EIC, MEIWC, and EICRs...Oh my!

A realistic breakdown on what the electrical acronyms are and when you need them.

An electrician focused on wiring a circuit board in a residential setting.

EICs - Electrical Installation Certificate

An EIC is issued when new electrical work is carried out. Think of it as the “birth certificate” for a new circuit or major electrical job.

✔ You must have an EIC when:

• A new circuit is installed (e.g., EV charger, new kitchen circuit, outdoor sockets)

• Your consumer unit (fuse board) is replaced

• You have a full or partial rewire

• A new build or major extension has its wiring installed

  
  

✔ Nice to have (not legally required):

• When buying a property, asking for EICs for recent work adds confidence the work was done properly.

  
  

✔ Who can issue an EIC?

A qualified and competent electrician who has passed the City & Guilds 2391 Qualification.

Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate

A MEIWC is used for small changes to existing circuits. Think of it as the “service receipt” for minor electrical jobs.

✔ You must have a MEIWC when:

• A device on an existing circuit is replaced or altered e.g., replacing a damaged socket or moving a light fitting and modifying wiring

• Adding a spur from an existing circuit

• Adding a single light or socket to a circuit without creating a new one

✔ Nice to have (but optional):

• When the work is extremely small (like swapping a like-for-like socket front), some homeowners skip paperwork—but having a MEIWC creates a helpful safety record.

✔ Who can issue a MEIWC?

Any competent electrician who can test the circuit they worked on.

Practically speaking, most people will not ask you for a MEIWC though because often the works are so small that no one is keen on having a stack of papers for the socket that you demonstrate works. Its one of the more paperwork tedious activities that no one likely will ever ask about. It is often already addressed by an EICR which can be conducted on the sale of your home (see below!)

Electrical Installation Condition Report

An EICR is a health check of your home’s existing wiring. It does not relate to new work—it reports on what’s already there.

✔ You must have an EICR when:

• You’re a landlord (legal requirement every 5 years)

• You’re letting or re-letting a rental property

• Your insurer requires it (common for older homes)

✔ Highly recommended (but not legally required):

• Buying or selling a home (like a survey, but for electrics)

• After flood, fire, or major DIY damage

• In older properties where wiring condition is unknown

✔ Who can perform an EICR?

A qualified electrician experienced in inspection & testing, typically holding a City & Guilds 2391 (or equivalent) certification.

Not all electricians regularly perform EICRs—you want someone who does them often.

Get in touch with VoltTec if you are due an EIC or EICR! Having it on hand for when you sell or let your property makes the already stressful home moving process a bit easier!