What an Electrical Installation Condition Report checks, who legally needs one, and what the result codes mean.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an inspection of a property's fixed wiring: the consumer unit, the circuits, the sockets and the switches. It is not about appliances.
Who needs one
Landlords in England must have one at least every five years for a rented property, and give the tenant a copy.
Owner occupiers are advised to have one every ten years, or on change of occupancy.
Anyone buying a property with an older installation, before deciding what work it needs.
What the codes mean
C1: danger present, immediate risk of injury. The electrician should make it safe before leaving.
C2: potentially dangerous, urgent remedial work required.
C3: improvement recommended. Not a fail on its own.
FI: further investigation required without delay.
A report with any C1, C2 or FI is unsatisfactory, and the remedial work is a separate job from the inspection. Ask whether the quote covers both.
EICR safety reports are listed under electrical on Halo Hive.