📅 May 2025⏱️ 7 min read⚡ EICR Tips

An unsatisfactory EICR is not just a compliance headache — it triggers a 28-day clock for remedial work, a requirement to notify your tenant, and potential disruption to a new tenancy. Knowing the common warning signs of an impending EICR failure lets you address issues proactively and potentially avoid an unsatisfactory result altogether.

Here are the five most common signs that your rental property may fail its next EICR inspection — and what you can do about each one.

Sign 1: Old or Dated Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)

The consumer unit (fuse box) is the first thing an EICR inspector checks. If your property has any of the following, it is a strong indicator of potential C2 observations:

  • Old rewirable fuse carriers (ceramic fuses with wire) — indicates very old installation
  • Consumer unit without RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
  • Consumer unit without MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) — uses old fuses instead
  • A split-load board where some circuits are not RCD-protected

What to do: Consider having a qualified electrician assess the consumer unit before your EICR inspection. A consumer unit upgrade to a modern RCBO board costs £400–£800 and will likely move your EICR from unsatisfactory to satisfactory in one action.

Sign 2: Old Wiring Throughout the Property

Wiring age and condition is the other major area. Look for:

  • Rubber-insulated wiring: Old wiring where the rubber insulation has cracked or hardened over time — common in pre-1966 properties
  • Aluminium wiring: Used in some 1960s–70s properties — prone to oxidisation and loosening at connections
  • Single-pole switching: Switches that only disconnect the live conductor, not the neutral
  • No earth wire: Two-core wiring without an earth conductor — older installations used this

What to do: If you know the property has very old wiring, get a preliminary inspection from a qualified electrician before the formal EICR. This gives you a chance to address the worst issues before the report is issued.

⚠️ Pre-1966 Properties: London has a large stock of Victorian and Edwardian properties. Many were rewired in the 1960s or 70s — which means the wiring may now be 50–60 years old. If your property has never had a full rewire, the EICR is likely to find multiple observations.

Sign 3: Sockets or Switches That Feel Warm or Loose

Sockets, switches, or light fittings that feel warm to the touch, are visibly discoloured or scorch-marked, or feel loose in the wall are all warning signs of underlying wiring issues. These are typically C1 or C2 observations:

  • Loose socket faceplates can expose live terminals
  • Warm sockets indicate overloaded circuits or poor connections
  • Discolouration around sockets or switches indicates overheating — a fire risk

What to do: Replace any damaged, warm, or loose sockets and switches before the EICR inspection. A standard single socket replacement costs £50–£100.

Sign 4: No Earth or Bonding Connections

Equipotential bonding connects metal pipework (gas, water, central heating) to the electrical earth, preventing electric shock if a fault occurs. Missing or inadequate bonding is one of the most common C2 observations in London rental properties, particularly in older properties that pre-date modern wiring regulations.

  • The incoming gas pipe (within 600mm of the meter)
  • The incoming water main (before any branching)
  • Central heating pipework in bathrooms

What to do: A qualified electrician can check and install missing bonding connections for £100–£300.

Sign 5: Bathroom or Kitchen Wiring Issues

Bathrooms and kitchens have strict zoning requirements for electrical installations due to the presence of water. Common issues include:

  • Light switches inside bathrooms (not permitted in current standards — pull-cord or outside switch required)
  • Sockets within 3 metres of a bath or shower
  • Extractor fan not on a dedicated circuit
  • Shaver socket too close to water
  • No RCD protection on circuits serving bathrooms or outdoors

What to do: Get a pre-inspection check from a qualified electrician if you suspect any bathroom or kitchen wiring issues. Addressing these before the EICR saves time and potential disruption.

💡 Pre-inspection Check: If your property ticks multiple boxes above, consider asking Cheapest Certificates about a pre-inspection check before the formal EICR. Our electricians can identify and quote for remedial work so you enter the EICR in the best possible position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fail an EICR for not having RCD protection?

Yes. Absence of RCD protection on circuits serving bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor sockets is one of the most common C2 observations. A consumer unit upgrade to add RCD protection is the standard remedy.

How old does wiring have to be to fail an EICR?

There is no age threshold — condition matters more than age. However, pre-1966 rubber-insulated wiring and 1960s aluminium wiring are very commonly found in poor condition.

What is the most common reason an EICR fails in London?

Consumer units without adequate RCD protection. Many London properties built before the 1990s have older fuse boards that pre-date current RCD requirements.

Can I fix things before my EICR to avoid a failure?

Yes. If you identify known issues beforehand, having a qualified electrician address them first can turn a potential unsatisfactory result into a satisfactory one.

How much does it cost to upgrade a consumer unit before an EICR?

£400–£800 for a standard consumer unit upgrade to a modern RCBO board. This is often the single most effective action to avoid an EICR failure in older properties.