What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the formal assessment of a building's fixed electrical installation. This guide explains what it is, how often it's needed, and what the classification codes mean.
In short
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection and test of a building's fixed electrical wiring and installation, assessing its safety and condition against the wiring regulations (BS 7671). It identifies defects using classification codes and states whether the installation is satisfactory.
What it typically costs
£200–£500 for a typical commercial EICR; £600–£1,000+ for larger buildings
- What moves the price
- Most contractors price by circuit rather than floor area, commonly £15–£50 per circuit, so a building's distribution complexity matters more than its size. Age, accessibility, and whether the installation can be taken out of service for testing all push the figure up.
- Typical time on site
- Half a day for a small commercial unit; several days across a large or multi-board installation
Indicative UK market ranges compiled from published price guides, last reviewed August 2026. They are a planning guide, not a quotation — actual prices vary by region, building, and contractor. Always obtain quotes for your own site.
What an EICR involves and how often
An EICR is carried out by a competent electrician or approved contractor who inspects and tests the fixed wiring — distribution boards, circuits, protective devices, and earthing — and reports on its condition. For commercial premises, the recommended maximum interval is typically every five years (or at change of occupancy), though the installation's condition, environment, and use can require more frequent testing. Landlords of rented residential property in England must have an EICR at least every five years.
What the classification codes mean
An EICR records observed defects against standard codes that indicate severity. The codes determine whether the installation is 'satisfactory' and what remedial work is needed. Any C1 or C2 code means the report is unsatisfactory and the issues must be addressed.
- C1 — danger present, risk of injury, immediate action required
- C2 — potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required
- C3 — improvement recommended (does not make the report unsatisfactory)
- FI — further investigation required
Acting on the report
An unsatisfactory EICR (containing C1, C2, or FI items) requires remedial work to bring the installation back to a safe condition, after which the work is documented. The EICR and its remedial records form part of the building's electrical safety evidence and feed the maintenance plan. Keeping these reports, the associated certificates, and the distribution records organised and retrievable is important — both for the next inspection and for demonstrating that defects were addressed promptly.
Related maintenance checklists
Related guides
Related inspection checklists
Further reading
Sources
The regulatory positions on this page come from the following primary sources. Where guidance and legislation differ, the legislation governs — always confirm the requirements that apply to your own site and jurisdiction.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 — legislation.gov.uk
- Electrical safety at work — Health and Safety Executive
Frequently asked questions
How often is an EICR required?
What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?
Who can carry out an EICR?
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