An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) requires access to all parts of your electrical installation. Before the inspection, make sure the electrician can access the consumer unit (fuse box) — clear any storage in front of it. If the consumer unit is in a locked cupboard, have the key ready. For properties with multiple consumer units (for example, in a garage or outbuilding), ensure access to all of them.
The electrician will also need access to a representative sample of sockets, switches, and light fittings throughout the property. This does not require any preparation on your part, but it is helpful to ensure rooms are accessible and that furniture has not been pushed against every socket. For sockets behind heavy furniture, moving the furniture beforehand saves time.
You will need to be present at the property for the duration of the inspection, which typically takes 2–4 hours for a 3-bedroom house. The supply to the property will be isolated for short periods during the testing process. It is advisable not to schedule the EICR on a day when the power cut would be particularly inconvenient.
Gather any existing electrical certificates for the property — previous EICRs, installation certificates for the consumer unit or recent works — and have them available for the electrician. These documents help establish the history of the installation and may reduce testing time. If you do not have any previous certificates, that is fine — the inspection proceeds without them. DP Power Solutions provides a full written EICR report, usually within 24 hours of the inspection.
About DP Power Solutions: We are qualified domestic electricians based in Staffordshire, providing EICRs, consumer unit upgrades, rewires, EV charger installation, and more across Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield, Stafford, and the surrounding area.