EICR testing in St Albans and Herts, clear reports, remedials done properly.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report tells you whether a property’s wiring is safe to keep using. SEG carries out over 1,000 a year for landlords, homeowners, housing providers and businesses — and when something needs fixing, the same engineer comes back to fix it.
Answer a few quick questions and add a photo of your fuse board. It takes about five minutes.
Who needs an EICR, and how often
An EICR is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in a property — the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, lighting points and earthing — carried out to BS 7671. It is not a PAT test (that covers plug-in appliances) and it is not an installation certificate (that covers new work).
- Private landlords (England): a satisfactory report at least every five years, supplied to tenants and, on request, to the council within seven days. Letting agents in St Albans, Harpenden and Watford book us directly on behalf of their landlords.
- Homeowners: recommended every ten years, when you buy a property, or when something changes — a damp patch near the board, lights that flicker, an extension that “someone did a while ago”.
- Housing associations and councils: rolling five-year programmes across stock, often with Aico alarm upgrades and remedials under the same contract.
- Businesses and public buildings: fixed wire testing under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, usually every five years for offices and shops, more often for industrial, educational and high-footfall buildings.
What we actually check
A proper EICR is around 80% inspection and 20% testing. Our engineer will:
- Visually inspect the consumer unit, protective devices, earthing and bonding, and a sample of accessories in every room
- Test every circuit for continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation
- Check for signs of overheating, damage, DIY alterations and anything that no longer meets the current edition of the Wiring Regulations
- Photograph the board and any observations, so you can see exactly what we found
- Record every result in the report — not “sample tested” unless agreed in advance for a large installation
The codes on your report, in plain English
Danger present. Risk of injury. We make it safe on the day and tell you immediately.
Potentially dangerous. Needs urgent remedial work; the report is unsatisfactory until it is done.
Improvement recommended. Not dangerous; you can choose whether to act.
Further investigation required without delay — usually because something could not be fully tested.
A report is satisfactory when there are no C1, C2 or FI observations. If yours is unsatisfactory, you get a remedial quote with the report, priced from the engineer’s notes and photographs.
What happens on the day
- Before: you get a fixed appointment slot, the engineer’s name, and a text when they’re on the way. Tenants can be booked directly if you prefer.
- Access: we need the consumer unit, meter and a sample of sockets and switches in each room. Clear a metre around the board if you can.
- Power: circuits are isolated in turn for testing. We keep fridges, freezers and home-office circuits live as long as possible.
- After: the report is checked by our qualified supervisor and emailed promptly, with photos. Landlord reminders go in the diary for the next due date.
Why landlords and agents use SEG
- Same engineer for remedials. No second company, no re-survey, no disputes about what the first one meant.
- Scale without the call centre. We completed over 1,000 EICRs last year for councils and housing providers, yet every job is still booked by the office at SEG House.
- Everything evidenced. Photos, test results and certificates live in SEG Command, our own platform, so you can request a copy years later.
- Qualified, inspected, insured. NICEIC Approved Contractor, ECA member, 2391-qualified inspectors, public liability insurance.
EICR testing: the detail
Trusted, Certified & Fully Compliant Inspections for Your Property
What Is EICR Testing?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal assessment of your property’s fixed wiring to determine whether it’s safe for continued use. During the inspection, our electrician checks for damage, wear, faults, or anything that could pose a safety risk. We may recommend repairs or replacements if necessary. Once the inspection is complete and everything is satisfactory, you’ll receive a certificate confirming compliance. EICR testing service in St Albans and Hertfordshire is valid for up to five years and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits.
The main objectives of an EICR are:
- To keep a record of the inspection and ensure the electrical installation remains safe until the next inspection.
- To identify any wear and tear or deterioration that could affect safety.
- To check if the installation meets the latest IET Wiring Regulations.
- To spot potential issues that may cause electric shocks, fire risks, or pose a danger to life.
Why Is EICR Testing Important?
EICR testing has been a legal requirement since April 2021 for rented properties. Failing to have an EICR in place could invalidate your home insurance, leading to potential financial risks. An EICR testing service in Hertfordshire ensures that preventative maintenance is carried out before issues escalate, possibly causing electrical fires. By keeping up to date with your EICR, you’re making sure that your property’s electrical system remains safe and compliant with all regulations.
What Information Will an EICR Give Me?
After completing the EICR testing service in Hertfordshire, the report will provide you with a full summary of your property’s electrical systems. It will confirm whether the electrical installations are up to the required safety standards. You’ll receive a certificate outlining the overall condition, and any codes indicating potential safety concerns. If the report includes codes C1 or C2, it’s recommended that corrective action is taken immediately.
The Codes and Their Meanings:
- Code C1 : Indicates immediate danger exists and that immediate action is required. The person operating the equipment is at risk.
- Code C2 : Indicates that while the equipment isn’t dangerous now, it could become a risk if a fault occurs.
- Code C3 : Indicates that the equipment poses no current danger, and no immediate action is needed.
EICR Testing at SEGplc
Last year, we successfully completed over a thousand EICR testing service in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, working with local councils and residential properties. Our engineer arrives at your property at the agreed time, conducts a thorough inspection, and identifies any issues that need addressing before they pose a serious hazard. Once the inspection is complete, we process the results and send the EICR certificate to you for your records.
Why Choose SEGplc for EICR Testing in Hertfordshire?
For over 20 years, SEGplc has been delivering reliable and professional electrical services, including EICR testing service in Hertfordshire. We specialise in installations, rewires, EV chargers, solar panels, and emergency call-outs. Our friendly, personal approach means we always put your needs first, ensuring that you receive the best service possible.
As a local business, we take great pride in supporting our community and building trusted relationships with our clients across Hertfordshire. Don’t just take our word for it – read our blog for local insights and testimonials from our satisfied customers.
Book Your EICR Testing Service in Hertfordshire Today
Are you ready to ensure the safety of your electrical systems? Contact us today to schedule your EICR testing service in Hertfordshire. We offer competitive quotes and a hassle-free, professional service.
To book your EICR or request a quote, call 01727 238 999 or contact us online.
Why Choose The Specialist Electrical Group Ltd?
For over 20 years, we’ve been delivering professional electrical services with a friendly, personal approach. Whether it’s a small home repair or a large commercial project, our experienced team is here to help. We specialise in installations, rewires, EV chargers, solar panels, and emergency call outs, always putting your needs first.
As a local business, we take great pride in supporting our community and building trusted relationships across Hertfordshire. But don’t just take our word for it—have a read of our blog for local insights and see what our customers have to say.
Fixed wire testing for businesses
Fixed wire testing is the commercial name for an electrical installation condition report (EICR). An inspector checks the permanent wiring, distribution boards and protection, tests every circuit and issues a report with coded observations. It is how an employer shows that the electrical system has been maintained to prevent danger, as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require.
How often depends on the building. Many offices and shops are tested around every five years, with shorter intervals for industrial and higher-risk premises. The inspector states the recommended date on the report, and your insurer or landlord may set their own. We report clearly, explain what each code means and carry out the remedial work if you want us to.
EICR testing for homeowners
Homeowners usually ask for an EICR when buying or selling a house, before a big renovation or extension, when the wiring is old or has never been checked, or after a scare such as a burning smell or a tripping circuit. The report tells you the condition of the fixed wiring on the day we test it, codes anything that needs attention, and gives you a clear list of what to fix first. It is not the same as PAT testing, which checks plug-in appliances rather than the wiring in the building.
EICR testing across Hertfordshire
We carry out EICRs for landlords, letting agents, businesses and housing providers in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Harpenden, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Borehamwood, Radlett, Potters Bar, as well as nearby towns in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Landlords in England must have a rented home inspected at least every five years. See our guide to choosing an electrician for what a good report contains.
- EICR, remedials, call-outs and new CCTV for Fonthill Care Home (St Albans, June 2024 to September 2025)
- EICR that found a burning immersion connection, fixed on the spot (Rickmansworth, October 2026)
- Three boards replaced and every EICR defect put right (Hertford, June 2026)
- Audit and EICR of another installer’s extension work, urgent faults fixed (Chiswell Green, July 2026)
- Faults fixed during testing and the EICR issued Satisfactory (Watford, November 2025)
Landlord electrical safety certificate: what is checked?
The “landlord electrical safety certificate” is the EICR. For a rented home, the inspector checks the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, earthing and bonding, and fixed appliances such as an electric shower or immersion heater. They test every circuit for continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation, and record anything unsafe with a code.
It does not cover portable appliances (that’s a PAT test), gas appliances (a Gas Safe check), or smoke and CO alarms (see smoke and CO alarms), although we’ll tell you if we see a problem with them. Prices and timings are on how much does an EICR cost?
Are you a landlord? Here are our EICR prices
Fixed prices per rental property, by size. Tell us the property and we’ll confirm the price when you book.
| Property | Landlord price |
|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bed flat | £130 + VAT |
| 2-bed flat or house | £155 + VAT |
| 3-bed house | £180 + VAT |
| 4-bed house | £215 + VAT |
| 5+ bed or large house | from £265 + VAT |
| HMO (up to 6 lettable rooms) | from £290 + VAT |
| Several properties or a portfolio | Ask for a portfolio price |
Included: inspection and testing of up to 10 circuits on one consumer unit, and your written Electrical Installation Condition Report, emailed to you and your letting agent.
Prices are plus VAT at 20% and subject to survey. Each extra circuit over 10: £25 + VAT. Each extra consumer unit or distribution board: £40 + VAT, plus £25 + VAT for each circuit on it. Outbuildings and any remedial work found are quoted separately, and we confirm the price before booking.
What customers say about our EICRs and electrical work
★★★★★ Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 36 Google reviews (November 2026). Every review below is copied word for word from our Google Business Profile.
“We recently used SEG to carry out the flat EICR checks at Wallbrook Gardens (105 flats) and were very pleased with their service. All the team, particularly Matthew, Luke, Olly and Jamie were fantastic to work with, well-organised and communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring everything ran smoothly. We really appreciated Matthew’s support and would happily recommend SEG to any property management team or residential block looking for a reliable contractor to carry out future flat EICR inspections.”
“A large and complex job completed by Tom, Henry, George and Jamie with great professionalism and consideration from start to finish. Strongly recommended.”
“SEG did a great job with the electrical work. Very professional and friendly, and left everything clean and tidy. They were very efficient. We would be very happy to use SEG again when we need any electrical work completed. Thank you”
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EICR questions we’re asked most
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
In England, privately rented homes need a satisfactory EICR at least every five years, and a copy must be given to new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Your report may specify a shorter interval if the installation needs it.
How long does an EICR take?
A typical two- or three-bedroom home takes two to four hours depending on the number of circuits and how accessible the consumer unit and accessories are. Larger homes, HMOs and commercial premises take longer — we will tell you when we quote.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
You receive the report with each observation coded C1, C2, C3 or FI. C1 and C2 items (and any FI) must be put right for the installation to be satisfactory. We price the remedial work from the engineer’s own notes and photos, and in most cases the same engineer returns to complete it, so nothing is lost in translation.
Will the power be off during the inspection?
Parts of the installation are isolated while circuits are tested, usually for short periods. We agree timings with you first — for example keeping fridges and home-office circuits live for as long as possible, and working around tenants.
Do you cover HMOs, blocks and commercial premises?
Yes. We run EICR programmes for housing providers and councils and carry out fixed wire testing for offices, schools, churches, warehouses and shops. Ask about phased or out-of-hours testing for occupied buildings.
Is SEG qualified to carry out EICRs?
SEG is an NICEIC Approved Contractor and ECA member. Our inspectors hold the City & Guilds 2391 inspection and testing qualification, and every report is checked by a qualified supervisor before it is issued.
What is fixed wire testing?
It is the inspection and testing of a building’s permanent electrical installation, leading to a report, the EICR. Businesses and landlords use it to show the wiring is safe and maintained.
How often should a business have fixed wire testing?
There is no single interval for every business. Many offices and shops are tested around every five years, with shorter intervals for industrial and higher-risk premises. The inspector recommends a date on the report, and an insurer or landlord may require sooner.
Is an EICR the same as PAT testing?
No. An EICR inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, circuits, wiring, sockets and anything permanently connected. PAT testing checks portable appliances that plug in. Landlords and businesses often need both, and we can do them on the same visit.
How long does an EICR take?
It depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. A typical flat or small house takes a few hours. Larger homes and commercial buildings take longer and can be phased to keep your business running.
Do you do EICRs in Watford, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City?
Yes. We work across Hertfordshire from our St Albans head office, for landlords, agents, businesses and housing providers.
Related services
Need a certificate by a date?
Tell us the deadline. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can hit it — and we usually can.