How Much Gets Tested on an EICR?
If you are comparing EICR quotes, one of the most important questions is not just “how much does it cost?” but “how much is actually being inspected and tested?”
That matters because an EICR is not like an MOT. With an MOT, motorists expect a more standardised process. With an EICR, the extent of the inspection, any agreed limitations, access on the day, the age and condition of the installation, and the inspector’s engineering judgement all affect what is covered. The IET and Electrical Safety First are clear that the extent and limitations should be agreed and recorded, and that a report becomes less valuable as more limitations are applied.
What usually gets inspected and tested?
NICEIC explains that an EICR is a combination of visual inspection and electrical testing. The visual side includes checking for obvious damage, overheating, poor workmanship, broken accessories, missing covers, poor labelling and signs of unsafe DIY alterations. The testing side can include continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD testing.
In other words, a proper EICR is not simply opening the consumer unit, pressing a few test buttons and ticking a box. It is an assessment of the fixed wiring installation and whether it appears safe for continued use. The IET also points out that existing installations do not automatically fail just because they do not match the latest edition of BS 7671 in every respect; the inspector must use judgement to decide whether the installation is safe for continued service
Why one EICR can differ from another
Electrical Safety First says an effective EICR should cover as much of the installation as possible and at least a sufficient and representative sample. It also says that where previous records are missing, it may be necessary to carry out more detailed inspection and testing of the complete installation, which has a bearing on the cost of the work.
See what Electrical Safety First say about electrical standards for the rental market:
For a “typical” domestic property, Electrical Safety First advises minimum close inspection samples such as:
two lighting fittings per lighting circuit,
two switches per lighting circuit,
two socket-outlets per ring or radial circuit,
and one accessory per radial circuit.
If defects are found in those first items, further items should then be inspected.
That helps explain why two quotes can be very different. One contractor may be pricing for meaningful access, full isolation, proper testing, detailed schedules and clear reporting. Another may be pricing for a more limited scope with more assumptions, more exclusions, or less time on site. Trade discussion on Screwfix reflects the same industry reality: a “full and proper” EICR requires access to the installation, while agreed limitations can reduce what is checked, and inspectors make judgement calls on appropriate testing. That is useful context, even though forum discussion is not the standard itself
Why Gabe Electrical takes the issue seriously
The photo here is a good example. This is a one-bed apartment in Cardiff city centre, but because it uses electric heating, the dual-rail consumer unit still serves a lot of circuits. That means more to identify, more to isolate, more to test and more to document.
Gabe Electrical’s view is that for safety – and especially for homebuyers – the whole premises should be checked wherever possible. If another part of the property is supplied from the same installation, such as a detached garage, shed or other outbuilding, that should form part of the conversation as well.
The point is not to make an EICR bigger than it needs to be. The point is to make sure the report is worth having.
What should you ask before booking an EICR?
Before you compare quotes, ask:
Those questions matter because a cheaper EICR is not always the same EICR. And when safety, liability and a property purchase are involved, like-for-like comparison matters.