What is an
EICR Report

What an EICR report contains and how to read it

EICR reports document the electrical safety state of a UK property in detail. The structure follows BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations. Whether you call it a 'report' or 'certificate', it's the same comprehensive document that demonstrates electrical compliance.

EICR report and certificate - same document:

• The terms 'EICR report', 'EICR certificate' and just 'EICR' are interchangeable.
• All refer to the formal document produced after periodic electrical inspection.
• 'Report' framing emphasises the detailed findings.
• 'Certificate' framing emphasises the formal validity.
• Some sectors prefer one term over the other.
• Don't be confused if you see both terms used.

Standard EICR report sections:

• Section 1: Front page details. Property address, occupant name, type of installation, date of inspection, recommended date of next inspection.
• Section 2: Scope and purpose. What was inspected, why and any limitations.
• Section 3: Reasons for departure (if any). If the inspection couldn't fully follow standard procedures.
• Section 4: Limitations. Areas not fully inspected (e.g. inaccessible spaces, customer restrictions).
• Section 5: Visual inspection findings. What the electrician observed in physical examination.
• Section 6: Schedule of inspections. Detailed list of items inspected with pass/fail or N/A.
• Section 7: Schedule of test results. Tabular data for each circuit: insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, RCD trip times.
• Section 8: Defects and observations. Each defect listed individually with C1, C2, C3 or FI code.
• Section 9: Overall result. Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
• Section 10: Recommendations. What needs to be done about findings.
• Section 11: Recommended date of next inspection. When the next EICR is due.
• Section 12: Electrician's certification. Name, qualifications, registration scheme, signature.

How to read an EICR report:

• Step 1: Front page check. Date, recommended retest date, overall result. Most important info at a glance.
• Step 2: Overall result. Satisfactory means safe to use. Unsatisfactory needs action.
• Step 3: Defects section. Read each defect and its code (C1, C2, C3 or FI).
• Step 4: Prioritise. C1 first (immediate action), C2 within 28 days, C3 when convenient, FI investigate further.
• Step 5: Test results. Skim per-circuit measurements. Failed measurements should match listed defects.
• Step 6: Limitations. Note any areas not fully inspected. May need follow-up.
• Step 7: Electrician details. Verify registration number on scheme website.
• Step 8: Plan next steps. Schedule remedials if needed. Calendar retest date.

Understanding test results in the report:

• Insulation resistance test. Measures resistance between live conductors and earth. Should be >1 megohm (per BS 7671).
• Continuity test. Confirms earth and ring main paths are unbroken. Should be very low resistance.
• Polarity test. Confirms live and neutral are correctly wired throughout.
• RCD trip test. Confirms RCD trips within required time at fault current. 30mA RCDs trip within 40ms typical.
• Earth fault loop impedance. Measures resistance of earth fault path for safety calculations.
• Each circuit tested separately. Results listed in tabular format.

Common findings on UK EICR reports:

• Older fuse boards. Pre-RCD consumer units typically C3.
• Missing RCD on shower or outdoor circuits. Typically C2.
• Damaged outer sheath of cables. Typically C2.
• Loose terminations in consumer unit. Typically C2 or C1 depending on severity.
• Bonding issues at gas, water, oil pipes. Typically C2.
• Missing labels on consumer unit. Typically C3.
• Old TT system without RCD. Typically C2.
• Combustible material around consumer unit. Typically C3 (or C2 in some interpretations).
• Excessive Class 3 items. May upgrade to C2 in some cases.

How long does the report take to issue:

• On-site at end of inspection. Some electricians complete and provide on-site.
• Within 24 hours. Common for digitally-completed reports.
• Within 1 week. Standard for most UK electricians.
• If remedial work needed. Final report after remedials may take longer.
• Digital format. Most reports now provided as PDF.
• Paper copy. Often provided alongside digital.

If you don't understand parts of the report:

• Ask the electrician. They should explain findings clearly.
• Get a written explanation. Of any defects you don't understand.
• Verify costs. Get quotes for any remedial work suggested.
• Get second opinion. If concerned about cost or scope of remedials.
• Government guidance. Available at gov.uk for landlord obligations.
• IET guidance. Available at theiet.org for technical understanding.

Difference between EICR report formats from different electricians:

• All UK EICRs follow BS 7671 standard so core content same.
• NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, STROMA each provide their own templates.
• Visual presentation may differ (colours, fonts, layout).
• Some include photos of defects (helpful but not mandatory).
• Some include circuit charts showing layout.
• Detail level may vary (verbose vs concise).
• All must contain required information per BS 7671.

Storing and using your EICR report:

• Digital storage. Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) for backup.
• Paper copy. Keep with property documentation.
• Tenant copies. Provide to existing and new tenants per legal requirements.
• Insurance. Keep available for insurer requests.
• Mortgage and refinance. Lenders may request.
• Selling property. Provide to conveyancing solicitor.
• Next EICR. Provide to electrician for context.

What to do if EICR report is Unsatisfactory:

• Step 1. Read each Unsatisfactory item carefully (C1, C2 or FI).
• Step 2. Get quotes for remedial work from registered electricians.
• Step 3. Schedule remedial work within 28 days for rentals.
• Step 4. Get retest after remedial work to confirm Satisfactory.
• Step 5. Provide retest confirmation to tenants alongside original report.
• Step 6. Update tenancy paperwork with new compliance evidence.

Knowing what an EICR report contains helps UK landlords and homeowners understand electrical safety details. Our full EICR Help hub covers EICR cost, validity periods, legal requirements and broader electrical inspection guidance for UK homes and businesses.