It is one of the most common sources of confusion in property compliance: what is the difference between an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate)? The names sound similar, and both relate to electrical safety, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Confusing the two can lead to compliance failures, insurance disputes, and unnecessary costs.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is an assessment of the CONDITION of an EXISTING electrical installation. It answers the question: "Is this property\'s electrical system currently safe, and does it meet current standards?" During an EICR, a qualified electrician inspects and tests every circuit, the consumer unit, earthing, bonding, switches, sockets, and visible wiring. The report identifies any defects, deterioration, or deviations from BS 7671 and assigns classification codes.
An EICR does not involve installing anything new. It is purely diagnostic and evaluative. Think of it as an MOT for your property\'s electrics.
What is an EIC?
An EIC is a certificate issued for NEW electrical work. It confirms that a new installation, addition, or alteration has been designed, erected, and inspected in accordance with BS 7671. You would receive an EIC after a full rewire, a new consumer unit installation, the addition of a new circuit, or any other significant electrical alteration.
Unlike an EICR, which assesses an existing system, an EIC certifies that NEW work has been completed correctly and safely. It provides a baseline for future EICRs — the next inspector will compare the current state of the installation against what was originally certified.
You cannot use an EIC in place of an EICR. An EIC certifies NEW work; an EICR assesses EXISTING installations. If you are a landlord, you need a valid EICR regardless of when your property was last rewired.
When Do You Need an EICR?
- Every 5 years for rented properties (or at every change of tenancy)
- Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
- When buying or selling a property (mortgage lenders often require one)
- After flood or fire damage that may have affected the electrics
- If your insurance policy requires one
- If you are applying for a selective or additional licence
- If you suspect electrical problems (flickering lights, burning smells, frequent RCD trips)
When Do You Need an EIC?
- After a full or partial rewire
- After a new consumer unit (fuse board) installation
- After adding a new circuit (e.g., for an extension, garage, or loft conversion)
- After significant alterations to an existing circuit
- After installing a new electric shower, EV charger, or other high-load appliance on its own circuit
The Certificate Lifecycle
When new electrical work is carried out, the electrician issues an EIC and a Schedule of Inspections and Test Results. This provides a baseline. From that point onwards, periodic EICRs (every 5 or 10 years) assess how the installation has aged, whether new standards have been introduced, and whether any deterioration or damage has occurred.
If your property had a full rewire 20 years ago and you have never had an EICR, that old EIC is now historical documentation — it does not tell you anything about the current condition of the wiring. Rubber cabling may have degraded, consumer units may no longer meet fire safety standards, and previous DIY work may have introduced dangerous faults. Only a current EICR can provide that assurance.
