Why Your Home Needs an EICR – The MOT for Your Electrical System
We all know a car needs an MOT every year to make sure it’s safe. But most people never think about testing their home’s electrics. The wiring behind the walls, the sockets, and the consumer unit all wear down over time. Just because it works doesn’t mean it’s safe.
An EICR, short for Electrical Installation Condition Report, is basically an MOT for your electrical system. It’s a full check carried out by a qualified electrician to make sure everything meets the latest standards set out in BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). The test looks for faults, deterioration, and anything that could cause a fire or electric shock.
Why it’s important
Electricity is something most people don’t notice until there’s a problem. Loose connections, damaged cables, or old wiring can lead to serious risks like overheating, tripping circuits, or even fire. An EICR helps find these faults before they cause any harm. It also gives you proof that your installation is safe and compliant, which is important for insurance and when selling or renting a property.
For landlords, it’s a legal requirement. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations mean every rental property must have a valid EICR at least every five years. Homeowners don’t have the same legal duty, but it’s strongly recommended to have one done regularly.
When BS 7671 says testing should be done
According to BS 7671 and Guidance Note 3, the recommended times between inspections are:
Domestic homes – every 10 years or at change of occupancy
Rental properties – every 5 years or at change of tenancy
Commercial properties – every 5 years (can vary depending on council or local authority requirements)
Construction sites – every 3 months
Caravan parks – every year
If you ever notice tripping circuits, flickering lights, burning smells, or damaged sockets, you shouldn’t wait for your next test. Get it checked straight away.
What happens during an EICR
The test involves both visual checks and electrical testing. The electrician will look for damage, overheating, incorrect wiring, missing earthing, or anything unsafe. They will also test circuits, RCDs, and bonding to make sure everything works as it should.
Each finding is given a code:
C1: Danger present, needs fixing immediately
C2: Could become dangerous, needs attention soon
C3: Improvement recommended
FI: Further investigation required
You’ll get a report at the end showing the overall condition. If it’s “satisfactory”, you’re good until the next inspection is due. If it’s “unsatisfactory”, the faults must be repaired before the installation can be classed as safe.
Why EcoGrid recommends regular checks
At EcoGrid Renewables, we treat electrical safety as the foundation for everything we do. Before fitting solar panels, battery storage, or EV chargers, we always make sure the existing electrical system is sound. There’s no point in adding renewable energy equipment onto an unsafe setup. Regular EICR testing keeps your system safe, protects your investment, and ensures compliance with BS 7671.
Final thoughts
If your home or rental property hasn’t had an EICR in the last few years, it’s worth getting one done. Think of it like your home’s MOT. It’s a small cost for peace of mind and can prevent major issues later on.
Book Your Electrical Safety Check
If you’re not sure when your electrics were last tested, now’s the time to find out.
Our qualified team carry out professional EICR tests across Scotland for homes, landlords, and businesses.