Electrical Safety Checks (EICR) in Brighton: A Homeowner’s Guide
Electrical safety is a crucial part of maintaining any property, especially in a city like Brighton & Hove, where many homes are older and wiring systems may not meet modern standards. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or buyer, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the best way to ensure your electrics are safe, compliant and reliable.
In this guide, we explain what an EICR is, when you need one, how much it costs in Brighton, and why electrical safety checks are so important in 2025.
What Is an Electrical Safety Check (EICR)?
An EICR is a formal inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the condition of your property’s electrical installation.
The report checks:
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- Wiring condition
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- Sockets and switches
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- Earthing and bonding
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- Signs of overheating or damage
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- Compliance with current safety standards (BS 7671)
The goal is to identify any issues that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire.
Why EICRs Are Especially Important in Brighton
Many properties across Brighton, Hove, Kemptown, Hanover, Seven Dials and Preston Park were built decades ago and may still have:
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- Old wiring
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- Outdated fuse boards
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- Insufficient earthing
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- Circuits not designed for modern electrical loads
With today’s increased use of appliances, EV chargers and home offices, older systems are under more strain than ever.
Who Needs an Electrical Safety Check in Brighton?
Homeowners
If you own your home, an EICR is recommended:
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- Every 10 years
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- Before buying or selling a property
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- After major renovations
- If you notice electrical issues (tripping, buzzing, burning smells)
Landlords
Landlords in Brighton are legally required to:
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- Have an EICR carried out every 5 years
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- Provide a copy to tenants
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- Address any safety issues identified
Failure to comply can result in fines and enforcement action.
Home Buyers
An EICR is strongly advised when purchasing an older Brighton property, particularly Victorian and Edwardian homes common across central Brighton and Hove.
What Happens During an EICR?
During an electrical safety inspection, the electrician will:
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- Visually inspect electrical components
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- Carry out live and dead testing
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- Identify wear, damage or safety risks
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- Check compliance with current regulations
The inspection usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on property size.
Understanding EICR Codes
Your report may include the following codes:
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- C1 – Danger present (immediate action required)
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- C2 – Potentially dangerous (urgent remedial work needed)
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- C3 – Improvement recommended (not urgent)
A report is considered unsatisfactory if it includes any C1 or C2 codes.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in Brighton? (2025)
Typical EICR costs in Brighton include:
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- 1–2 bedroom flat: £120 – £180
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- 3-bedroom house: £150 – £250
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- Larger properties: £250+
Prices vary based on property size, number of circuits and accessibility.
What Happens If Your EICR Fails?
If issues are identified:
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- The electrician will explain the findings
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- Remedial work may be required
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- Once repairs are completed, the installation can be re-tested
Common remedial work includes:
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- Consumer unit upgrades
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- Improving earthing and bonding
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- Replacing damaged wiring
- Fixing unsafe sockets or fittings
Do EICRs Include Repairs?
No — the EICR is an inspection only.
However, many Brighton electricians can provide fixed-price quotes for any remedial work needed.
How Often Should You Get an Electrical Safety Check?
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- Homeowners: Every 10 years
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- Landlords: Every 5 years
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- Commercial properties: Every 5 years or as required
- Older properties: More frequent checks may be advisable
Choosing a Local Brighton Electrician for an EICR
Using a local Brighton electrician offers several advantages:
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- Knowledge of older coastal properties
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- Familiarity with local housing stock
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- Faster response times
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- Clear communication and follow-up
Always choose a fully qualified electrician who provides certification.
Final Thoughts
An electrical safety check is one of the most important inspections you can carry out on a Brighton property. Whether you live in Hove, Kemptown, Patcham or central Brighton, an up-to-date EICR gives peace of mind, protects occupants and ensures legal compliance.
If your electrics haven’t been checked in recent years, arranging an EICR is a simple but essential step toward a safer home.