Sector guide
EICR Testing for Care Homes
EICR testing for care homes — proving the installation is safe around vulnerable residents and 24-hour occupancy, with critical circuits protected throughout.
An EICR proves that a care home's fixed electrical installation is safe — and it must be delivered without disturbing the residents who live there. This guide covers EICR testing in care homes and supported-living premises.
What the EICR covers
- Incoming supply, distribution boards and circuits throughout the home.
- RCD protection on socket circuits (RCD protection).
- Earthing and bonding, including to metallic services.
- Circuits serving critical care equipment, heating and lifts.
Testing an occupied home
The building never empties, so testing is planned around residents:
- Non-disruptive visual inspection and live testing first.
- Critical circuits identified and isolated only under a controlled plan.
- Room by room, around meals, medication and rest — see electrical testing in occupied premises.
Managing the result
Observations are coded C1, C2, C3 or FI. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory and should be remedied by a competent person and re-certified, following the remedial priorities. Remedial work is quoted separately so the report stays impartial.
Keeping the home compliant
The result feeds the home's compliance documentation and its wider electrical compliance programme, so inspection sits alongside emergency lighting, fire-alarm servicing and planned maintenance — the evidence CQC inspectors expect.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a care home need an EICR?
Care homes are commonly inspected every five years, subject to the previous report and a risk assessment. Because residents are vulnerable and the building is occupied around the clock, many operators adopt a shorter interval alongside strong planned maintenance to reduce fault risk.
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Electrical compliance for care homes — EICRs, emergency lighting, fire alarms and continuity of supply delivered around vulnerable residents and 24-hour occupancy.
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The common electrical risks in care homes — resident equipment, mobility and bed charging, overloaded sockets and worn accessories — and how to identify and control them.
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Continuity of Electrical Services in Care Homes
Keeping electrical services continuous in care homes — protecting heating, lifts, nurse-call and care equipment through resilient design and controlled maintenance.
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Care Home Compliance Documentation
The electrical compliance records a care home should hold — EICRs, PAT logs, emergency-lighting and fire-alarm records, and remedial evidence for CQC and duty holders.
Learn moreThis article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.