How Long Should an EICR Take? What a Proper Check Includes

The simple answer

The scope and condition determine the time—not a stopwatch target.

A proper EICR includes preparation, safe isolation, inspection, circuit identification, electrical tests, assessment of results and a completed report. Access problems, faults and agreed limitations all affect the duration.

A very brief visit cannot demonstrate that the full agreed extent has been completed. Ask what will be inspected, what may be limited and whether the quoted price covers the complete report.

What may be happening

What changes the duration.

Number of circuits and boardsMore circuits, outbuildings and distribution boards create more inspection, testing and recording.

AccessFurniture, stored items, locked rooms, lofts and fixed equipment can limit or slow the inspection.

Condition and labellingPoor labels, altered wiring and faults require careful identification and may reveal further investigation.

Property useHomes, rented properties, schools and commercial premises have different sizes, risks and operational constraints.

What to do safely

Prepare for a useful inspection.

01
Provide the property detailsState the property type, bedrooms, approximate age, occupancy and any outbuildings or additional boards.
02
Make electrical points accessibleClear reasonable access to the consumer unit, meter, sockets and fixed equipment without moving anything unsafe.
03
Prepare sensitive equipmentDiscuss alarms, servers, medical equipment and appliances that must not lose power unexpectedly.
04
Share previous reportsOld certificates and known problems help the inspector understand alterations, recurring faults and previous limitations.

An EICR involves live and dead testing by a competent person. Homeowners should not remove consumer-unit covers or open accessories in preparation.

Authoritative guidanceGOV.UK: electrical inspection and reporting ↗

Why thoroughness matters

Hidden defects may not stop the power working.

During one SL4 inspection, a customer’s report of a burning smell led to serious thermal damage and an unterminated conductor being found. Read the real case study →

Common questions

What homeowners usually ask.

Is there a legal minimum time for an EICR?

No single minimum duration applies to every property. The time must be sufficient for the agreed extent of inspection and testing, the number and type of circuits, accessibility, findings and any recorded limitations.

Will the electricity be switched off?

Yes. Circuits normally need to be safely isolated in stages so dead testing and other checks can be completed. The electrician should discuss equipment that cannot be switched off and record agreed limitations.

Does the cheapest EICR include the same work?

Not necessarily. Compare the agreed extent, number of circuits, access, limitations, testing, report and whether observations are explained—not only the headline price.