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    Why Would an EICR Fail?

    Home — Blog — Why Would an EICR Fail?

    A South London Homeowner’s Guide

    If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager in South London, you’ve probably heard the term EICR – short for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s one of those important safety checks that can make all the difference in preventing dangerous electrical faults, and in some cases, meeting legal obligations.

    However, not every EICR passes without issue. In fact, many properties – even ones that seem fine on the surface – can fail due to underlying faults or outdated installations. A failed EICR doesn’t always mean your property is unsafe to live in immediately, but it does mean there are electrical issues that need attention.

    This guide will explain, in plain, jargon-free language, why an EICR might fail, what the inspection codes mean, and how to fix and prevent these issues. We’ll also use real-world examples from homes and rental properties in Croydon, Bromley, Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Epsom, Beckenham, Chelsea, and Orpington, so you can see exactly how these situations occur in our local area.

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    What is an EICR and Why Does It Matter?

    An Electrical Installation Condition Report is essentially a detailed safety assessment of your home or building’s electrical system. Think of it like an MOT for your electrics — it ensures everything is functioning correctly, complies with current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671), and isn’t posing a safety risk to you or your tenants.

    During an EICR, a qualified electrician will test and inspect the wiring, fuse board (also called a consumer unit), sockets, switches, lighting, and any visible parts of the installation. They’ll be looking for faults, damage, or outdated equipment. The aim is to identify potential fire hazards, risks of electric shock, or other dangers that might not be visible day-to-day.

    For landlords in South London, EICRs are a legal requirement every 5 years, or sooner if recommended. Failing to provide an up-to-date, satisfactory EICR can lead to fines or legal action. For homeowners, while not legally required, an EICR is highly recommended — especially if you’re buying, selling, renovating, or haven’t had your electrics checked in over a decade.

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    The Main Reasons an EICR Might Fail

    When an EICR fails, it means that one or more faults found during the inspection are serious enough to need repair before the installation can be declared safe. While every property is different, there are some common themes we see across South London.

    Outdated or Unsafe Wiring

    If your property still has old rubber, lead, or aluminium wiring, it’s likely to fail straight away. Modern PVC-insulated copper wiring is the standard now, as older materials degrade and become brittle over time.

    For example, in a Bromley terraced house, we found wiring from the 1960s hidden behind newly decorated walls. The insulation had dried out and cracked, exposing the conductors underneath — a serious fire hazard that wouldn’t have been spotted without an EICR.

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    Poor Earthing and Bonding

    Earthing ensures that if something goes wrong, excess electricity has a safe path to travel rather than shocking someone. Bonding connects certain parts of the installation (like metal water or gas pipes) to the earth for extra protection.

    In Croydon, we failed an EICR after discovering that the gas pipework wasn’t bonded at all. Without bonding, a fault could make the entire metal pipe system live — a dangerous and easily preventable situation.

    Overloaded Circuits

    Overloading happens when too many appliances are connected to one circuit, causing overheating. Modern lifestyles often require more power than older electrical setups were designed for.

    In Chelsea, a large kitchen renovation revealed that the oven, dishwasher, and washing machine were all running on the same circuit. Not only did this cause constant tripping, but it also risked overheating the wiring.

    Lack of RCD Protection

    Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are life-saving devices that cut the power instantly if they detect a fault. They’re essential for protecting against electric shocks, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

    Many older consumer units don’t have RCD protection, which results in an automatic fail. In one Twickenham home, the owners were shocked to discover their fuse board was over 30 years old and had no RCDs at all.

    Visible Damage or Deterioration

    Sometimes, the cause of failure is as simple as visible damage. This could be frayed flex on a light fitting, exposed wiring, or water damage to electrics.

    For example, in Epsom, a failed EICR uncovered that the bathroom extractor fan had water dripping directly onto the electrics inside. Without the inspection, this could easily have led to a shock or fire.

    Understanding the EICR Codes

    The results of your EICR will list issues alongside a code, which indicates how serious the problem is.

    • C1 – Danger Present
      This means there’s an immediate risk of injury. It must be repaired or made safe straight away.
      Example: Exposed live wiring on a hallway light fitting in Beckenham.

    • C2 – Potentially Dangerous
      Urgent action is needed to fix these issues before they cause harm.
      Example: A bathroom in Epsom with no RCD protection.

    • C3 – Improvement Recommended
      Not unsafe right now, but upgrading would make the installation safer.
      Example: An outdated plastic fuse board in Orpington.

    • FI – Further Investigation Required
      Something unusual was found that needs more checks before it can be classified.
      Example: Flickering lights in a Richmond property indicating a possible hidden wiring fault.

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    Get in Touch with Contact Electrician Today

    Electrical safety isn’t something to leave to chance. Whether you’ve just failed an EICR or you’re looking to book your first inspection, our friendly, qualified team at Contact Electrician is here to help.

    We’ve worked in homes and rental properties across South London — from the busy streets of Croydon and Bromley to the leafy suburbs of Richmond, Wimbledon, and Twickenham — and we know the common electrical issues found in properties in these areas. No matter the size of the job, we approach every inspection and repair with the same attention to detail and commitment to safety.

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