EICR Inspections in Horley & Surrey
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a full inspection and test of a property's fixed electrical installation - the wiring, consumer unit, circuits, earthing and bonding carried out by a qualified electrician and tested against current BS 7671 wiring regulations. We carry out EICRs for homeowners, landlords and businesses across Horley, Crawley, Reigate, Redhill, Earlswood and the wider Surrey and West Sussex area, and we already meet the qualification standard that becomes mandatory from October 2026.
What Is an EICR, Exactly?
An EICR isn't a visual check - it's a two-stage process. First, a visual inspection of everything accessible: the consumer unit, wiring where visible, accessories and the incoming supply. Then, using calibrated test equipment, every circuit in the property is individually tested. Continuity checks confirm the earth and bonding connections are complete. Insulation resistance testing checks the condition of the cable insulation itself, which is where a lot of hidden deterioration actually shows up.
For a typical two or three-bedroom property, the whole process takes two to four hours. The result is a formal written report grading any issues found and confirming whether the installation is safe for continued use.
The October 2026 Qualification Change
From 1 October 2026, new minimum qualification requirements come into force for anyone legally permitted to carry out an EICR in the UK. Not every electrician currently offering the service will meet the new standard.
MS Electrical Solutions already holds all three required qualifications, including the 2391-52 Inspection and Testing certification specifically. If you need an EICR carried out in the next few months, it's worth checking your electrician's qualifications now, not after a report's already been issued by someone who won't meet the standard.
We've written a full, detailed breakdown of exactly what's changing and why, including what happens to EICRs already carried out under the old rules - read the complete guide here or our handy video below.
What Happens During the Inspection
You'll get a realistic time window, not a vague estimate. On arrival, we walk the property first — understanding the age of the installation, any known issues, and areas that need particular attention — before any testing starts.
Every circuit gets tested individually, not just a general check. If something's found, it's explained in plain terms on the spot, not left as a code on a report you have to decode later. Where remedial work is identified and you'd like us to carry it out, we can quote for that immediately and often complete minor remedial work the same day.
EICR Pricing
Domestic EICR inspections start from around £160 for a one-bedroom property, rising with property size and circuit count. Commercial inspections start from around £350. We confirm a fixed price before the inspection begins - never after.
See the full price guide for a detailed breakdown by property size.
Understanding Your Report: C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes
Every finding on an EICR gets a code. C1 means danger present, needing immediate attention. C2 means a potentially dangerous issue requiring remedial work within 28 days. C3 is a recommendation for improvement, not a safety failure. FI - Further Investigation - sits differently again: it means something couldn't be fully verified as safe from a standard inspection, usually an access issue rather than a danger.
The rules around FI codes changed recently, and it's a nuance worth understanding properly if you've had one on a report before - read our full explanation of what FI actually means and why it matters.
EICR Inspections in Earlswood (Case Study)
We carry out a significant number of EICRs across Earlswood, for both homeowners and landlords managing rental properties in the area. Earlswood's mix of older and more recently built housing means findings vary a lot property to property - older installations more often show ageing consumer units or missing RCD protection, while newer builds are more likely to pass with only minor observations.
Same qualification standard, same fixed pricing, same-day digital certification, whether it's a single let in Earlswood or a portfolio spread across Surrey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection and test of a property's fixed electrical installation, covering the wiring, consumer unit, circuits, earthing and bonding, tested against current BS 7671 wiring regulations.
How much does an EICR cost?
Domestic EICR inspections start from around £160, depending on property size and circuit count. Commercial inspections start from around £350. We always confirm a fixed price before the inspection begins.
How long does an EICR take?
For a typical two or three-bedroom property, an EICR takes between two and four hours, covering both the visual inspection and full circuit testing.
Who is qualified to carry out an EICR from October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, new minimum qualification requirements come into force, including the 2391-52 Inspection and Testing certification. MS Electrical Solutions already meets all three required qualifications.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory result means one or more issues need addressing, usually within 28 days for anything coded C1 or C2. We can quote for and carry out remedial work directly, then re-certify the installation.
Do landlords legally need an EICR?
Yes. Private landlords in England have been legally required to hold a valid EICR for every rental property since April 2021, renewed at least every five years or at the start of any new tenancy, whichever is sooner.