What Is the Difference Between an EICR and a Visual Condition Report?

What is the difference between an EICR and a Visual Condition Report?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) involves a complete inspection and testing of a property’s electrical setup. A Visual Condition Report (VIR), in contrast, is a simple surface level check without any testing. EICRs are required by law for landlords and recommended for homeowners every five to ten years. VIRs are optional and not valid for legal compliance. Both support landlord compliance, regular fault finding, and electrical safety checks.

If you’re not sure which report is right for your property, our team at Landlord Building Certificates in North West London offers both EICRs and advice tailored to your specific property needs.

Why understanding the difference matters

Getting the right report helps you follow housing regulations, meet electrical certification standards, and reduce safety risks. Landlords must use EICRs to meet legal standards. Homeowners should understand what each type of inspection offers and when it’s best used.

You can stay on top of your responsibilities with our landlord safety certificate assessments, which follow UK law and NICEIC guidance.

EICR vs Visual Condition Report: What do these terms actually mean?

Think of a VIR like glancing over a car for signs of wear. You might spot a flat tyre, but you won’t know if the brakes are working. An EICR opens the bonnet and runs proper checks using approved testing procedures.

• VIR (Visual Condition Report): Looks at visible parts like wires and sockets. It does not test circuits or identify hidden faults. It is not enough for landlord electrical checks or inspection standards.

• EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report): Includes both a visual inspection and thorough diagnostics with electrical testing. It is backed by the NICEIC and meets IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Need help with the terms? Visit our professional electrical condition reporting page for clarity.

What is included in each inspection?

EICR includes:

• Visual checks and circuit testing

• Turning off circuits to test safely

• Defect codes: C1 (danger now), C2 (danger likely), C3 (suggested fix), FI (needs more checks)

• Tests like insulation resistance, loop impedance, and continuity

• System wide diagnostics for hidden faults

VIR includes:

• Visual checks only

• No opening circuits or live testing

• Useful between full inspections when no changes have been made

Stay safe with our property electrical health check tailored for ongoing safety.

Who needs what and when for legal compliance?

Who needs an EICR:

• Landlords: Must get one every five years or with each new tenant, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

• Homeowners: Advised to get one every ten years.

When a VIR is enough:

• Not valid for rented properties

• Helpful for private homeowners wanting a general review

Make sure you are covered with our EICR certification for landlords to meet the law. We support clients throughout North West London to meet their compliance obligations efficiently.

What do the EICR codes mean?

EICRs use codes to show how serious each issue is:

• C1: Serious danger. Needs immediate repair.

• C2: Possible danger. Fix it soon.

• C3: Safe but worth improving.

• FI: More information needed to be sure.

Our certified EICR inspection service includes clear advice on what to fix and when, based on official safety classifications.

When is a Visual Condition Report actually useful?

A VIR is useful if:

• You have had a recent EICR with no updates

• You want a lower cost way to check older systems

• You are planning for a full inspection or sale

Try our visual condition survey service to stay informed between full tests and manage pre inspection checks effectively.

Common misconceptions and terminology traps

• PIR vs EICR: PIR is the old name. EICR is the current standard.

• Fixed wire testing: Just another term for EICR

• VIR is okay for landlords: It is not. It does not meet legal rules or current documentation standards.

Avoid mistakes with our certified electrical inspection service in North West London.

Visual comparison table: EICR vs Visual Condition Report

Use this guide to pick the right inspection, stay compliant with UK electrical safety regulations, and make confident decisions. See our domestic and landlord inspection packages for reliable support.