How long does an EICR last?
There is no fixed expiry, but the report recommends a date for the next inspection. For private rented homes in England the maximum interval is 5 years, and for many owner-occupied domestic properties 10 years is common.
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022
EICR App: Electrical Installation Condition Reports on Your Phone
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the periodic inspection and testing document for an existing electrical installation. It records the condition of the installation against BS 7671 and gives an overall assessment of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
With TradePlanr you can carry out the EICR and log everything as you go: the schedule of inspections, your test results, and any observations coded C1, C2, C3 or FI. There is no need to write it up again when you get back.
Once you have signed off the report, TradePlanr produces a professional PDF you can hand to a landlord, homeowner or managing agent, ready for their records or to satisfy their legal obligations.
Issue this certificate from your phone
TradePlanr generates this and 35+ other gas, electrical, oil, plumbing and renewables certificates as proper PDFs — filled on site, signed on screen and stored against the job. Works even with no signal. Free to download.
What it covers
- Client, purpose of the report and details of the installation being inspected
- Supply characteristics, earthing arrangement and extent and limitations of the inspection
- Schedule of inspections covering the condition of the installation
- Schedule of test results for the circuits tested
- Observations coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) and FI (further investigation)
- Overall assessment of the installation as satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- Recommended date for the next inspection
When it's required
An EICR is used to assess the ongoing condition of an existing installation, for example on change of occupancy, when buying or selling a property, or as part of a routine maintenance programme.
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords in England must have the electrical installations in rented properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years, and provide a copy of the report to tenants and, on request, the local authority.
If the report is assessed as unsatisfactory, or where a C1 or C2 code is recorded, remedial work is required. Any C1 finding means danger is present and should be made safe immediately.
How to issue it in TradePlanr
- 1
Set up the report and its limitations
Record the client, the reason for the report, the extent of the installation covered and any agreed limitations to the inspection.
- 2
Complete the schedule of inspections and tests
Work through the schedule of inspections and enter your test results for each circuit directly on your device.
- 3
Log observations with codes
Add each observation and assign the correct classification code of C1, C2, C3 or FI, with notes so the client understands what was found.
- 4
Assess, sign and issue
Give the overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory verdict, set the next inspection date, sign on screen and send the PDF report.
Frequently asked questions
What do the C1, C2 and C3 codes mean?
C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required, C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent remedial action is needed, and C3 means improvement is recommended but is not unsatisfactory on its own.
What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?
An EICR is unsatisfactory if it records any C1, C2 or FI observation. A report with only C3 observations is still satisfactory, though the improvements are recommended.
Can I do an EICR on my phone?
Yes. TradePlanr lets you complete the schedule of inspections, enter test results, code observations and sign off the overall assessment on your phone, then issue the PDF on site.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
Under the 2020 Private Rented Sector regulations in England, landlords must have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years, or sooner if the previous report specifies a shorter interval.
Related certificates
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
The BS 7671 model EIC for new circuits and installations, filled and signed on site.
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
The BS 7671 MEIWC for additions and alterations that do not create a new circuit.
PAT Testing Certificate
Portable appliance test records and pass/fail labels for in-service equipment.
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