives a more useful assessment than simply checking whether electricity is available.

What Problems Can an EICR Reveal?

Understanding what does an EICR check also means understanding the types of problems it may identify.

Possible findings include:

• Damaged wiring
• Poor connections
• Faulty accessories
• Inadequate earthing
• Bonding issues
• Problems with protective devices
• Unsuitable alterations
• Circuit defects
• RCD-related concerns
• Signs of overheating
• Deteriorated electrical components

Not every observation means the installation is unsafe. The electrician classifies relevant findings according to their significance and potential risk.

For example, a serious defect may require prompt remedial action, while an improvement recommendation may not require immediate repair.

What Do EICR Report Findings Mean?

The EICR report findings provide a record of observations and test results from the inspection.

Electrical observations can be given different classification codes depending on their significance.

Common classifications include:

• C1: Danger is present and immediate action is required.
• C2: A potentially dangerous condition has been identified.
• C3: Improvement is recommended.
• FI: Further investigation is required.

The report should make it possible to understand what has been identified and where further action may be necessary.

If you receive an unsatisfactory report, do not assume that the entire electrical installation needs replacing. The required work depends on the actual findings.

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Does an EICR Check Every Electrical Appliance?

No. An EICR focuses primarily on the fixed electrical installation rather than testing every portable appliance in a property.

For example, the inspection can concern fixed wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits, consumer units and protective arrangements.

Portable appliances are generally dealt with through separate forms of inspection and testing where appropriate.

This distinction is useful for property owners because an EICR and portable appliance testing have different purposes.

Does an EICR Check Hidden Wiring?

An electrician cannot normally inspect every section of concealed wiring without opening walls, floors or other building structures.

The inspection therefore focuses on accessible parts and uses appropriate electrical testing to assess the installation.

If the electrician identifies an indication of a concealed problem, further investigation may be recommended.

This means a standard EICR should not be viewed as an invasive survey of every cable inside a building.

What Happens If an EICR Finds a Problem?

If an issue is identified, the electrician records the relevant observation and classification in the report.

You should then review the findings and ask for an explanation if anything is unclear.

Depending on the problem, the recommended action could involve:

• Repairing damaged wiring
• Replacing an electrical accessory
• Correcting an unsafe connection
• Improving protective measures
• Carrying out further investigation
• Replacing unsuitable equipment

The appropriate solution depends on the individual defect.

An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean that extensive electrical work is required.

How Should Property Owners Prepare for an EICR?

You do not normally need to make major changes before an inspection. However, providing reasonable access to electrical equipment can make the inspection easier.

Before the appointment, consider:

• Clearing access around the consumer unit
• Making accessible areas available
• Informing the electrician about known electrical problems
• Mentioning recent electrical alterations
• Providing details of previous electrical work where available
• Making sure relevant rooms can be accessed

If you already know about a damaged socket, repeated tripping or another electrical issue, tell the electrician before testing begins.

Why Proper EICR Testing Matters

A visual inspection can identify obvious defects, but electrical testing can provide additional information about the condition of the installation.

This is another important part of understanding what does an EICR check during an inspection.

A property may have working lights and sockets while still having problems with wiring, connections, protective devices or other parts of the installation.

Professional inspection and testing can help identify these issues and provide a clearer understanding of the property’s electrical condition.

So, what does an EICR check in practical terms?

So, what does an EICR check in practical terms?

It assesses the relevant parts of the fixed electrical installation to identify defects, deterioration and safety concerns. This can include wiring, accessories, circuits, consumer units, earthing, bonding, RCD protection and other protective measures.

The electrician combines visual inspection with appropriate testing to assess the installation.

For property owners, the most important point is that an EICR is about the condition and safety of the electrical installation, not simply whether everything appears to work.

Understanding the inspection can make the report easier to read and help you decide what action, if any, is required.

FAQs

What Causes an EICR to Fail? Common Electrical Problems

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) checks whether a property’s electrical installation is safe and in suitable condition. It covers wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, earthing, bonding and protective devices.

Many electrical systems appear to work normally while having hidden safety issues. Understanding what causes an EICR to fail can help homeowners and landlords identify potential problems.

This guide explains common EICR faults, why they occur and what to do when problems are found.

What Causes an EICR to Fail? Common EICR Faults

One of the main things to understand about what causes an EICR to fail is that several different types of electrical defects can be identified during an inspection.

Common EICR faults include:

• Damaged electrical wiring
• Deteriorated cable insulation
• Faulty sockets and switches
• Poor earthing or bonding
• Inadequate RCD protection
• Overloaded circuits
• Damaged electrical components
• Unsafe DIY alterations
• Incorrectly installed wiring
• Signs of overheating or burning
• Outdated electrical equipment

Not every fault makes an installation unsatisfactory. The electrician assesses each defect based on its condition and risk before assigning a classification.

A minor issue may not require immediate action, while a serious safety defect may need urgent attention. Therefore, what causes an EICR to fail depends on the severity of the faults, not simply their number.

Faulty Electrical Wiring and Damaged Cable Insulation

Faulty electrical wiring is a common concern during an EICR. Wiring can deteriorate because of age, heat, moisture, physical damage or previous electrical work.

An electrician may identify:

• Cracked or damaged insulation
• Exposed conductors
• Loose connections
• Damaged cables
• Poor cable routing
• Signs of overheating
• Incorrectly altered circuits

Damaged insulation can expose conductors to risk, increasing the chance of electric shock, short circuits or other faults.

Wiring is checked through visual inspection and electrical testing, as some problems may not be immediately visible. Where defects are found, the required repair depends on their extent. Minor damage may need local repair, while widespread deterioration may require more extensive work.

This is one factor to consider when assessing what causes an EICR to fail. Old wiring does not automatically mean a full house rewire is required.

What Electrical Defects Can Lead to an Unsatisfactory EICR?

When considering what causes an EICR to fail, it helps to look at the main reasons an electrician may record an unsatisfactory finding.

Unsafe electrical protection

Protective measures such as electrical safety systems, earthing, bonding and suitable circuit protection are important parts of an electrical installation.

Damaged wiring

Wiring that is damaged, exposed or significantly deteriorated may require attention.

Faulty accessories

Sockets, switches and other electrical accessories can become damaged or develop unsafe connections.

Poor previous alterations

Electrical installations are often modified over many years. Poorly completed additions can create faults within otherwise older installations.

Overloaded circuits

Circuits should be suitable for the electrical load placed upon them. Excessive demand can create safety concerns.

Inadequate protection

Older installations may lack suitable protective measures. These are common reasons for EICR failure, but each property must be assessed individually.

Electrical Faults Found During an EICR Inspection

Understanding what causes an EICR to fail also means understanding what an electrician actually checks.

During an EICR inspection, attention may be given to:

• Consumer units
• Distribution boards
• Socket outlets
• Switches
• Lighting circuits
• Cable condition
• Earthing arrangements
• Bonding
• Circuit protection
• RCD protection
• Connections and accessories
• Visible signs of damage

The inspection uses electrical testing to identify faults that may not be visible. A socket or light may still work despite an underlying safety issue. This is why what causes an EICR to fail depends on proper inspection and testing, not just whether equipment works.

Outdated Electrical Installations and Consumer Units

Older installations may contain outdated wiring, accessories or protective equipment, especially where electrical systems have been altered over time. An old installation does not automatically fail an EICR; its condition, safety and suitability are what matter.

If the consumer unit no longer provides suitable protection, an upgrade or replacement may be recommended. This is why what causes an EICR to fail depends on the installation’s actual condition, not simply its age.

Faulty Sockets, Switches and Electrical Accessories

Faulty sockets and switches are another area that can contribute to an unsatisfactory EICR.

Electrical accessories are used every day and can become damaged through normal use, impact, overheating or poor installation.

Warning signs can include:

• Cracked socket covers
• Loose switches
• Burn marks
• Discolouration
• Damaged faceplates
• Loose connections
• Unusual heat
• Buzzing or unusual sounds

A damaged socket should not be ignored if it still works. Burning or discolouration may indicate overheating and needs investigation. Replacing the socket may be enough, but underlying circuit faults may also need attention. This can be a sign of what causes an EICR to fail.

Overloaded Circuits and Other Electrical Problems That Fail an EICR

Overloaded circuits can become a concern when too much electrical demand is placed on a circuit.

Modern properties often use considerably more electrical equipment than they did when older installations were originally designed.

Examples can include:

• Portable heaters
• Kitchen appliances
• Electric heating equipment
• Multiple high-power appliances
• Home office equipment
• Numerous devices connected to one circuit

An overloaded circuit can put extra stress on cables and components, increasing heat and safety risks.

Other electrical problems that fail an EICR include poor connections, damaged protective devices and unsuitable alterations. However, several appliances do not automatically mean a circuit is overloaded; the electrician must assess the circuit and its electrical demand.

Poor Earthing, Bonding and Inadequate RCD Protection

Earthing and bonding are important safety measures within an electrical installation.

If there is a fault, effective earthing can help protective devices operate correctly. Bonding also helps reduce dangerous potential differences between conductive parts.

Problems may include:

• Poor earthing arrangements
• Missing bonding
• Damaged conductors
• Poor connections
• Continuity problems
• Inadequate protective measures

RCD protection is important because it can disconnect a circuit when it detects current leakage. The required protection depends on the installation and circuits, so an electrician should assess whether existing protection is suitable. This is an important factor in what causes an EICR to fail, especially in older installations.

DIY Electrical Work and Non-Compliant Installations

DIY electrical work can create problems when circuits or accessories have been changed without appropriate knowledge, testing or consideration of the existing installation.

Examples may include:

• Incorrectly installed sockets
• Poorly connected cables
• Incorrect cable sizes
• Unsafe junctions
• Improper lighting alterations
• Unprotected electrical connections
• Incorrect circuit modifications

The concern is whether the electrical work is safe and suitable, regardless of who completed it. Previous alterations by homeowners or contractors can create hidden faults, particularly in older or renovated properties. These issues may affect an otherwise working circuit and contribute to what causes an EICR to fail.

10. What Happens After Electrical Faults Are Found on an EICR?

The electrician records the faults in the EICR and explains their significance. Serious classifications may require corrective action, while observations may simply highlight areas for improvement or further investigation.

After receiving the report, you should:

1. Read through the findings carefully.
2. Ask the electrician to explain anything unclear.
3. Identify which defects require corrective work.
4. Obtain a clear description of the recommended repairs.
5. Arrange appropriate remedial work where necessary.
6. Complete any required follow-up inspection or testing.

An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean the entire property needs rewiring.

For example, a property may only need a damaged accessory replaced, a circuit fault corrected or a particular protective measure improved.

More extensive work may be recommended where problems are widespread.

The important thing is to understand the actual findings rather than assuming that an entire installation needs replacing.

Can an EICR Fail Because of One Fault?

Yes, a single serious electrical defect can contribute to an unsatisfactory result.

The number of faults is not the only consideration. The nature and potential risk of the defect are important.

For example, one significant safety issue can be more important than several minor observations.

This is why you should not judge an EICR simply by counting the number of items listed on the report.

If a serious problem is identified, ask the electrician to explain:

• What the fault is
• Where it is located
• Why it is a concern
• What repair is required
• Whether further testing is needed

This gives you a much clearer understanding of the condition of the installation.

Does an Old House Automatically Fail an EICR?

No. An old house does not automatically fail an EICR simply because of its age.

Older properties may have outdated electrical installations, but the inspection assesses the actual condition and safety of the installation.

However, older wiring can be more likely to show deterioration or contain older electrical components.

If an inspection identifies widespread problems, more extensive electrical work may be recommended. In some cases, individual repairs or upgrades may be sufficient.

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Does an EICR Failure Mean You Need a Full Rewire?

No. An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean that the whole property requires rewiring.

The required work depends on the defects identified.

A property could have a localised problem with a socket, switch, circuit, connection or protective device. These issues may be dealt with through targeted remedial work.

A full rewire may become relevant when the electrical installation has widespread deterioration, extensive faults or other issues that cannot reasonably be resolved through limited repairs.

The best approach is to ask for a clear explanation of the findings before agreeing to major work.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of EICR Problems?

There is no way to guarantee a satisfactory EICR because faults can develop naturally over time.

However, good electrical maintenance can help identify problems earlier.

You can:

• Replace damaged sockets and switches
• Investigate repeated circuit tripping
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits
• Never ignore burning smells
• Address visible wiring damage
• Avoid unsafe DIY electrical work
• Keep records of electrical alterations
• Arrange appropriate electrical inspections
• Deal with known electrical problems promptly

FAQs