EICR Failed Due to Incorrect Circuit Labelling in London
How Long Does an EICR Take in London? Full Guide for Homeowners & Landlords (2025)
7 September 2025
EICR Certificates,EICR Guide
✅ Introduction
Electrical safety is a top priority for London property owners. Whether you’re a landlord renting out a flat in Chelsea, a homeowner in Battersea, or managing a commercial space in Central London, you’ve probably heard about the EICR certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
But one of the most common questions we get asked is simple:
👉 How long does an EICR take?
The answer isn’t the same for every property. It depends on factors like property size, age of wiring, and whether any issues are found. This guide breaks it all down for you.
🔎 What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a professional inspection of your property’s electrical systems. The report highlights whether the wiring, circuits, sockets, and consumer unit are safe or if remedial work is needed.
In London, EICRs are legally required for:
- Landlords renting to tenants
- Commercial properties (offices, shops, hospitality)
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
Even for homeowners, an EICR is highly recommended every 5–10 years, especially if buying, selling, or renovating a property.
🔗 Learn more about our EICR Services.
🏠 How Long Does an EICR Take?
On average, an EICR inspection takes between 1 and 4 hours.
- 1–2 hours → Small flats or modern homes with up-to-date wiring
- 2–3 hours → Average-sized houses or small commercial units
- 3–4+ hours → Large properties, HMOs, or older buildings with complex wiring
If remedial issues are found (like faulty sockets or missing bonding), the inspection may take longer or require a follow-up visit.
Factors That Affect EICR Duration
Several factors determine how long an EICR takes in London:
1. Size of the Property
- 1-bed flat: 1–2 hours
- 2–3 bed house: 2–3 hours
- Large homes or HMOs: 3–5 hours
2. Property Age & Condition
Older properties with outdated wiring require more testing and documentation.
3. Access to Circuitsn
If sockets, fuse boards, or wiring are hidden behind furniture, inspections take longer.
4. Domestic vs Commercial
- Domestic properties: generally quicker
- Commercial properties: take longer due to multiple circuits, 3-phase systems, and health & safety requirements
5. Number of Circuits Tested
More circuits = longer testing. A small flat might have 6 circuits, while a large commercial property could have 30+.
Why EICRs Sometimes Take Longer
Some inspections reveal hidden problems. Common issues include:
- Loose connections in consumer units
- Outdated fuse boards without RCD protection
- Damaged sockets or switches
- Missing bonding to water/gas pipes
In these cases, engineers may need extra time to test circuits thoroughly and record accurate results.
🔗 If your property fails, we also offer Remedial Work for Failed EICR Certificates.
How Often Should an EICR Be Done?
- Landlords: every 5 years (or at the start of a new tenancy)
- Homeowners: every 10 years, or when buying/selling a property
- Commercial properties: every 5 years (more frequent for high-risk environments)
🔗 Read our guide on How to Read and Understand an EICR Report.
Time vs Cost: How They’re Linked
The longer an EICR takes, the higher the EICR certificate cost may be.
- Small flat inspection (1–2 hours): from £120–£150
- 3-bed house (2–3 hours): from £180–£220
- Large property / HMO (3–5 hours): from £250+
🔗 Use our EICR Certificate Cost Guide to estimate your property.
EICR Timeframes by Property Type
| Property Type | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Flat | 1–2 hours | Quick inspection, few circuits |
| 2–3 Bed House | 2–3 hours | Standard home test |
| Large House | 3–4 hours | Multiple circuits & floors |
| HMO | 3–5 hours | Complex wiring, shared areas |
| Small Shop/Office | 2–3 hours | Depends on circuit load |
| Large Commercial | 4+ hours | 3-phase systems, detailed checks |
Can You Stay at Home During an EICR?
Yes ✅ – you don’t have to leave during the inspection. However, be aware:
- Power may need to be turned off temporarily while circuits are tested.
- Some appliances may reset (clocks, Wi-Fi routers, alarms).
How to Speed Up Your EICR Inspection
- Clear access to the consumer unit (fuse board)
- Move furniture away from sockets & switches
- Provide details of previous certificates if available
This preparation can reduce inspection time significantly.
Why London Properties Often Take Longer
London homes often take slightly longer due to:
- Older housing stock with outdated wiring
- Conversions (basements, lofts, extensions)
- HMOs with multiple circuits and tenants
- Commercial units in busy areas (extra compliance checks)
That’s why choosing a local, experienced electrician matters.
🔗 Book your test now with London EICR Certificates.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓1. How long does an EICR inspection take in London?
Most EICRs in London take 1–4 hours, depending on property size, wiring condition, and whether any issues are found.
❓ 2. How long does an EICR take for a flat?
A 1-bed or 2-bed flat usually takes 1–2 hours, as there are fewer circuits to test compared to houses.
❓3. How long does an EICR take for a 3-bed house?
On average, a 3-bedroom house EICR takes 2–3 hours. Older properties may take longer if wiring is outdated.
❓4. How long does a commercial EICR take?
A small office or shop can take 2–3 hours, while large commercial properties may take 4–6+ hours due to more circuits and 3-phase systems.
❓5. Do you lose power during an EICR inspection?
Yes, electricians may temporarily switch off circuits while testing. Power is restored after each test is complete.
❓6. Can an EICR be completed in one visit?
Yes, in most cases. If major issues are found, remedial work may require a separate visit after the initial inspection.
❓7. How often should an EICR be done?
Landlords: every 5 years or at tenancy change
Homeowners: every 10 years
Commercial: every 5 years (or sooner for high-risk sites)
❓8. Why do some EICRs take longer than others?
Inspections take longer when:
There are more circuits to test
Wiring is old or non-compliant
Access to sockets and fuse boards is restricted
❓9. What can I do to make an EICR faster?
Clear access to the consumer unit, sockets, and switches. Moving furniture away saves time for electricians.
❓ 10. How much does an EICR cost in London?
EICR cost depends on property size:
(Flats from £120–£150)
(Houses from £180–£220)
(Larger properties/commercial from £250+)
Final Thoughts
So, how long does an EICR take?
- Flats: 1–2 hours
- Houses: 2–3 hours
- Larger homes & HMOs: 3–5 hours
Commercial: 3–6+ hours
An EICR is more than just a box-ticking exercise it ensures your property is safe, compliant, and ready for tenants, buyers, or employees.
Don’t delay your inspection. The time it takes is small compared to the peace of mind it brings.
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Find answers to common questions about EICR certificates and electrical safety inspections in London. Visit our FAQ page on EICRcertificates.com for more information.
