Last winter, a homeowner in Manchester told me how their power cut out right in the middle of a family dinner. Turned out their electrics hadn’t been checked in years. The sockets were worn, wires loose, and the EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) was long overdue. The electrician said the whole thing could’ve started a fire if they’d left it another few months.
That story sticks because it shows why EICR frequency really matters. Most people don’t think about it until something breaks. But waiting until then can cost a lot more than a regular check.
What is an EICR anyway?
An EICR is just a health check for the electrics in a house or building. An electrician comes out, looks at all the wiring, sockets, lights, fuse board, and writes a report. They mark down anything unsafe, outdated, or needing repair. Think of it like an MOT for your home’s electrics.
How often should EICRs be done at home?
For normal homes, most electricians say every 10 years or whenever a property changes hands. But that’s the maximum gap. If the house is older, has a lot of DIY work done over the years, or you’ve noticed lights flickering, it might need it sooner.
Many landlords in the UK now need an EICR every 5 years for rental homes. That’s not just advice, it’s the law.
Why does EICR frequency matter more in older homes?
Older homes around places like Leeds, Birmingham, and even in London terraces often still have the original wiring from the 60s or 70s. Back then, the demand for electrics was a lot smaller. No big TVs, gaming consoles, or endless chargers. That old wiring can’t always handle today’s load.
I once heard from a couple in Liverpool who had sockets that literally sparked when they plugged in a heater. Their EICR hadn’t been done in 12 years. The report showed brittle wires and no RCD protection at all. Fixing it was expensive, but at least they caught it before a fire started.
Should businesses do EICRs more often?
Yes. Shops, offices, and factories use a lot more power every day compared to a home. The general guide is every 5 years for commercial spaces. But places like schools, gyms, or anywhere the public comes in might need them even sooner.
Are there signs you need an EICR sooner?
Yeah, a few red flags:
-
Lights that flicker or dim for no reason
-
Burning smells near sockets
-
Fuses that keep blowing
-
Shocks when plugging something in
-
Old fuse boxes with no trip switches
If any of these happen, don’t wait for the calendar date. Call an electrician and get it checked.
Do seasons affect EICR frequency?
Cold weather puts extra pressure on electrics. In winter, heaters, kettles, and tumble dryers all run more often. That’s when weak spots in wiring usually show up. Summer brings fans, AC units, and garden equipment, which can also strain the system.
A lot of homeowners in northern towns wait until after winter to book an EICR because that’s when faults usually show. But waiting until something breaks isn’t smart.
How do landlords handle EICRs?
Since 2020, landlords in England have been legally required to get an EICR every 5 years. Some councils are stricter and might check compliance more often. Tenants also have the right to ask for a copy of the report.
Skipping it isn’t worth the risk. Fines can be heavy, and if something happens, insurance might not pay out.
What’s the risk of skipping an EICR?
The biggest risk is fire. Faulty electrics are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. The second is electrocution, which happens more than people think.
There was a story in Sheffield where a family’s tumble dryer overloaded an old circuit. The wiring failed, and the fire spread fast. Their EICR hadn’t been done in 15 years. A simple check might’ve spotted the weak wiring before it failed.
Is an EICR worth the cost?
Some folks see it as just another bill. But if an EICR costs a few hundred pounds and stops a £10,000 fire or saves a life, it’s cheap in the long run.
So, how often should you get one?
Here’s the short version:
-
Homeowners: Every 10 years (or sooner if issues show up)
-
Landlords: Every 5 years by law
-
Businesses: Every 5 years, sometimes sooner
-
Older houses: Don’t wait for the full 10 years
Final thoughts
Skipping or delaying an EICR is like ignoring a rattling sound in a car. Maybe nothing happens today, but sooner or later, something gives. Getting one on time is peace of mind, and it keeps everyone safe.
If your last report is gathering dust from years ago, it’s probably time to book a new one.
Also Read: a2l nrefrigerants
FAQs
How often do you do EICR?
Most homes need an EICR every 10 years. Landlords must do it every 5 years by law. Businesses also stick to 5 years, but some public places need them sooner. If the house is old or you’ve noticed problems, don’t wait for the full time.
What is the lifespan of the EICR?
An EICR is valid until the next one is due. For homeowners, that’s 10 years, for landlords, it’s 5. But the report itself is just a snapshot of that day. If things change in the wiring after, the report won’t cover it.
How often should I check my electrical wiring?
Even if the full EICR frequency is 10 years, it’s smart to keep an eye on the wiring all the time. Look out for flickering lights, hot sockets, or burning smells. If you see those signs, call an electrician straight away.
How often should an electrical safety audit be performed?
An electrical safety audit is basically the same as an EICR. Homes should have one every 10 years, rentals every 5 years, and businesses every 5 years. If the building is older or has heavy electrical use, audits may need to happen more often.
Admin