Electrical
Wade McGrory
Founder
Date Published
January 29, 2025
If you're a property owner in Leicestershire, 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 and Electrics, we carry out hundreds of these essential safety inspections each year across Coalville and the surrounding areas. Here's everything you need to know.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive safety inspection of your property's electrical systems. Think of it as an MOT for your electrics – a thorough health check that identifies any potential dangers, deterioration, or non-compliance with current safety standards.
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 They're looking for anything that could pose a safety risk, from outdated wiring to overloaded circuits.
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:
Commercial property owners typically need EICRs every three to five years, depending on the type of business.
As NAPIT Domestic Installers with over 20 years' experience, our process at WaterTight Plumbing and 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:
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.
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.
EICR costs vary depending on property size and complexity. A typical three-bedroom house in Leicestershire might cost between £200-£400 for a comprehensive report. While this might seem expensive, consider it against the potential costs of electrical fires, insurance claims being rejected, or legal issues for landlords.
If remedial work is needed, you'll want a qualified electrician to carry it out. At WaterTight Plumbing and 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.
Not all electricians can carry out EICRs. You need someone who is:
At WaterTight Plumbing and 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.
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 and 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.
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