EICR Testing in London

Professional EICR Testing for London Properties

RCD Electrical checks fixed wiring, circuits and protective devices, then provides a clear EICR for landlords, homeowners and businesses across London.

Clear EICR Report Fixed Wiring Checks London Appointments
EICR inspections in London

Understand the Condition of Your Electrical Installation

An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of fixed wiring, circuits and protective devices. It shows whether the installation is satisfactory and lists any coded observations that need attention.

Inspection and testing of fixed electrics Digital report with classification codes Clear next steps after the inspection
01 · EICR overview

What an EICR Tells You

The inspection assesses the accessible fixed electrical installation and records damage, deterioration, defects, unsafe conditions and limitations found during testing.

01

Condition of the Installation

The report records the condition of accessible wiring, circuits, electrical accessories and protective devices.

02

Level of Concern

C1, C2, C3 and FI observations distinguish immediate danger, urgent work, recommended improvement and further investigation.

03

What Happens Next

The findings are explained before fault finding, repair, a consumer unit upgrade or wider electrical work is agreed.

An EICR is a condition report, not an emergency call-out. Sparking, a burning smell, repeated tripping or sudden power loss should be checked promptly by an emergency electrician in London.
02 · Inspection scope

What the EICR Inspection Covers

The agreed inspection covers accessible parts of the fixed installation. The report also records any areas or circuits that could not be inspected or tested.

01

Consumer Unit

Condition, circuit identification, protective devices and visible signs of overheating or damage.

02

Circuits and Fixed Wiring

Continuity, insulation resistance, polarity and signs of deterioration within the agreed scope.

03

Sockets and Switches

Accessible electrical accessories, fixed points and visible signs of damage or overheating.

04

Earthing and Bonding

Protective earthing and bonding arrangements used to reduce electric shock risk.

05

RCD Protection

Operation and suitability of residual current devices and related circuit protection.

06

Loading and Alterations

Signs of overloading, unsuitable additions or previous alterations that may affect safety.

03 · Landlord requirements

EICRs for Rented Homes in England

Landlords must arrange inspection and testing at least every five years, or sooner where the previous report specifies an earlier date.

5 years

Routine Inspection

The fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.

Before occupation

New Tenants

A new tenant must receive a copy of the current report before occupying the property.

28 days

Existing Tenants

An existing tenant must receive a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection and test.

Action

Remedial Work

Required remedial work or further investigation must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period.

Landlord note

A change of tenant does not automatically require a new EICR where the current report remains in date and no required investigation or remedial work is outstanding.

An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation. Shared or commercial areas may also need separate checks for emergency lighting or fire alarm systems.
04 · The appointment

What Happens During an EICR Appointment

We confirm the property details and agreed scope, inspect and test the accessible installation, then prepare the report and explain the result.

  1. 01

    Confirm the Details

    We confirm the property type, access, number of consumer units and any known limitations or essential equipment.

  2. 02

    Inspect the Installation

    We check accessible parts for damage, deterioration, poor identification and unsafe alterations.

  3. 03

    Test the Circuits

    Suitable instruments are used to test circuits, protective devices, earthing and bonding within the agreed scope.

  4. 04

    Prepare the Report

    You receive the result, test information, coded observations, recorded limitations and a clear explanation of the next step.

Before the appointment

Make Electrical Points Accessible

Clear access helps the electrician complete the agreed inspection without avoidable delays or extra limitations.

  • Keep each consumer unit clear and accessible
  • Have previous reports or certificates available
  • Tell occupants that short power interruptions may be required
  • Identify essential or sensitive equipment before testing
Tell us about specialist fixed systems before the appointment. The supply for an EV charger or fixed air-conditioning system may require a separate or extended inspection scope. Data wiring and cabling is not part of standard mains electrical testing.
Not Included in a Standard EICR
  • Repairs, replacement parts or remedial work
  • PAT testing for portable appliances
  • Opening walls, ceilings or floors
  • Further investigation unless agreed separately
05 · Report codes

Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI

Each classification code describes the level of concern and the action the inspector considers appropriate.

C1

Danger Present

Immediate action is required to remove or control the danger.

C2

Potentially Dangerous

Urgent remedial work is required because the condition could become dangerous.

FI

Further Investigation

Further investigation is required because the concern cannot be fully assessed from the completed inspection and tests.

C3

Improvement Recommended

An improvement is recommended, but the observation is not classed as dangerous.

C1 or C2 The overall EICR assessment is unsatisfactory.
FI Further investigation should be arranged and the reason is recorded in the report.
C3 The recommended improvement can be considered as planned work.
After an unsatisfactory report

We Explain the Finding Before Quoting

Remedial work and further investigation are quoted separately. We explain the observation, likely cause and proposed next step before work begins.

View Fault Finding Service
06 · EICR prices

Residential EICR Pricing

Choose the package that matches the bedroom count. Prices are from the amounts shown, include VAT and cover one fuse board or consumer unit.

Prices include VAT One consumer unit is included. Additional fuse boards or consumer units are from £85 each, including VAT.
Studio
From£79

For a studio flat with one consumer unit or fuse board.

Suitable for a straightforward studio installation.
VAT included · Subject to the stated limits
4 Bedrooms
From£149

For larger homes and rental properties with four bedrooms.

Suitable for a larger residential installation.
VAT included · Subject to the stated limits
5–6 Bedrooms
From£179

For larger homes, HMOs and properties with a more extensive layout.

Suitable for a more extensive residential installation.
VAT included · Subject to the stated limits

Prices are from the amounts shown and include VAT. The final price may change where access is restricted, the circuit count is unusually high, extra consumer units are present or the installation is more complex. Repairs, remedial work and further investigation are not included.

07 · Why the inspection matters

Why an EICR Matters

An EICR checks the condition of fixed wiring, circuits, earthing, bonding and protective devices. It provides a written record that helps property owners and landlords plan the right electrical work.

A routine EICR is not the right response to an active electrical fault. Sparking, burning smells, hot sockets, repeated tripping or sudden power loss should be checked promptly by an emergency electrician in London.

Electric shock protection Hidden Defects Can Affect People Using the Property

Damage or deterioration may not be visible during normal use. Inspection and testing can identify conditions that may expose occupants to electric shock or burns.

Damaged insulation

Worn insulation or exposed conductors can make fixed electrical points unsafe.

Earthing and bonding

Inadequate protective earthing or bonding can affect how safely fault current is carried away.

Protective devices

Testing checks whether relevant protective devices operate as intended.

Heat and fire risk Loose Connections and Overloading Can Create Heat

Loose connections, overloaded circuits and unsuitable protection can create heat inside accessories, junctions or the consumer unit before obvious damage appears.

Loose connections

A poor connection can create resistance, heat and arcing around electrical terminals.

Circuit loading

Inspection and testing can identify signs that a circuit or accessory may not be suitable for continued use.

Warning signs

Buzzing, discolouration, scorch marks and burning smells need prompt investigation.

Age and previous alterations Wiring Can Deteriorate Without Obvious Signs

Older cables, accessories and connections can deteriorate behind walls, ceilings and electrical fittings. Previous additions may also have changed the original installation.

Age and use

Heat, movement, moisture and regular use can gradually affect cables and accessories.

Extensions and equipment

Extensions, conversions and fixed equipment can add demand to circuits designed for an earlier layout.

Previous alterations

Poorly completed or undocumented alterations may leave unsuitable wiring or protection.

Records and planning A Clear Report Supports Better Property Decisions

The report gives homeowners, landlords and businesses a written record of the installation’s condition at the time of inspection.

Urgent findings

C1 and C2 observations show which findings need immediate or urgent action.

Planned improvements

C3 observations identify improvements that can be considered as planned work.

Recorded limitations

The report records areas or circuits that could not be fully inspected or tested.

RCD Electrical · EICR testing

Understand the Report Before Planning the Work

We explain the classification codes, separate urgent findings from recommendations and quote remedial work separately.

Before you book

Details That Help Us Plan Your EICR Appointment

A few property details help us confirm the inspection scope and allow suitable time for the appointment.

Property Details

Provide the postcode, property type, bedroom count and whether the premises are domestic, rented, HMO or commercial.

Consumer Units

Confirm how many fuse boards or consumer units are installed because each one adds to the inspection and testing scope.

Access and Power Requirements

Mention tenants, restricted rooms, alarms, computers or essential equipment that may need preparation before short power interruptions.

RCD Electrical electrician carrying out an EICR inspection in London
RCD Electrical EICR guidance

EICR Questions and Answers

Answers about inspection scope, prices, landlord requirements, report codes, preparation and remedial work.

The inspection scope is agreed before testing begins

Property size, circuit count, consumer units, access and recorded limitations can affect the appointment and report.

01How much does an EICR cost?

Residential EICR prices are from £79.99 for a studio, from £120 for one to three bedrooms, from £145 for four bedrooms and from £175 for five to six bedrooms. Prices include VAT and one fuse board or consumer unit. Additional units are from £85 each, including VAT.

02What does an EICR inspect?

An EICR covers accessible parts of the fixed electrical installation, including circuits, consumer units, earthing, bonding, sockets, switches and relevant protective devices within the agreed scope.

03What will I receive after the inspection?

You receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report showing the overall assessment, test information, recorded limitations and any C1, C2, C3 or FI observations.

04Who normally arranges an EICR?

EICRs are commonly arranged by landlords, homeowners, buyers, sellers, managing agents and businesses that need a written record of an existing electrical installation’s condition.

05How long does an EICR appointment take?

The time depends on the property size, circuit count, number of consumer units, access and the condition of the installation. Larger or more complex properties normally take longer.

06Will the electricity be switched off?

Short power interruptions are normally required while circuits are isolated and tested. Tell us about alarms, computers, refrigeration or essential equipment before the appointment.

07What do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?

C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required. C2 means a potentially dangerous condition needs urgent remedial work. C3 recommends improvement. FI means further investigation is required.

08What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?

A C1 or C2 observation results in an unsatisfactory overall assessment. C3 and FI do not by themselves make the report unsatisfactory, but the recommendations and any legal duties still need proper attention.

09Is remedial work included in the EICR price?

No. The inspection and report identify the condition of the installation. Repairs, replacement parts and further investigation are quoted separately before work begins.

10How often do landlords need an EICR in England?

Landlords must normally arrange inspection and testing at least every five years, or earlier where the previous report specifies a shorter interval.

11Does a new tenant require a new EICR?

Not automatically. A current report can normally be used where it remains within the required interval and no required investigation or remedial work is outstanding. The new tenant must receive the current report before occupation.

12Is an EICR the same as PAT testing?

No. An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation. PAT testing concerns portable electrical equipment and is a separate service.

13How should I prepare for the appointment?

Provide clear access to each consumer unit and the electrical points included in the agreed scope. Share previous reports and tell occupants about possible short power interruptions.

14What details are needed before booking?

Provide the postcode, property type, bedroom count, number of fuse boards or consumer units, access restrictions and details of equipment that may need to remain powered.

Book EICR testing

Choose the Property Size and Book Online

Have the postcode, bedroom count, consumer unit count and access details ready when arranging the inspection.

London coverage

EICR Appointments Across London

We arrange EICR inspections across Central, West and North West London, including the areas listed below.

  • Fulham
  • Hammersmith
  • Chelsea
  • Kensington
  • Holland Park
  • Putney
  • Battersea
  • Westminster
  • Central London
  • West London
  • North West London
  • Blackfriars
  • Golders Green
  • Finchley
  • Hendon
  • Hampstead
  • West Hampstead

For a property outside these locations, send us the postcode and we will confirm availability.

Book EICR testing in London

Book Your EICR Appointment

Book online, call us or send the property details through our contact page.