How to Fill In an EICR
An EICR should let another competent person understand what was inspected, tested, found and recommended without guessing.
Complete the report from the evidence gathered on site, not from memory after the visit. Start with the client, installation, supply and agreed extent, then make limitations and sampling clear enough for the overall assessment to be understood.
This is practical guidance for competent electricians. Assess the actual installation, follow the current edition of BS 7671 and manufacturer instructions, and stop where the work cannot be completed safely.
Key takeaways
- Agree the scope and make the installation safe before starting work.
- Use a controlled sequence rather than relying on a single reading or visual assumption.
- Record the actual result, limitation or action taken while it is still traceable.
- Check the result against the design, protective measures and equipment instructions.
- Issue the appropriate certificate or report when the work is complete.
Scope the work first
Complete the report from the evidence gathered on site, not from memory after the visit. Start with the client, installation, supply and agreed extent, then make limitations and sampling clear enough for the overall assessment to be understood.
Method
Enter supply characteristics, earthing and bonding details, inspection results, schedules and observations in a logical order. Describe each observation by location, defect, code and recommended action; avoid vague wording that a client cannot price or trace.
Doing this on a job? EICR Certificate — part of TradePlanr. Free to start, no card needed.
Checks and common pitfalls
The declaration, overall assessment and observation codes must agree with the schedules and limitations. Do not use an EICR to certify unseen work, make unsupported assumptions or conceal an incomplete inspection behind generic wording.
Record and hand over
Review the report before signature, provide the client copy and retain an accessible record. TradePlanr keeps the report, photos and follow-up work connected to the job.
Keep the evidence with the job
Record readings, limitations and remedial actions as you work. A clear certificate or report protects the client and makes the next visit easier to manage.
From guidance to action
Frequently asked questions
Can an EICR be satisfactory with limitations?
Limitations must be agreed, specific and considered when deciding whether the inspection evidence supports an overall assessment. They should never be used to disguise an inadequate inspection.
Can I rely on a standard rule of thumb?
No. The installation method, supply characteristics, equipment instructions and the current requirements all affect the correct decision. Use the guide as a workflow, then assess the actual job.
What should be recorded?
Record the scope, results, limitations, observations, remedial work and the certificate or report appropriate to the work carried out.
Related guides
EICR Code C1: Danger Present
What a C1 means, real-world examples, and the immediate action required before you leave site.
EICR Code C2: Potentially Dangerous
When to code C2, how it differs from C1 and C3, and why it makes an EICR unsatisfactory.
Schedule of Test Results Explained
Every column on the schedule of test results, what each reading means, and how to fill it in without gaps.
