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If you’re a landlord or homeowner looking for an electrical inspection in London, understanding common EICR faults can help you stay compliant and keep your property safe. An EICR is more than just a formal requirement—it’s a thorough assessment that can uncover hidden dangers before they escalate. This guide covers the top 5 faults commonly discovered during these inspections and what you can do to avoid them.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive review of your electrical system. It checks for wear and tear, outdated equipment, and potential hazards. In London, these inspections are especially important for rental properties due to strict safety regulations.
London properties often have ageing wiring systems. A regular electrical inspection in London ensures that tenants are safe and that landlords meet their legal obligations. EICRs are also key to preventing fires and accidents caused by electrical faults.
If you rent out a property in London, an EICR is legally required every five years or at the start of a new tenancy. Homeowners are not obligated by law, but regular inspections are highly recommended, particularly before buying or selling a home.
During an electrical inspection in London, certified electricians assess the condition of your consumer unit, wiring, earthing system, and more. Their goal is to identify EICR faults and ensure everything complies with the latest UK standards.
• C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate threat; requires urgent action.
• C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Needs attention but not an emergency.
• C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Safe for now, but not ideal.
• FI (Further Investigation) – Additional checks required for clarity.
Older fuse boxes are among the most frequent EICR faults. They often lack modern safety features like RCD protection and may contain rewirable fuses.
Wooden-backed units, round fuses, or no RCDs indicate an outdated consumer unit. These often lead to C2 classifications during an electrical inspection in London.
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is critical for detecting current leakage and preventing electric shocks. Lack of RCDs is a major EICR fault, especially in circuits used for bathrooms, outdoor sockets, and general use.
To pass your electrical inspection in London, ensure that key circuits are RCD-protected. If not, it will be flagged as a C2 fault.
Frayed or cracked wiring is a fire hazard and frequently cited as one of the most dangerous EICR faults.
Electricians look for visual signs of wear and carry out testing during your electrical inspection in London. Damaged wiring may result in a C1 or C2 rating.
Overloading often happens when too many high-demand appliances are connected to a single circuit, especially in kitchen areas or HMOs.
This common EICR fault can cause overheating and fires. During an electrical inspection in London, signs of circuit stress or scorch marks can lead to a C2 classification.
Proper earthing and bonding are vital for safe electricity distribution and protection against shocks.
Missing or undersized earth cables, or lack of bonding to gas and water pipes, are flagged as EICR faults. These typically result in a C2 or FI rating during your electrical inspection in London.
Ignoring EICR faults can lead to electric shocks, property damage, and fires. Timely repairs are essential to protect lives.
Landlords who fail to address faults found in their electrical inspection in London can face fines up to £30,000 and complications with evictions or renewals.
Insurance claims may be denied if a known EICR fault is not repaired and results in damage. Compliance helps you avoid unnecessary losses.
Only use NICEIC-registered or similarly qualified electricians. They understand how to fix EICR faults in line with current regulations.
C1 issues need immediate action. C2 issues should be fixed within 28 days. After remedial work, a follow-up electrical inspection in London may be required to confirm compliance.
Once faults are fixed, your electrician can issue a satisfactory EICR or a certificate confirming all remedial works have been completed properly.
Schedule checks every 2–3 years to prevent problems from escalating.
Professional, certified electricians will spot early signs of deterioration and help you avoid serious EICR faults.
If your electrics are over 25 years old, consider a full rewire or consumer unit upgrade to pass your next electrical inspection in London without issues.
Understanding the top EICR faults and preparing for your next electrical inspection in London ensures your property remains safe, legal, and insurable. Whether you’re a landlord or homeowner, dealing with faults promptly can save lives, money, and legal trouble. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—book your EICR today and stay ahead of potential risks.
