Ever wondered what might be hiding behind your walls? In a city like London—where period homes and modern flats sit side-by-side—common electrical faults in EICR London are found more often than you might think. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner or business owner, identifying these faults early through a proper Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can prevent dangerous situations and legal issues.

This blog explores the most common electrical faults discovered during EICRs across London and what they mean for your safety and compliance.

Need a trusted provider for electrical inspections in London? Call us now on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to book your inspection.

“An EICR doesn’t just detect faults—it prevents costly disasters. Stay safe and compliant with expert inspections done right.”

What Is an EICR and Why Does It Matter in London?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report in London (EICR) is a legal and practical necessity. It evaluates the safety and integrity of your electrical systems, checking everything from wiring to fuse boards. Whether you’re managing a rental property or maintaining your family home, a routine Electrical fault inspection in London ensures compliance and peace of mind.

London's mix of historic properties and rapid renovations makes EICRs essential. Many of the issues we uncover aren't visible to the untrained eye, and without intervention, they could put lives at risk.

If you need a complete overview of our EICR services in London, explore how we can help protect your property.

Most Common Electrical Faults Found During EICRs in London

Here are the most frequent faults we uncover during EICR testing services in London, broken down into real-world issues we see every week.

1. Faulty wiring in London homes

A common culprit. Many London homes still rely on wiring that hasn’t been updated in decades. We often find:

  • Fraying insulation

  • Loose live connections

  • Exposed conductors behind switches or sockets

These issues pose both fire and electrocution risks. As part of our electrical installation condition report in London, we look for these critical signs of decay.

2. Overloading of circuits

Over the years, more appliances and technology have meant greater electrical demand. In older properties, especially, circuits often weren't designed to handle this.

Overloading of circuits can result in:

  • Flickering lights

  • Tripped fuses

  • Heat damage around outlets

These are signs you’re putting too much strain on the system—something regularly noted in our EICR common issues logs.

3. Fuse board faults and missing RCDs

Old or poorly maintained fuse boards often lack modern safety features like Residual Current Devices (RCDs), which trip the power in dangerous situations.

We often uncover:

  • Burnt terminals

  • Loose wiring inside the consumer unit

  • Lack of RCD protection on key circuits

If you’re unsure about your board's condition, book an electrical safety inspection in London with us today.

4. Earth bonding issues

Earth bonding prevents electric shocks by connecting metalwork (like pipes or radiators) to the earth. But many London properties either lack bonding entirely or feature outdated setups.

Missing or damaged earth bonding is one of the more serious faults identified in EICRs, and a top priority when reviewing electrical compliance reports.

5. Degradation due to time and environment

We regularly note electrical system deterioration caused by:

  • Damp conditions

  • Rodent damage

  • Corroded connections

  • Ageing insulation

This is especially common in basements, lofts, and garages where systems are more exposed to wear and tear. Regular periodic electrical inspections help catch these early.

6. Visual inspection vs full testing results

It’s important to know that visual inspections aren’t enough. Many faults can only be detected with full testing, including:

  • Polarity issues

  • Poor insulation resistance

  • Inconsistent voltages

We strongly recommend full EICR testing services in London, rather than just relying on what you can see.

Key EICR Requirements for Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords have a legal duty to maintain safe electrics. In London, landlord EICR requirements in London dictate that:

  • A full EICR must be conducted every 5 years or at tenancy change

  • Any faults must be resolved within 28 days (or sooner if serious)

  • Proof of resolution must be provided to tenants

Failure to comply can lead to fines or invalid insurance policies. Learn more about the legal requirement for EICR in London on our site.

Commercial vs Residential: Are The Faults The Same?

While many issues overlap, commercial EICRs often uncover more complex hazards:

  • Overuse of extension leads

  • Inadequate emergency lighting systems

  • Outdated three-phase equipment

For more detailed insight, see our guide on commercial EICR hazards in London.

What Happens If You Fail an EICR in London?

If your EICR result is “unsatisfactory,” you’ll be given a list of faults that need urgent attention. You won’t be compliant until a qualified electrician repairs the issues and confirms them.

We break this process down fully in our post: common electrical faults in EICR in London

Conclusion

We can’t stress enough how crucial it is to uncover and address common electrical faults in EICR London before they become dangerous or costly. From faulty wiring in London homes to fuse board faults and earth bonding issues, every fault we identify offers a chance to protect people and property.

Don’t take chances with electrical safety. Book your inspection with Maintracts Services Ltd. today. We’re reliable, experienced, and ready to help. Call us at 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk for a quote or more details.

FAQs

1. How often should I get an EICR in London?

Every 5 years for rental properties and at least every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. Sooner if you’ve recently renovated or had electrical work done.

2. What faults will cause a failed EICR?

Critical issues include missing RCDs, unsafe wiring, overloading, earth bonding issues, and deteriorating materials. All must be resolved before a certificate can be issued.

3. Who is responsible for the cost of repairs after an EICR?

The property owner or landlord is responsible for all remedial works. Tenants should not be charged for safety-related repairs.

4. Can I perform repairs myself after a failed EICR?

Only a qualified and registered electrician should carry out remedial work. DIY repairs are not permitted for legal compliance.

Book Your EICR with Maintracts Today

We’ve been safeguarding properties across London for decades. Our engineers are trusted by landlords, homeowners and businesses for reliable, compliant, and expert inspections.