Electrical Certificate Completion Guide
How to complete EIC, MEIWC, and EICR certificates correctly
BS 7671 Appendix 6 Model Forms
Which Certificate Do I Need?
| Certificate | When to Use | Part P? | Signatures |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIC | New installations, new circuits, consumer unit changes | Yes (domestic dwellings) | Design, Construction, Inspection & Testing (or single-signature) |
| MEIWC | Additions/alterations to existing circuits only | Generally no (unless in a special location) | Single signature |
| EICR | Periodic safety inspection of existing systems | No (it is a report, not a certificate of new work) | Inspector + reviewer (if applicable) |
Completing the EIC
Part 1 — Details of Installation & Client
- - Full address and client contact details
- - Precise scope: e.g. 'One new 32 A ring final circuit for sockets in kitchen extension'
- - Purpose of supply — domestic, commercial, industrial
- - Extent must be specific to limit liability
Part 2 — Signatures (Design, Construction, Inspection)
- - Design: circuit design, cable sizing, protective device selection
- - Construction: physical installation follows the design with suitable materials
- - Inspection & Testing: verified by visual inspection and instrument testing
- - Single-signature version available when one person does all three
Part 3 — Installation at Origin
- - Earthing arrangement: TN-S, TN-C-S (PME), or TT
- - Supply characteristics: voltage, frequency, phases
- - Supply protective device: type (BS 1361, BS 88) and rating
- - Earthing and bonding conductor sizes (material + CSA in mm²)
Part 4 — Schedules of Inspections & Test Results
- - EIC is NOT valid without both completed schedules
- - Schedule of Inspections: visual checks (connections, identification, routing, labelling)
- - Schedule of Test Results: measurements per circuit (see table below)
Schedule of Test Results
Record each circuit individually. Use the 80% rule for Zs: measured value must not exceed 80% of the tabulated maximum (accounts for temperature rise under load).
| Test | Unit | Precision | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuity of ring (r₁, rₙ, r₂) | Ω | 2 d.p. | End-to-end for ring finals |
| Continuity R₁ + R₂ | Ω | 2 d.p. | Line + CPC loop at furthest point |
| Insulation Resistance | MΩ | Whole or 1 d.p. | L–N and L/N–E at 500 V DC (min 1 MΩ) |
| Polarity | ✓ / ✗ | — | Line connected to correct terminals |
| Earth fault loop impedance (Zs) | Ω | 2 d.p. | At furthest point — compare to 80% of max Zs |
| RCD trip time | ms | Whole | At IΔn — must be ≤300 ms (≤40 ms at 5×IΔn) |
MEIWC Checklist
Minor works certificate for additions/alterations that do not create a new circuit. Same test rigour as an EIC, but limited to the altered circuit.
- ☐Description of minor works — concise but specific
- ☐Existing earthing and bonding is present and adequate (Reg 132.16)
- ☐Circuit details: DB ref, circuit number, protective device type/rating
- ☐Conductor sizes: live and CPC
- ☐Test results: CPC continuity, insulation resistance, Zs, RCD (if applicable)
- ☐Declaration that work does not impair safety of existing installation
Part P: Notifiable Work
Notifiable
- - New circuits
- - Consumer unit replacement
- - Work in bathrooms & special locations
- - Garden / detached outbuilding circuits
Non-Notifiable
- - Like-for-like socket / switch replacement
- - Replacing a light fitting (same circuit)
- - Adding a spur to existing circuit (not bathroom)
- - Repairs to existing wiring
Registered Competent Person Scheme members self-certify via their scheme provider, who notifies building control and issues a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
Common Certification Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Missing signatures or dates | Certificate legally invalid |
| Vague scope of work | Liability disputes — 'electrical work in kitchen' is not enough |
| Incorrect observation coding | C2 coded as C3 gives false 'Satisfactory' — legal risk |
| Inconsistent test values | Zs impossible given R₁+R₂ and Ze — suggests fabrication |
| Neglecting bonding verification | Missing bonding is a common C2 finding |
| Perfect IR on old installation | 200+ MΩ on 30-year-old wiring suggests test was skipped |
| Blank 'departures' box | Write 'None' rather than leaving empty |
| Excessive limitations without client agreement | EICR limitations must be agreed before inspection |
Recommended Next Inspection Intervals
| Premises | Maximum Interval |
|---|---|
| Domestic (owner-occupied) | 10 years |
| Domestic (rented) | 5 years |
| Commercial | 5 years |
| Industrial | 3 years |
| Medical locations | 1 year |
| Swimming pools | 1 year |
| Construction sites | 3 months |
Document Retention
| Party | Retention Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner | Life of the installation | Essential for property sales |
| Landlord | Until next inspection (5 years) | Must provide to next inspector and tenant |
| Contractor | 6 years minimum | Aligns with statute of limitations for claims |
Key Points
- - An EIC without completed schedules is not legally valid
- - Record "None" in the departures box rather than leaving it blank
- - The 80% rule: measured Zs must not exceed 80% of tabulated maximum
- - Intended departures (Reg 120.3) must provide equivalent safety and be declared
- - Landlords face fines up to £30,000 for missing or invalid EICRs (England)
- - Digital platforms (NICEIC Online, Powered Now) include validation checks