No Electrical Certificate For The Property

What is this?

Electrical certificates document the safety of a property's electrical installation. The main types are: an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) issued when new wiring is installed, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for small additions, and an EICR for periodic inspections. If your property has no certificates, it means either the paperwork has been lost or the work was never properly certified.

Common causes

• Previous owner lost or did not pass on the electrical certificates
• Electrical work was carried out by someone who did not issue certificates
• DIY electrical work done without involving a registered electrician
• Property is old enough that certificates were not routinely issued (pre-2005)
• Conveyancing process did not request or locate the certificates

Is it dangerous?

The absence of a certificate does not mean the electrics are dangerous — but it does mean there is no documented proof that they have been inspected and found safe. Without certification, you cannot be confident that the installation was done correctly, especially if any modifications have been made. An EICR will establish the current condition.

Can I fix it myself?

You cannot self-certify electrical work or create your own certificates. Electrical certificates can only be issued by a qualified electrician, ideally one registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, etc.). The solution is to have an EICR carried out, which will provide a formal record of the installation's condition.

When to call an electrician

Call an electrician for an EICR if you have no certificates for the property, if you are buying or selling, if you are a landlord (where it is a legal requirement), or if you want peace of mind about the safety of your installation. The electrician can also advise on any remedial work identified.

What will an electrician do?

Typical cost