What Is an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)?
- Richard Speller (Speller's Sparks LTD Director)
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
If you've recently had electrical work carried out at home, you may have been given an Electrical Installation Certificate, often shortened to an EIC.
But what actually is it, and why is it important?
Put simply, an Electrical Installation Certificate is a document confirming that new electrical installation work has been inspected and tested and records important information about the work that has been carried out.
When would I receive an Electrical Installation Certificate?
An EIC is commonly issued following more substantial electrical installation work, such as:
Installing a new consumer unit
Adding new electrical circuits
Wiring a new extension or significant alteration
Installing a new electrical installation
For smaller additions and alterations to an existing circuit, you may instead receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, depending on the work carried out.
What information is on an EIC?
There's quite a lot of information on an Electrical Installation Certificate, which can make it look a little daunting if you're not an electrician!
It records details about the electrical installation and the work carried out, along with the results of the inspection and electrical testing.
This includes information about the circuits, protective devices, earthing arrangements and the test results obtained when the work was completed.
The certificate therefore provides an important record of the installation at the time the electrical work was carried out.
Is an EIC the same as an EICR?
No – and this is something that understandably causes quite a bit of confusion.
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) relates to new electrical installation work that has been carried out.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), on the other hand, is an inspection and assessment of the condition of an existing electrical installation.
They sound very similar, but they serve different purposes.
What should I do with my Electrical Installation Certificate?
Keep it somewhere safe.
Your EIC forms part of the electrical records for your property and can be useful when further electrical work is carried out in the future.
Depending on the type of work, you may also receive separate Building Regulations compliance documentation following notification of the work. This isn't the same thing as your Electrical Installation Certificate, so it's worth keeping both.
Watch: What is an Electrical Installation Certificate?
I've made a quick video explaining what an EIC is and why you might receive one following electrical work.
Need electrical work carried out in Somerset?
I'm Rich from Speller's Sparks, a local electrician based in Chilcompton. I carry out domestic electrical work across the surrounding area, including Frome, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Oakhill, Shepton Mallet and Wells.
Whether it's a small electrical job, a new circuit, consumer unit replacement or EV charger installation, I'll explain what electrical certification you'll receive as part of the job – without drowning you in electrical jargon.
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