An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a detailed inspection of the fixed electrics in your property, often known as an electrical safety certificate.
W Burns & Son is a NICEIC and JIB Gold Card member with over 90 years’ history in Sheffield, carrying out EICRs for homeowners, landlords, people buying or selling a property, and businesses across Sheffield, including Hillsborough, Walkley, Crookes, Broomhill, Fulwood, Crosspool, Grenoside, High Green, Chapeltown and Ecclesfield.
To book an inspection, call 0114 234 5216 or send us a quick enquiry using our contact form.
What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?
An EICR assesses the condition of the fixed electrics in a property: the wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, switches, and earthing and bonding.
Although many people call it an EICR certificate or an electrical safety certificate, it is technically a report. A certificate, such as an Electrical Installation Certificate, is issued when new electrical work is completed. An EICR report instead describes the condition of an existing installation, lists any faults or concerns, and gives an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any issues are graded with codes (C1, C2, C3 or FI), explained below. It does not cover portable appliances, which are checked through PAT testing.
When do you need an EICR?
You don’t have to wait for a problem. The recommended interval for an owner-occupied home is every 10 years, or when the property changes hands. An EICR is also sensible after building work or a major alteration, or if you’ve moved into an older property and don’t know the condition of the wiring, which is often the case with Victorian and pre-war homes in Sheffield. For example, we often find rubber or cloth cable insulation that has cracked and broken down over time, increasing the risk of short circuits and fires.
Warning signs include flickering lights, tripping circuits and warm or scorched sockets. Insurers may ask to see a report, and buyers often request one during a sale. Rented homes need one at least every 5 years (see our landlord EICR page), and commercial premises are generally inspected every 5 years or on a change of occupancy.
What does an EICR test involve?
EICR testing combines a visual inspection with a series of electrical tests. Our qualified electrician checks the consumer unit, wiring, circuits, sockets, switches, light fittings, and earthing and bonding for damage, wear and anything that doesn’t meet BS 7671. They then carry out tests such as insulation resistance, continuity and earth fault loop impedance to confirm the circuits are safe and that protective devices, including RCDs, will operate as they should. It’s a thorough electrical safety check, not just a visual look-over.
Some circuits need to be switched off during testing, so power will be interrupted briefly. Please save any work and shut down computers or other sensitive equipment before we start.
We’ll need access to every room, the consumer unit, and any garage or outbuilding on the same supply. An average home usually takes 2–4 hours to complete; however, larger properties will take a little longer. You’ll receive your report within 24 hours of the inspection.
What do the EICR results mean?
Your EICR report gives an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and grades any issues it finds with a code:
| Code | What it means | Effect on the overall result |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Immediate remedial action is required. | Unsatisfactory |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is required. | Unsatisfactory |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. Not dangerous now, but worth addressing. | Does not make the report unsatisfactory on its own |
| FI | Further investigation required. Something couldn’t be fully assessed and needs a closer look to establish whether it’s safe. | Unsatisfactory |
A report is unsatisfactory if it includes any C1, C2 or FI observations. C3 items on their own don’t cause an unsatisfactory result. If your report is unsatisfactory, we’ll explain what we found and provide a quote for the remedial work needed. Once the work is complete, W Burns & Son will issue written confirmation that the issues have been resolved.
How much does an EICR cost in Sheffield?
The cost of an EICR depends on the property, so we quote based on the individual installation. The main factors are the size of the property, the number of circuits and consumer units, the age and condition of the wiring, how easy it is to access, and whether there’s a garage or outbuilding on the same supply. Commercial premises are priced according to the size and complexity of the installation.
To get a quote, call 0114 234 5216 or send us a few details about the property using our contact form. To help us quote accurately, please tell us the number of bedrooms and consumer units. All of our quotes are free and without obligation.
EICR testing across Sheffield
Our electricians carry out EICRs throughout Sheffield, including Hillsborough, Walkley, Crookes, Broomhill, Fulwood, Crosspool, Grenoside, High Green, Chapeltown and Ecclesfield. W Burns & Son is also a member of Constructionline, the UK register of construction services, and our electricians are JIB Approved Electricians holding the JIB Gold Card, with years of hands-on experience.
“…completed work to a great standard… I would not hesitate to recommend.” – MJW Google review
“…polite, reliable and professional electrician. I would use this company again, would recommend to friends.” – KT Google review
EICR FAQs
How long does an EICR last?
The report states when your next inspection is due. As a guide, that’s every 10 years for an owner-occupied home and every 5 years for rented and commercial properties, or sooner if the condition of the installation calls for it.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
Homeowners aren’t legally required to have one, although buyers and insurers may ask to see one. Private landlords in England must have a valid EICR at least every 5 years, and employers have a legal duty to keep their electrical systems safe, which regular EICRs help to demonstrate.
Does an unsatisfactory result mean my whole installation has failed?
No. It means the report has recorded at least one C1, C2 or FI observation that needs attention, and the rest of the installation may be fine. We’ll explain what we found and quote for the remedial work.
What happens if the remedial work isn’t carried out?
The risks the report identified remain, and it may affect your insurance or a sale. Landlords have legal deadlines to act on unsatisfactory reports, so see our landlord EICR page for further information.
Book an EICR in Sheffield
Need an EICR for your home or business? Call W Burns & Son on 0114 234 5216 or request a free quote, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for your inspection.