5 Common Issues That Cause EICR Failures – and How to Prevent Them

Booking an EICR can feel stressful, whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner. Nobody likes getting a report stamped “unsatisfactory.” That can throw a wrench into letting out your property, selling, or even sorting out insurance.

But here’s the thing – most EICR failures come down to a handful of issues that are totally avoidable.

At Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractor Ltd, we’ve checked out properties all over Fife, Dundee, Perth, and Edinburgh. After years in the business, working in homes, shops, and factories, we know exactly what tends to trip people up – and how easy some fixes actually are.

Let’s go through the top five reasons EICRs fail.

1. Missing RCD Protection

This is probably the biggest one. If your fuse board doesn’t have RCDs (Residual Current Devices), or the protection isn’t up to scratch, your EICR will likely come back unsatisfactory. RCDs shut off the electricity fast if something’s wrong, so they’re a big deal for safety. A lot of older fuse boards just don’t meet current standards.

How to fix it:

If your fuse board looks old or doesn’t have RCDs where it should, upgrading it boosts safety and helps you pass your EICR.

2. Damaged or Worn-Out Wiring

Wiring doesn’t last forever. Over the years, cables can crack, turn brittle, or get damaged – especially in older places. You might spot crumbling insulation, wires poking out, or connections that look messy.

How to fix it:

Keep an eye out for visible wear, and get regular checks. Catching problems early means you won’t get caught out during your EICR.

3. Overloaded Circuits

These days, we plug in way more stuff than people ever expected when many houses were first wired. If your electrics haven’t been updated, you can end up overloading circuits. Signs? Breakers tripping, lights flickering, or sockets getting warm.

How to fix it:

If you spot any of those signs, don’t just ignore them. An electrician can look at your set-up and tell you if you need more circuits or an upgrade.

4. Dodgy DIY Electrical Work

Unqualified electrical work is a huge culprit. Loose connections, the wrong cables, or unsafe set-ups don’t just fail inspections – they put you at risk.

How to fix it:

Always get a qualified electrician for any electrical jobs. It’s the best way to make sure everything’s safe, legal, and ready for inspection.

5. Poor Earthing and Bonding

Earthing and bonding keep people safe from electric shocks. If these are missing, installed wrong, or undersized, you’ll fail your EICR.

How to fix it:

A proper inspection will flag any problems with earthing or bonding before they become a headache.

Why an EICR Matters

An EICR isn’t just another form to file away. It’s a full safety check for your electrics. Landlords have to get one by law, but for everyone else, it’s peace of mind knowing your system’s safe and up to date. Most EICR failures aren’t disasters – they’re just things that need sorting. Deal with them early, and you save hassle, time, and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need an EICR?
If you rent out property in Scotland, you need an EICR every five years. Homeowners should get one at least every ten years, or whenever you’re buying or selling.
What if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
You’ll get a list of what needs fixing. Once the work’s done, the installation can be checked again and certified.
How long does an EICR take?
It depends on the size and shape of your property, but for most homes, it takes just a few hours.
Will there be much disruption?
There might be short power cut-offs during testing, but a good electrician keeps it to a minimum.

Why Choose Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractor Ltd?

Picking the right electrician matters. Here’s what you get with us:

• – Qualified, experienced electricians
• – Straightforward advice – no pushy sales stuff
• – Reports you can actually understand
• – Reliable service across Fife, Dundee, Perth, and Edinburgh
• – Experience with homes, businesses, and factories

We take pride in our work and want you to feel confident your electrics are safe.

Book an Inspection

Due for an inspection? Or just want to know your electrics are in good shape? Give us a call. The team at Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractor Ltd is ready to help you through the whole process, answer your questions, and make sure your property is safe, legal, and ready for whatever comes next.