How long does an EICR take?
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
For most homes an EICR typically takes between one and four hours. A small flat is at the shorter end, and a larger house with more circuits takes longer. Commercial premises can take a day or more. The power is off for parts of the visit.
What affects the time
Size of the property
More rooms means more sockets, switches and lights to check.
Number of circuits
Every circuit at the consumer unit is tested individually.
Age and condition
Older wiring and unlabelled fuse boards take longer to trace and test.
Access
Furniture in front of sockets, locked rooms and lofts all add time.
How to make it quicker
- Clear access to the consumer unit and as many sockets as you can.
- Make sure every room, the loft and any outbuildings can be reached.
- Shut down computers and anything sensitive before we start, because the power goes off for short periods.
- Have any previous reports or certificates to hand.
When do you get the report?
We email your report as soon as the work is done, often the same day. We give you a time estimate for the visit when you book, based on the property.
Common questions
How long does an EICR take for a 3-bedroom house?
Typically around three to four hours, depending on the number of circuits and the condition of the installation.
How long does an EICR take for a flat?
A one or two bedroom flat typically takes one to two hours.
Will the power be off the whole time?
No. Circuits are switched off for short periods while they are tested, not for the whole visit.
Do I need to be home during an EICR?
Someone needs to give access. A tenant or agent is fine, as long as every room and the consumer unit can be reached.
Book an EICR in Bristol
See our EICR in Bristol page for prices and what happens on the day.