What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection of a property’s fixed electrical installation. It assesses the safety and condition of wiring, consumer units, protective devices, and accessories to identify deterioration, damage, or non-compliance with current regulations.

An EICR helps ensure an installation is safe for continued use and highlights any remedial work required to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

Who Needs an EICR in Gibraltar?

An EICR is recommended for homeowners, landlords, and businesses to ensure electrical installations remain safe and compliant. In Gibraltar, landlords are responsible for ensuring rental properties are electrically safe, and an EICR provides documented evidence of this.

Homeowners may also require an EICR when buying or selling a property, following significant alterations, or if an installation has not been inspected for many years. Commercial premises benefit from regular EICRs to meet safety obligations and reduce operational risk.

What’s Included in an E10 EICR?

An E10 Electrical EICR is a thorough inspection and assessment of the fixed electrical installation. The process includes visual checks, detailed testing, and clear reporting to identify any damage, deterioration, or non-compliance with current safety standards.

Inspections typically cover consumer units, protective devices, earthing and bonding arrangements, circuit wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits, and fixed equipment. All testing is carried out using calibrated professional test equipment, with results clearly documented and explained.

• Visual inspection of electrical accessories and wiring

• Continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity testing

• RCD testing where applicable

• Verification of earthing and bonding arrangements

• Identification of safety concerns and improvement recommendations

• Clear classification codes and written report

How Often Should an EICR Be Carried Out?

The recommended frequency for an EICR depends on the type and use of the property. As a general guide, domestic properties are typically inspected every 5 to 10 years, while rental properties and commercial premises often require more frequent inspections due to higher usage and increased risk.

An EICR is also advised following significant electrical alterations, changes of occupancy, or where there are concerns about the condition of an installation. Regular inspections help identify potential issues early and maintain electrical safety over time.

Understanding EICR Observation Codes

During an EICR, any issues identified are classified using standard observation codes. These codes help indicate the level of risk and whether remedial work is required. Understanding what each code means allows property owners to make informed decisions about electrical safety.

• C1 - Danger Present
Immediate risk of injury. Urgent action required.

• C2 - Potentially Dangerous
A safety concern that should be addressed as soon as possible.

• C3 - Improvement Recommended
The installation does not meet current standards but is not considered unsafe.

Observation codes are not a judgement on workmanship, but a method of clearly communicating the condition of an installation at the time of inspection.