The phrase condition survey gets used in several ways. Surveyors use it for a general look at a building. Letting agents and buyers use it loosely for an electrical check. Electricians use the formal name, Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR. Knowing that these usually mean the same thing helps you book the right visit and compare quotes fairly.
The short answer
An electrical condition survey is an inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property, carried out by an electrician and recorded on an EICR. It tells you whether the installation is safe to keep using, lists anything that needs attention, and grades each item by urgency. It covers the wiring, board, earthing and bonding, and accessories. It does not cover plug-in appliances.
How it differs from a building survey
A general building survey will often note an old fuse board or tired sockets and then recommend a specialist electrical inspection. The surveyor is looking, not testing. An electrical condition survey goes further: circuits are isolated and measured with test instruments, so hidden problems such as poor insulation or a missing earth can be found. That is why lenders and solicitors often ask for one after a building survey flags the electrics.
What gets checked
The extent and any limitations are agreed at the start and written on the report, so you know exactly what was and was not covered.
- The consumer unit, its protective devices and labelling
- Earthing and main protective bonding to gas and water pipes
- A sample or all of the circuits, depending on the agreed extent
- Condition of sockets, switches and visible cable
- Special locations such as bathrooms and outdoor supplies
When to book one
Common triggers are buying an older home, becoming a landlord, preparing to renovate, or simply not knowing when the wiring was last checked. It is also sensible after a flood, a fire, or if you are noticing warm sockets or regular tripping. For rented homes in England, landlords must have the installation inspected at regular intervals and provide the report to tenants.
What you receive
You get a written report with an overall verdict of satisfactory or unsatisfactory, a list of observations with codes, and the measured test results for each circuit tested. The codes separate danger present, potentially dangerous, improvement recommended, and further investigation needed. A good report explains each observation in plain language so you can decide what to do.
After the survey
If remedial work is needed, ask for it to be quoted separately and in writing. You are free to use any competent electrician for the fixes. Once remedials are done, you should receive certificates for that work, which together with the report show the installation is now in good order.
Preparing for the visit
Clear access to the board, the loft hatch and a few sockets in each room. Expect the power to go off at points during testing, so save work on computers and plan around freezers. Mention any known problems at the start. It helps the electrician focus where it matters.
Common questions
- Is a condition survey the same as an EICR?
- In electrical terms, yes. The formal document for an electrical condition survey is the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
- Does it include appliances?
- No. It covers the fixed wiring. Portable appliance testing is a separate service.
- Will the power be off?
- Intermittently. Circuits have to be isolated for parts of the testing.
- Can the same electrician do the repairs?
- They can quote for them, but you are free to choose who carries out any remedial work.
Need an electrical condition survey? Book an EICR with a free written quote.
Related guides
- What Happens During an EICRAn EICR is a structured assessment, not a look around — and knowing the routine makes the day easier.
- EICR Codes C1, C2, C3 and FI ExplainedFour codes decide whether your report is satisfactory and what you must do next.
- Electrical Checks Before You Buy a HouseA homebuyer survey will note the electrics; it will not test them.