By Kerdon Electrical Ltd — Trusted Local Electrician in Yaxley & Surrounding Areas
Do You Need an EICR? A Practical Guide for Homeowners & Landlords in Yaxley
Electrical problems often stay hidden until they become serious, and with many homes in England using wiring that’s decades old, electrical inspections are more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to check the safety of a property is through an Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR.
At Kerdon Electrical Ltd, we carry out EICRs across Yaxley and the surrounding areas, helping landlords and homeowners stay safe, compliant and informed. Below is a simple guide to what an EICR is, who needs one, and what to expect.
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection and testing process carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the condition and safety of a property’s electrical installation.
An EICR checks for:
- Damage or deterioration to wiring and equipment
- Overloaded circuits
- Fire and electric shock risks
- Correct earthing and bonding
- Compliance with current BS 7671 wiring regulations
After the inspection, you’ll receive a written report explaining any issues found and whether the installation is considered satisfactory.
Who Should Get an EICR?
EICRs are useful for several types of property owners, including:
Homeowners
It’s recommended to have an EICR every 10 years, or sooner if electrics are ageing, damaged, or you’re unsure of their condition. It’s also a smart idea before buying a house, especially older properties.
Landlords
Landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR at least every 5 years and provide copies to current and new tenants.
HMOs
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) also require EICRs every 5 years as part of licensing and safety standards.
Overall, an EICR provides peace of mind and helps prevent potentially dangerous electrical problems.
Landlord Responsibilities Explained
Landlords in England must:
- Arrange an EICR every 5 years
- Provide tenants with a copy within 28 days
- Give new tenants a copy before they move in
- Supply a copy to the local authority within 7 days if requested
- Complete any remedial works within 28 days
Non-compliance can lead to enforcement and fines from the local authority, so keeping up to date is important for legal and safety reasons.
What Happens During an EICR?
When you book an EICR with Kerdon Electrical Ltd, one of our qualified electricians will carry out:
- A visual inspection of sockets, switches, consumer units and wiring
- Electrical testing of circuits and safety devices
- Checks on earthing and bonding
- Identification of fire or electric shock hazards
- A written report explaining the findings
Most inspections take around 2–4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property.
EICR Codes and What They Mean
The report uses a standard coding system to show the severity of findings:
C1 – Danger Present: Requires immediate action (e.g. exposed live parts)
C2 – Potentially Dangerous: Urgent remedial work is needed
C3 – Improvement Recommended: Not unsafe but could be improved
FI – Further Investigation: Needs more detailed checks
To comply with regulations, C1, C2 and FI items must be fixed. C3 items are advisory but often worth considering during renovations or upgrades.
Signs You May Need an EICR Sooner
Even if you’re within recommended timeframes, book an inspection if you notice:
- Burning smells from sockets or switches
- Buzzing or crackling noises
- Discoloured or warm fittings
- Frequent tripping circuits
- Flickering lighting across the house
- An old fuse box without RCD protection
Electrical issues rarely resolve themselves — they usually get worse.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
The cost of an EICR depends on factors such as the size of the property, the number of circuits, and the number of consumer units (boards). At Kerdon Electrical Ltd, we provide competitive, transparent quotes based on your specific property. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
Why Choose Kerdon Electrical Ltd?
As a trusted local electrician in Yaxley and the surrounding areas, we offer:
✔ Fully qualified and experienced electricians
✔ Clear and detailed written reports
✔ Honest advice & competitive pricing
✔ Compliance with BS 7671 regulations
✔ Reliable service for homeowners & landlords
We regularly work with landlords, letting agents, property managers, and private homeowners.
Final Thoughts
An EICR is one of the simplest ways to ensure a property’s electrics are safe, compliant and fit for use. Whether you’re fulfilling landlord responsibilities or checking your own home’s safety, it’s an investment that protects both people and property.
If you need an EICR or have questions about electrical safety, we’re here to help.
📍 Serving: Yaxley and surrounding areas
📞 Call: 07490 642 810
📧 Email: via our contact form
