How Long Does an EICR Take — and What Happens if it Fails?
Two of the most common questions we get asked before booking an electrical safety certificate are: how long will it take? and what happens if something is wrong? This guide answers both clearly so you know exactly what to expect on the day — and afterwards. If you're new to EICRs, it's worth reading our overview of what an EICR is and who needs one first.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
The honest answer is that it depends on the size and age of the property, and how many circuits need testing. That said, here are typical timeframes for domestic properties:
| Property Size | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or house | 2–3 hours |
| 3 bedroom house | 3–4 hours |
| 4–5 bedroom house | 4–6 hours |
| Large or older property | 6+ hours or split over two visits |
Commercial properties vary significantly depending on the number of circuits, distribution boards and the complexity of the installation — we'll always confirm an estimated duration before we start.
What Affects the Duration?
Several factors can add time to an inspection:
- Age of the wiring — older installations often have more circuits and may require more careful testing
- Number of circuits — each circuit needs to be individually tested
- Access to consumer unit and wiring — if cables are buried or boxed in, accessing them takes longer
- Previous remedial work — any past repairs need to be assessed as part of the inspection
- Size of the consumer unit — a larger board with more ways means more circuits to test
Power off: The electricity supply will need to be switched off for part of the inspection. This is unavoidable — the dead testing phase checks insulation resistance and continuity, both of which require circuits to be de-energised. It's worth unplugging sensitive equipment beforehand.
What Happens if the EICR Fails?
An EICR doesn't strictly "pass" or "fail" — it's classed as either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The outcome depends on the codes assigned to any observations found during the inspection:
| Code | Meaning | Effect on Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present — risk of injury or death | Unsatisfactory — immediate action required |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous condition | Unsatisfactory — urgent remedial work needed |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Report can still be Satisfactory |
| FI | Further investigation required | May affect outcome depending on findings |
If your report comes back with only C3 observations, it can still be issued as Satisfactory — these are recommendations rather than requirements. If there are any C1 or C2 codes, the report will be Unsatisfactory and remedial work is required.
What Happens Next With an Unsatisfactory Report?
An unsatisfactory result isn't a disaster — it simply means faults need to be rectified. Here's the typical process:
- You receive the full EICR report detailing every observation and its code
- A quote is provided for the remedial work required
- The remedial work is carried out and tested
- An Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate is issued for the work completed
- The EICR can then be re-assessed or a new inspection scheduled if significant work was carried out
Landlords — Your Legal Obligations if the EICR Fails
If you're a landlord and your EICR comes back unsatisfactory, you are legally required to: (see our full rental property electrical checklist for everything you need to have in order before a new tenancy begins)
- Have the remedial work completed within 28 days of receiving the report (or sooner if the report specifies it)
- Provide written confirmation that the work has been completed to your tenants
- Supply the updated documentation to your local authority on request
In the case of a C1 observation (immediate danger), the electrical supply to that circuit or the whole property may need to be isolated until the fault is resolved. We take every C1 finding seriously and will discuss the safest course of action with you on the day.
Can you rent out a property with an unsatisfactory EICR? Technically yes — but only if the remedial work is completed within 28 days. You cannot knowingly allow tenants to occupy a property with a C1 fault without addressing it immediately. Doing so could expose you to significant legal and financial liability.
Common Reasons EICRs Come Back Unsatisfactory
These are the faults we most commonly find during inspections in older properties across the North East:
- No RCD protection on circuits (pre-2008 consumer units often lack this)
- Outdated wiring — older rubber or aluminium wiring that has degraded
- Inadequate earthing or bonding
- Overloaded circuits
- DIY wiring that doesn't meet current regulations
- Missing or damaged socket faceplates and accessories
Many of these issues can be resolved in a single follow-up visit. A consumer unit upgrade will often address several C2 observations in one job — our guide to when you need a new consumer unit explains the signs to look for.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
For domestic properties in Darlington and across the North East, our EICR reports start from £120. The exact price depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. We always confirm a fixed price before we start — no hidden extras.
We carry out EICR reports for landlords, homeowners and commercial clients across Darlington, Teesside, Durham and surrounding areas. Get in touch for a fast quote.
Influx Electrical provides EICR reports in Darlington, Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and surrounding areas. Call 07950 388658 for a fast quote.