How Do I Get An Electrical Test Certificate?
A Complete Guide For Homeowners & Landlords
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your property in Bedford, few things are as important as a valid electrical test certificate. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind, a landlord complying with legal obligations, or a business owner safeguarding your premises, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a vital document.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an electrical test certificate – what it is, why it’s important, how to get one, and what to expect during the process.
What Is An Electrical Test Certificate?
An Electrical Test Certificate, more formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is a document issued by a qualified electrician after they have inspected and tested the electrical installations in a property.
It serves as a formal record of the condition of your electrical system and identifies:
Any electrical defects or faults
Non-compliance with current safety standards
Potential safety risks (such as fire or electric shock)
Areas that require immediate or future remedial work
This certificate is not just a formality – it’s a key component of electrical safety and is legally required in many situations.
Do I Need An EICR?
An EICR is highly recommended for all property owners. However, for some, it’s a legal requirement:
Landlords Must obtain an EICR at least every five years (or more frequently if specified) and provide a copy to tenants at the start of a tenancy.
Homeowners: Advised to get one every 10 years or when selling or buying a property.
Businesses & Public Buildings: To maintain safe electrical systems under Health & Safety regulations.
Who Can Issue An Electrical Test Certificate?
This is crucial: An EICR must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician. But it’s not just about being experienced – the electrician should be registered with a recognised scheme provider such as:
NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
These organisations ensure that electricians are fully trained, assessed, and insured. Choosing a registered professional not only guarantees high standards but also ensures that your certificate will be recognised legally and officially.
Here at Bedford Electrician, all our electricians are NICEIC registered, ensuring your EICR is conducted to the highest standards.
How Do I Get An Electrical Test Certificate?
Let’s break down the process so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Choose A Registered Electrician
The first step is to book a qualified electrician who is registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. Don’t hesitate to ask for their registration number or check their credentials online. It’s worth checking reviews, reputation, and whether they have experience in residential or commercial testing, depending on your needs.
If you’re based in Bedford or the surrounding areas, our team would be happy to help.
2. Book The Inspection
Once you’ve chosen your electrician, you’ll arrange a convenient time for them to carry out the inspection. The length of time required will depend on:
The size of the property
The number of circuits in your consumer unit (fuse box)
Whether it’s a domestic or commercial building
For an average 3-bedroom house, the process usually takes around 2-4 hours.
3. The Inspection And Testing Process
During the inspection, the electrician will carry out a visual examination and electrical testing to check:
The adequacy of earthing and bonding
The condition of sockets, switches, and light fittings
The safety of the consumer unit (fuse box)
The presence of residual current devices (RCDs)
Signs of wear and tear, overloading, or overheating
They’ll test each circuit to ensure it is safe and compliant with current BS 7671 Wiring Regulations (also known as the IET Wiring Regulations).
4. Receive Your Electrical Test Certificate
After the inspection is complete, the electrician will issue your EICR.
This report will classify the condition of the installation and highlight any issues found using a simple coding system:
C1 (Danger Present): Immediate action required. Risk of injury or fire.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent remedial work needed.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not dangerous but not compliant with current standards.
FI (Further Investigation Required): Can’t determine safety without further checks.
If your report contains C1 or C2 codes, the installation will be deemed unsatisfactory and remedial work must be carried out before it can pass.
What Happens If Remedial Work Is Needed?
If the EICR identifies problems, your electrician will advise on the necessary remedial work. This could include:
Replacing outdated fuse boxes
Upgrading old wiring
Adding RCD protection
Repairing damaged sockets or switches
Once the remedial work is complete, a Minor Works Certificate or an updated EICR may be issued to confirm that the issues have been resolved.
At Bedford Electrician, we offer full remedial services following an unsatisfactory EICR. We’ll ensure everything is brought up to standard efficiently and with minimal disruption.
How Much Does An EICR Cost?
The cost of an EICR varies based on the size and type of property. Here’s a general guide:
1-bed flat: £150–£200
3-bed house: £250–£350
Larger properties or commercial units: £400+
Remember, this is a safety investment. An accurate EICR can prevent dangerous faults, electrical fires, and even save lives.
We offer competitive and transparent pricing at Bedford Electrician – no hidden fees, just honest service.
Why Choose Bedford Electrician For Your EICR?
At Bedford Electrician, we understand the importance of trust when it comes to electrical safety. All our electricians are:
Fully qualified and NICEIC registered
Experienced in both domestic and commercial testing
Friendly, punctual, and professional
We’ll guide you through the entire process, explain the findings in plain English, and never upsell unnecessary work. Our goal is simple. To keep you, your family, or your tenants safe.
Further Advice
Getting an electrical test certificate might sound like a hassle, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure safety in your home or property. By working with a registered and competent electrician, you’ll gain peace of mind and comply with all the relevant legal and safety standards.
Whether you need a one-off inspection, ongoing landlord support, or help bringing a property up to spec, Bedford Electrician is here to help.
Ready To Book Your EICR In Bedford?
Contact us today to schedule your inspection or to ask any questions you may have about electrical safety, testing, and compliance.
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