An Electrical Installation Condition Check — sometimes referred to by the abbreviation EICR — is a formal assessment of the wiring, accessories, consumer unit and earthing arrangements within a property. It establishes whether the installation is in a safe and satisfactory condition and whether any observed deterioration presents a risk.
During an inspection, an electrician checks every accessible circuit, outlet, switch and fitting against current wiring standards. They look for signs of deterioration, damage, overloading, incorrect cable sizing, inadequate earthing and bonding, and the absence of required protective devices.
The check includes both a detailed visual inspection and a series of electrical tests carried out with calibrated instruments. At the end of the process, a written condition report is produced.
Observations are classified using a standard coding system: C1 identifies a danger requiring immediate action; C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition needing rectification; C3 is a recommendation for improvement that does not constitute a present danger; and FI (Further Investigation Required) is used where a concealed fault cannot be confirmed without further investigation. The report also records an overall conclusion of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
A condition check is relevant in many situations. Landlords in England are legally required to have a check carried out at defined intervals and to provide tenants with a copy of the report.
Mortgage lenders may request one during a property purchase. Any owner who has not had the installation formally checked in a number of years may wish to commission one as a practical precaution, particularly in older properties.