How Long Does an EICR Take? A Room-by-Room Guide

One of the first things landlords and tenants ask before an EICR is how long the power will be off and how long the electrician will be in the property. The honest answer depends on the size of the home and the age of the wiring. This guide breaks it down room by room so you can plan access and tell your tenant what to expect.

Typical EICR times by property size

• Studio or one bedroom flat: about 2 hours.
• Two bedroom flat: 2 to 3 hours.
• Three bedroom house: 3 to 4 hours.
• Four bedrooms or more, or an HMO: half a day or longer, depending on the number of circuits and boards.

The number that really drives the time is circuits, not rooms. A modern board with clearly labelled circuits is quicker than an old fuse box where every circuit has to be traced.

Room by room: what happens where

Consumer unit (fuse board)

Most of the testing starts here. The electrician isolates each circuit in turn and tests it, so this is when the power goes off, usually in short bursts rather than for the whole visit. Clear the cupboard in front of the board before the visit to save time.

Kitchen

Sockets, the cooker circuit, extractor and any built-in appliances are checked. Main bonding to the gas and water pipes is usually found under the sink or near the meters.

Bathroom

Light fittings, the shower circuit, extractor fan and any shaver socket are checked against the zones around the bath and shower. RCD protection and bonding are tested here.

Bedrooms and living rooms

A sample of sockets, switches and light fittings is inspected and tested on each circuit. Furniture blocking sockets slows things down, so a quick clear-out helps.

Loft and outside

Where it is safe to access, the loft is checked for old cable, junction boxes and lighting. Outside sockets and lights are tested too.

How long the power is off

Expect several short power cuts across the visit, each lasting a few minutes while a circuit is tested. Fridges and freezers are fine with short breaks, but it is worth telling tenants to save their work and switch off computers. Anyone working from home should plan around it.

How to make it quicker

• Make sure the board, loft hatch and meter cupboard can be reached.
• Have any previous EICR or EIC to hand, as it speeds up circuit identification.
• Tell the electrician about any extensions, outbuildings or second boards in advance.
• Arrange access with the tenant for the whole slot, not just the start.

Booking an EICR in London

Energy North carries out EICR certificates across North, East and West London from £100, with a fixed price agreed when you book and the report emailed the same day. If you are thinking about a charge point, the same visit can confirm whether the supply is ready for an EV charger installation.

Read next

Not sure which certificate you need? See EICR vs EIC vs Minor Works certificate.