What Actually Happens During an EICR Test
A step-by-step look at the two-to-four hours an engineer spends testing your installation.
Booked an EICR and wondering what the visit involves? Here is what actually happens across the two to four hours an engineer is with you.
Inspection, then testing
The engineer starts with a visual inspection — the consumer unit, accessories, bonding and any visible signs of trouble. Then comes the measured testing: each circuit is isolated in turn and checked for earth continuity, insulation resistance, earth loop impedance, RCD trip times and correct polarity.
Why the power goes off
Testing a circuit means switching it off, so expect a series of short outages rather than one long one. Tell the engineer in advance about anything that cannot lose power — home working, medical equipment, a full freezer — and they will plan the order around it.
A proper EICR tests every circuit and records the readings against each one. That is why it takes hours, not minutes.
At the end you get a plain-English verdict and, within 24–48 hours, your certificate. Book yours.
Need an EICR on this property?
Fixed price before we arrive, digital certificate in 24–48 hours.
Keep reading
More plain-English guidance on EICRs, codes and compliance.
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