Table of Contents
- Book an Electrical Safety Check Online in Four Simple Steps
- What an EICR Certificate Covers and Why It Matters
- Electrical Safety Check for Landlords: Your Legal Duties
- Electrical Inspection Cost: What Affects the Price You Pay
- EICR Inspection Duration: How Long Does It Take?
- What Happens If Your Inspection Finds a Problem
- Why Book Your Electrical Safety Check with MDS Electrical
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: 15 October 2026
Book an Electrical Safety Check Online in Four Simple Steps
Booking an electrical safety check online takes minutes when you know what information to have ready. At MDS Electrical, we’ve made the process straightforward for homeowners, landlords, and business owners who need certified inspections without the usual back-and-forth.
An electrical safety check, formally called an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR, is a documented assessment of whether a property’s wiring, sockets, and consumer unit meet current safety standards.
Here’s how to book yours:
- Visit our website and select your service – Choose EICR, landlord certificate, or general inspection
- Enter your property details – Address, property type, and number of bedrooms
- Choose your preferred date and time – We offer flexible appointment slots
- Confirm and receive instant acknowledgement – You’ll get email confirmation with your booking reference
Before You Book: Details to Have Ready
Having the right information to hand speeds up your booking considerably. Gather these details before you start:
- Full property address and postcode
- Property type (flat, terraced, semi-detached, detached)
- Approximate age of the property
- Number of bedrooms and reception rooms
- Whether there’s a garage, outbuilding, or extension
- Any known electrical issues (tripping circuits, flickering lights, warm sockets)
If you’re a landlord, have your tenant’s contact details ready so we can arrange access directly if needed.
Take a photo of your consumer unit before booking. This helps us identify the age and type of your fuse board, so we can give you accurate information about what the inspection will involve.
What an EICR Certificate Covers and Why It Matters
An EICR certificate is a formal document that records the condition of a property’s electrical installation at the time of inspection. It identifies any defects, deterioration, or dangerous conditions and assigns each observation a classification code.
The report covers:
- Consumer unit and protective devices
- Wiring throughout the property
- Sockets, switches, and light fittings
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Bathroom and kitchen circuits
- Outdoor wiring and outbuildings
The Electrical Safety First guidance on EICRs explains that the certificate gives property owners a clear picture of whether their electrics are safe for continued use.
How the EICR Differs from a Basic Visual Check
A basic visual check is exactly that: a quick look at visible wiring and fittings. It won’t identify hidden problems.
An EICR involves testing with specialist equipment. We measure insulation resistance, earth continuity, and circuit polarity. We also check that protective devices trip within required timescales.
The difference matters because many electrical faults are invisible. Overheating cables inside walls or degraded insulation behind plasterboard won’t show up in a visual inspection.
Electrical Safety Check for Landlords: Your Legal Duties
Landlords in the private rented sector must have a valid EICR for each rental property. This requirement comes from the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector regulations, which apply across England.
Key obligations include:
- Obtaining an EICR before a new tenancy begins
- Renewing the inspection at least every five years
- Providing a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of inspection
- Supplying a copy to new tenants before they move in
- Ensuring any required remedial work is completed within the specified timeframe
Failing to comply can result in financial penalties from your local authority. More importantly, it puts tenants at risk.
We handle landlord EICRs regularly. Our reports are clear, and we explain exactly what any codes mean for your compliance obligations.
Don’t wait until your current certificate expires to book. If remedial work is needed, you’ll want time to arrange it before your compliance deadline. Booking early avoids last-minute stress.
Electrical Inspection Cost: What Affects the Price You Pay
Electrical inspection cost varies based on several factors. There’s no single price that applies to every property because no two properties are identical.
The main factors that affect pricing:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Property size | Larger properties take longer to inspect |
| Number of circuits | More circuits mean more testing time |
| Age of installation | Older wiring often requires closer inspection |
| Accessibility | Difficult-to-reach areas add time |
| Number of outbuildings | Each additional structure needs testing |
| Remedial work needed | Any repairs are quoted separately |
For an accurate quote, contact our team directly with your property details. We provide clear quotes before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
EICR Inspection Duration: How Long Does It Take?
EICR inspection duration depends on property size and complexity. A typical one-bedroom flat might take one to two hours. A three-bedroom house usually takes two to four hours.
Larger properties or those with extensive circuits can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when you book.
During the inspection, we need access to:
- The consumer unit
- All rooms (to test sockets and switches)
- The loft if there’s wiring up there
- Any outbuildings with electrics
You don’t need to empty cupboards, but clear access to sockets helps us work efficiently.
Most residential EICRs are completed within a single visit. You’ll receive your certificate and report shortly after, usually within a few working days.
What Happens If Your Inspection Finds a Problem
If we find issues during your electrical safety check, we’ll explain them clearly and provide a quote for any remedial work.
Observations are classified using standard codes:
- C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate risk, requires urgent action
- C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Requires remedial work
- C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Not dangerous but worth addressing
- FI (Further Investigation) – More testing needed
A satisfactory EICR means no C1 or C2 codes. If C1 or C2 codes are present, the report is unsatisfactory, and remedial work is needed.
Common issues we find include outdated consumer units without RCD protection, inadequate earthing, and damaged sockets. Most problems are straightforward to fix.
Why Book Your Electrical Safety Check with MDS Electrical
MDS Electrical has over 12 years of experience across domestic and commercial electrical work. We’re rated as one of the top three electricians in the area, and our Google reviews reflect the service we deliver.
What sets us apart:
- We turn up when we say we will – No waiting around for contractors who never arrive
- We provide clear quotes – No surprises, no hidden costs
- We treat your property with respect – Dust sheets down, mess cleaned up
- We explain what we find – Plain English, not jargon
Whether you need a landlord EICR, a homeowner safety check, or help with an electrical fault, we’re ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an electrical safety check online?
Go to the MDS Electrical website and use the online booking form. Enter your property address, choose a date and time, and describe the type of check you need. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. If you prefer, you can also call to book. The whole process takes just a few minutes, and you will get a fixed quote before any work begins.
What is included in an electrical safety check?
A full electrical safety check covers a visual inspection of wiring, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit, plus testing of circuits for faults, earthing, and bonding. You receive an EICR certificate that details the condition of the installation, any defects found, and a clear rating for each observation. It is a thorough review that confirms whether your electrics are safe to use.
How much does an EICR cost?
The electrical inspection cost depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits, and its age. A small flat will cost less than a large house with multiple outbuildings. MDS Electrical provides a fixed quote before booking, so you know the price upfront. Request a quote through the website to get an accurate figure for your property.
How long does an electrical safety check take?
The EICR inspection duration varies with property size. A typical two-bedroom flat takes around two to three hours, while a larger four-bedroom house can take four to five hours. The electrician will need access to all rooms and the consumer unit. You will receive the certificate within a few days of the visit, often sooner.
Electrical safety isn’t something to put off. Old wiring, outdated fuse boards, and missing RCD protection create real risks that only proper testing will reveal. MDS Electrical provides certified EICR inspections with clear reporting and reliable service. Book your electrical safety check online today and get the documentation you need for compliance and peace of mind.
