A Complete Guide to the EICR Test Procedure: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Whether you're a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, electrical safety should never be overlooked. One of the most crucial steps in ensuring a property's electrical system is safe is undergoing an EICR Test—short for Electrical Installation Condition Report. If you're based in the UK and searching for reliable electrical safety checks, understanding the EICR test procedure is essential. This guide breaks down the step-by-step process, its importance, legal obligations, and how City PAT ensures your premises remain safe and compliant.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document prepared after a thorough assessment of a property's electrical installations. It evaluates the condition of electrical wiring, sockets, lighting fixtures, and distribution boards, identifying any deficiencies or potential safety risks.
The electrical installation is safe for continued use.
Any damage, deterioration, or non-compliance with current regulations is identified.
You are in line with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Landlords – Mandatory every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
Homeowners – Recommended every 10 years or before buying/selling a property.
Business Owners – Essential for workplace safety and insurance compliance.
At City PAT, we specialise in EICR testing services for domestic, commercial, and industrial properties, helping clients maintain a safe and regulation-compliant environment.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the EICR Test Procedure
Let’s walk through what to expect when scheduling your EICR test with a professional electrician.
1. Initial Assessment and Planning
The procedure begins with a preliminary discussion. The electrician will gather basic details about your property—such as its size, age, usage, and any known issues. This allows them to plan the inspection more efficiently and estimate the time required.
Ensure access to all electrical panels and rooms.
Notify tenants or staff in advance.
Back up important data if your business relies on continuous power.
Before any testing begins, the electrician performs a comprehensive visual check of the installation. This includes:
Checking for exposed wires or damaged components.
Inspecting sockets, light switches, and fuse boxes for wear.
Reviewing bonding and earthing arrangements.
This stage helps identify obvious safety hazards and non-compliances with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
With the power turned off, the electrician carries out several tests on the wiring system to ensure it’s safe and secure.
Types of dead testing include:
Continuity Testing – Confirms wires are correctly connected.
Insulation Resistance Testing – Measures resistance between conductors to detect damage or degradation.
Polarity Testing – Ensures that live, neutral, and earth wires are in the correct positions.
Once dead testing is complete, power is restored to carry out live tests. These verify the system performs safely under normal conditions.
Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing – Assesses how quickly a fault can be cleared by a fuse or breaker.
RCD Testing – Verifies that Residual Current Devices operate correctly to prevent electric shocks.
Note: Live testing is conducted with extreme care to avoid disruption or risk to occupants.
5. Coding of Observations
Any faults or issues found are assigned a specific code, indicating the level of urgency:
C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk – must be rectified without delay.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent remedial action required.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not urgent but should be addressed.
FI (Further Investigation): More analysis needed before determining safety.
Only C1 and C2 faults will render an installation "unsatisfactory."
6. Issuance of the EICR Report
After completing all testing, the electrician will compile and provide your EICR report, which includes:
Observations with their respective codes.
A conclusion on whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Recommendations for corrective action.
At City PAT, we offer a clear and concise EICR report within 24 hours, outlining any issues and guidance on the next steps.
What Happens If Your EICR is Unsatisfactory?
If your report identifies C1 or C2 issues, immediate remedial work is necessary. City PAT can provide fast-track repairs, ensuring your system is brought up to standard efficiently and safely. Once repairs are done, a follow-up test will be performed to confirm compliance.
How Long Does the EICR Procedure Take?
Domestic properties: 2–4 hours.
Commercial buildings: Half a day to several days depending on size and complexity.
We work around your schedule to minimise disruption, especially in business settings.
Benefits of Regular EICR Testing
Peace of Mind: Know your property is safe.
Legal Compliance: Meet government and insurance requirements.
Tenant Safety: Reduce the risk of fires or electric shock.
Property Value: Keep your installations updated and attractive to buyers or tenants.
Why Choose City PAT for Your EICR Testing?
At City PAT, we are fully accredited, experienced, and customer-focused. Whether it's a landlord property or a commercial building, we:
Use the latest testing equipment.
Offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Provide fast, digital reports.
Deliver guidance and support every step of the way.
Trust our expert team to protect your property and those who use it.
Understanding the EICR test procedure empowers you to keep your property safe, legal, and efficient. Whether it’s for your home or business, regular electrical checks can save lives, prevent costly damage, and ensure compliance with UK regulations. For professional EICR testing in London and surrounding areas, reach out to City PAT—your trusted partner in electrical safety.
