EICR Checklist — Electrical Installation Condition Report (BS 7671)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of the safety and condition of an electrical installation, following BS 7671:2018 standards. This checklist covers all mandatory inspection points including consumer unit condition, earthing and bonding, RCD testing, socket and switch inspection, cable routing, and observation code assignment (C1, C2, C3, FI). Use this checklist to generate professional EICR reports from photos with AI-assisted documentation.
Expert Opinion
"EICRs are a legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Home Regulations 2020. A failed EICR (Unsatisfactory) means the landlord has 28 days to have remedial work completed and must provide a follow-up certificate. Always issue the EICR certificate within 10 working days of completing the inspection. Never ignore C1 or C2 codes — they represent genuine safety risks that could result in electric shock or fire."
Primary Risks
- •Electric shock and electrocution
- •Electrical fires from overheating
- •Faulty protective devices
- •Deteriorated insulation and wiring
Applicable Standards
- •BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations)
- •IEE Amendment 2
- •Building Regulations Part P
- •Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Inspection Items
Checked items are treated as verified. Unchecked items are carried into the report as findings.
Client & Installation Details
Consumer Unit / Distribution Board
Earthing and Bonding
Protective Devices
Sockets and Switches
Lighting and Emergency Lighting
Observation Codes & Summary
Expert Field Tips
Always photograph the consumer unit before and after inspection — this is critical evidence for the report.
Test RCDs at 100% and 50% rated current to verify trip times meet BS 7671 requirements.
Check for any DIY modifications — these are the most common cause of C1 observations.
Record the date of the last EICR if available — installations should be re-inspected every 10 years (residential) or 5 years (commercial).
Frequently asked questions
?What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?
An EICR is a formal assessment of the condition of an electrical installation against BS 7671:2018 standards. It identifies dangers, potential dangers, and areas for improvement using observation codes (C1, C2, C3). The report is issued by a qualified electrician after inspecting consumer units, wiring, sockets, earthing, and protective devices.
?How often should an EICR be carried out?
The IET recommends EICRs every 3 years for commercial properties, every 5 years for rented residential properties, and every 10 years for owner-occupied domestic properties. More frequent inspections are advisable for high-risk environments like construction sites or industrial facilities.
?What do the EICR observation codes mean?
C1 means danger present — immediate action required. C2 means potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action needed. C3 means improvement recommended — does not comply with latest recommendations. FI means further investigation required without delay.
?Who can carry out an EICR?
Only a competent and qualified electrician can perform an EICR. This typically means someone with NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation (or equivalent) and specific EICR training (e.g., 2391 certification in the UK).
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Build report from 31 unresolved items
14 critical, 13 major will be carried into field notes.