EICR Explained | WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics

If you're a property owner in Coalville or a nearby area, you've likely heard the term "EICR" mentioned by electricians, letting agents, or insurance companies. But what exactly is an EICR, and why might you need one? At WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics, we carry out these essential safety inspections across Coalville and nearby areas including Whitwick, Shepshed, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Loughborough, Ibstock, Markfield and Groby. Here's everything you need to know.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the condition of your property's electrical installation. It identifies defects, deterioration and any repairs or remedial work needed to help keep the installation safe.

During an EICR, a qualified electrician examines your property's wiring, sockets, switches, consumer unit (fuse board), and other electrical installations. They're looking for anything that could pose a safety risk, from outdated wiring to overloaded circuits.

Who Needs an EICR?

Landlords are legally required to have an EICR carried out every five years for rental properties in England. This became mandatory in 2020 for new tenancies and 2021 for existing ones. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.

Homeowners aren't legally required to have an EICR, but many choose to for peace of mind, especially when:

• Buying or selling a property
• Planning major renovations
• Their electrical installation is over 25 years old
• They've experienced electrical problems
• Their insurance company requests one

Commercial property owners typically need EICRs every three to five years, depending on the type of business.

What Happens During an EICR?

Our process at WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics is thorough and systematic:

• Visual Inspection: We examine all visible electrical components, looking for signs of damage, wear, or poor workmanship.
• Testing: Using specialist equipment, we test circuits, measure earth fault loop impedances, check RCD operation, and verify that everything meets current safety standards.
• Documentation: We record all findings, take photographs where necessary, and note any departures from current regulations.
• Classification: Any issues are coded as:

• C1 (Danger present): Immediate action required
• C2 (Potentially dangerous): Urgent remedial action required
• C3 (Improvement recommended): Not immediately dangerous but should be addressed
• FI (Further investigation): More detailed inspection needed

Understanding Your EICR Results

Satisfactory: Your electrical installation meets current safety standards. Well done, you can relax knowing your electrics are safe.

Unsatisfactory: Issues have been identified that need attention. Don't panic, this doesn't necessarily mean your electrics are dangerous, but remedial work is recommended.

The report will detail exactly what needs addressing and provide recommendations for bringing everything up to standard.

Common Issues We Find in Leicestershire Homes

In our experience covering Coalville and surrounding areas, the most frequent problems include:

• Outdated consumer units with old-style fuses rather than modern circuit breakers and RCD protection. Many properties still have units installed in the 1980s and 1990s that don't meet current safety standards.
• Missing RCD protection on circuits that should have it, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
• Deteriorating wiring in older properties, especially where original 1960s and 1970s installations are still in use.
• DIY electrical work that doesn't comply with current regulations, something we see surprisingly often.
• Overloaded circuits where additional sockets or appliances have been added without considering the circuit's capacity.

The Cost of an EICR

£225 for an EICR covering one domestic consumer unit with up to 10 circuits, including the written report and test results. Any remedial repairs are quoted separately.

What Happens After an EICR?

If remedial work is needed, you'll want a qualified electrician to carry it out. At WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics, we can handle everything from simple repairs to complete rewires and fuse board upgrades. We'll provide clear quotations and explain exactly what work is necessary versus what's simply recommended.

Once any C1 or C2 issues are resolved, we can issue a Minor Works Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate as appropriate.

Choosing the Right Electrician

Not all electricians can carry out EICRs. You need someone who is:

• Properly qualified (18th Edition regulations)
• Registered with a competent person scheme (like NAPIT)
• Experienced in inspection and testing
• Able to provide comprehensive, clear reports

At WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics, we tick all these boxes. Our team has been serving Leicestershire since 2011, and we're proud members of Checkatrade with consistently high ratings from local customers.

Don't Put Off Your EICR

Whether you're a landlord meeting legal requirements or a homeowner wanting peace of mind, an EICR is a small investment in your property's safety. Electrical problems don't improve with time, they get worse and more dangerous.

If you need an EICR for your Leicestershire property, or if you've had one that's identified issues needing attention, get in touch with WaterTight Plumbing & Electrics. We'll provide a professional service, clear explanations, and honest advice about any work that's needed.

Your safety and compliance are our priority, because when it comes to electrical safety, there's no room for compromise.