If you're a homeowner scheduled for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or an electrician looking to improve your testing skills, this comprehensive guide reveals the most common EICR failures and how to avoid them. Based on real-world inspection footage, I'll walk you through the entire EICR process, highlighting crucial checkpoints and potential issues along the way.

What is an EICR and When Do You Need One?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is essentially an "MOT for your house electrics." It involves a thorough inspection of all electrical systems in your property, including both visual checks and electrical tests to ensure everything is operating safely.

When You Need an EICR:

• Residential properties: Every 10 years
• Rental properties: Every 5 years (legal requirement for landlords)
• When buying a new home: Recommended before moving in
• Commercial properties: More frequently than residential
• Special properties: Thatched houses may require more frequent testing for insurance purposes

If you're unsure whether your property needs an EICR, check your consumer unit (fuse box) for an inspection sticker with the last test date. If there's no sticker, you probably need one!

Essential Tools for a Proper EICR Inspection

Having the right equipment makes all the difference when conducting a thorough EICR:

Must-Have Tools:

• Multi-function tester: The primary testing device for all electrical parameters
• R2 long wonder lead: For continuity testing throughout the property
• Jump leads: For R1 and R2 testing
• Quality hand tools: Screwdrivers and long-nose pliers
• Inspection mirror: For visual inspections in tight spaces

Nice-to-Have Tools:

• Electric screwdriver (speeds up the process)
• Inspection light or head torch
• Earth leakage clamp meter
• Sharp utility knife
• Portable power bank (to maintain power to the client's router when circuits are turned off)
• Socket plug-in tester

The EICR Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Client Communication

Before starting, always:

• Explain the entire process to the customer
• Discuss when power will need to be turned off
• Ask about any known electrical issues or recent work
• Identify any areas with limited access
• Locate important components (consumer unit, bonding points, outbuildings)

Step 2: Visual Inspection

Start at the meter box and check:

• Main cutout fuse rating (typically 100A)
• Supply type (most UK homes use PME/TN-C-S)
• Phase identification (red dot indicates red/brown phase)
• Supply configuration (single cable vs. loop)
• Main isolator rating
• Condition of meter and tails

Then move to the consumer unit:

• Remove cover carefully
• Check terminal connections
• Look for thermal damage or signs of arcing
• Note the overall condition
• Document any non-standard configurations

Step 3: Main Bonding Inspection

Check bonding to:

• Water pipes (near main stopcock)
• Gas pipes (at entry point)
• Oil supply if present

Pro Tip for Electricians: Remember that bonding clamps should be within 600mm of the main stopcock and before any joins in the pipework. Also, if the incoming water supply is plastic, there's technically no requirement for bonding, though it's often done anyway.

7 Common Reasons for EICR Failures

1. Missing or Inadequate Main Bonding

One of the most frequent failures is missing or inadequate bonding to incoming metal services. When checking water, gas, or oil supplies, ensure proper bonding conductors are installed and correctly terminated.

2. Unearthed Metal Light Fittings

Metal light fittings without proper earthing are a serious safety hazard. If a live wire contacts the metal casing and there's no earth connection, the circuit breaker won't trip, creating shock risk.

3. Non-Compliant Bathroom Electrics

Bathroom electrics must adhere to strict zoning regulations:

• Zone 0: Inside the bath/shower
• Zone 1: Above the bath/shower up to 2.25m
• Zone 2: Area extending 600mm around the bath/shower
• Outside zones: Above 2.25m height

Electrical equipment must be appropriate for its zone, and adequate IP ratings are essential.

4. Missing RCD Protection

Modern installations should have RCD protection for:

• All socket circuits
• Bathroom lighting circuits
• Cables buried in walls less than 50mm deep
• Outdoor equipment

Older consumer units with partial or no RCD protection will typically fail an EICR with a C2 code.

5. Broken Ring Circuits

Ring circuits must be continuous to distribute load properly. A broken ring means all power flows down one side, potentially overloading the conductor and causing fires.

Electrician's Note: Always perform the end-to-end and figure-of-eight tests to verify ring continuity. Record the highest readings when testing each socket.

6. Poor Downlight Installations

Common issues include:

• Exposed conductors
• Missing earth connections
• Improper connections without junction boxes
• Non-fire-rated fittings where required

Many DIY downlight installations fail due to these problems. When inspecting, check a representative sample and look for consistent issues.

7. Low Insulation Resistance

Insulation resistance testing checks that the insulation on cables is intact and not breaking down. Low readings (below 2 MΩ) indicate potential issues like:

• Damaged cable insulation
• Screws penetrating cables
• Water ingress
• Component failure

Understanding EICR Codes

When an issue is found during inspection, it's classified by a code:

Code C1: Danger Present

Immediate action required. There's a risk of injury or death.

Code C2: Potentially Dangerous

Not immediately dangerous but could become hazardous if another fault occurs. Results in an unsatisfactory EICR.

Code C3: Improvement Recommended

Not dangerous but doesn't comply with current regulations. Improvements suggested but doesn't fail the EICR.

FI: Further Investigation Required

Something concerning that needs additional investigation. Results in an unsatisfactory EICR until resolved.

Essential Tests for a Complete EICR

Earth Fault Loop Impedance (Ze)

Measures the resistance of cables back to the transformer. For TN-C-S systems, this should be below 0.35Ω.

Prospective Fault Current (PFC)

Shows the maximum current that would flow during a fault. Ensures circuit breakers can handle potential fault currents.

Ring Continuity Testing

Verifies ring circuits are properly continuous with no breaks. Includes:

• End-to-end tests on line, neutral, and CPC
• Cross-continuity (figure-of-eight) tests

R1+R2 Testing

Checks earth continuity to the furthest point of each circuit. Results should align with calculated values based on cable type and length.

Insulation Resistance

Tests the integrity of cable insulation. Readings should be above 2MΩ for a pass.

RCD Testing

Verifies RCDs trip within the required timeframe (200ms at rated current).

Tips for Electricians Performing EICRs

1. Document everything with photos: Take pictures at each stage to reference later and include in reports.
2. Stay organized: Use a systematic approach to ensure no circuits are missed.
3. Communicate limitations: If you can't access certain areas, document this as a limitation in your report.
4. Check earth leakage: Using a clamp meter to check overall earth leakage can identify potential nuisance tripping issues.
5. Verify after testing: Always ensure everything is reconnected and functioning before leaving.
6. Be thorough with labeling: Check for required labels like solar PV warnings.
7. Remember proper testing sequence: While there's an official sequence for initial verification, EICR testing often uses a modified approach for efficiency.

Final Thoughts

A proper EICR isn't just a box-ticking exercise—it's a crucial safety check that protects lives and property. Whether you're a homeowner wanting to understand what happens during an EICR or an electrician honing your skills, thorough testing and attention to detail are essential.

By understanding these common reasons for EICR failures, you can either prepare your property better or improve your testing practices to ensure electrical installations remain safe and compliant.

Remember, electrical safety isn't just about passing an inspection—it's about protecting people from genuine hazards that could lead to electric shocks or fires. Always prioritize safety over convenience, and never hesitate to recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.