EIC vs EICR vs Minor Works: which certificate do you need?
Use an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) for new work that includes a new circuit, a new installation, a rewire or a consumer unit replacement. Use a Minor Works certificate (MEIWC) for an addition or alteration to an existing circuit that doesn't add a new circuit, such as an extra socket on a ring or a moved light point. Use an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) to report on the condition of an existing installation, for example for a landlord, a sale or a periodic inspection. The EIC and Minor Works certify work you've done. The EICR reports on what's already there.
The three certificates side by side
| EIC | Minor Works (MEIWC) | EICR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it's for | New work: a new installation, or an addition or alteration that includes a new circuit | An addition or alteration to an existing circuit, with no new circuit | The condition of an existing installation |
| Typical jobs | Consumer unit change, rewire, new cooker, shower or EV charger circuit, new build or extension | Extra socket or spur, moved or added light point, remedial work with no new circuit | Landlord inspection, house sale, periodic inspection |
| Who signs | Design, construction, and inspection and testing (often the same person) | One declaration by the person who did the work | The inspector, and the person who authorises the report for issue |
| Schedules | Schedule of inspections, circuit details and test results | Circuit details and test results for the one circuit, on the certificate | Schedule of inspection, circuit details, test results and coded observations |
| Result | Certifies the new work | Certifies the minor work | Satisfactory or unsatisfactory for continued service |
| Next inspection | Recommended interval from the designer | Not on the form | Recommended date, with reasons |
Which certificate for which job?
- Consumer unit replacement: EIC. It's not minor works, even if the circuits stay the same.
- New circuit (cooker, shower, EV charger, garden supply, outbuilding): EIC.
- Full or partial rewire: EIC.
- Extra socket or fused spur on an existing circuit: Minor Works.
- Moving or adding a light point on an existing lighting circuit: Minor Works.
- Remedial work after an EICR: Minor Works if no new circuit is involved (a separate certificate for each circuit altered, or an EIC for work on several circuits). EIC if you add a circuit or change the consumer unit.
- Landlord's five-yearly check, a sale, or "is it safe?": EICR.
- Like-for-like replacement of a damaged accessory: often treated as maintenance. Many electricians still issue a Minor Works so there's a record of the tests.
The grey areas
- Altering an existing circuit without adding a new one: you can use a Minor Works or an EIC. Use an EIC if the job is bigger than the Minor Works form can describe properly.
- Several circuits altered: several additions or alterations on the same existing circuit can go on one Minor Works certificate. If you've altered more than one circuit, issue a separate Minor Works for each, or an EIC that covers them all.
- Building Regulations: in England and Wales, some domestic work is notifiable, including new circuits and consumer unit changes. The notifiable lists differ between England and Wales. Notifying the work is separate from the BS 7671 certificate: you still issue the EIC or Minor Works either way.
- New work doesn't need an EICR as well. The EIC or Minor Works is the record of new work. An EICR is for an installation that's already in service.
What's on each form (A4:2026)
- EIC: client and installation details; the extent of the work (new, addition or alteration); design, construction, and inspection and testing signatures; the next inspection interval; supply characteristics and earthing; the main switch; the schedule of inspections; and a schedule of circuit details and test results for each board. See a sample EIC
- Minor Works: a description of the work; departures and permitted exceptions; comments on the existing installation; earthing and bonding; the circuit and its protective devices; test results for the altered or extended circuit; and the declaration. See a sample Minor Works · Minor Works certificate checklist
- EICR: the reason for the report; extent and limitations; the summary and overall assessment; the next inspection date; supply and earthing; the schedule of inspection; observations coded C1, C2, C3 or FI; and a schedule of circuit details and test results for each board. See a sample EICR · EICR codes explained
All three on your phone in ZipCert
ZipCert does the EICR, EIC and Minor Works, all built to the A4:2026 model form layout. EV charge point, solar PV, fire alarm, emergency lighting and PAT records are also included.
- Fill in any of them with no signal once ZipCert is open. It syncs when you're back in signal.
- On the EICR and EIC, Photo board fills the circuit schedule from a photo of a single-phase board (it needs signal), and "Add a board" gives each board its own schedule.
- Talk to text works in the text boxes, such as the description of the work and the observations. Readings are typed.
- Point 5 checks catch incomplete items before you issue. Tap Issue for a branded PDF with your logo.
- ZipCert isn't approved or endorsed by NICEIC or NAPIT: schemes assess the certificate's content, not the software brand.
How to fill in an EICR on your phone · The EICR app for no-signal jobs · Pricing
FAQ
What's the difference between an EIC and an EICR?
An EIC certifies new electrical work that you've designed, installed, inspected and tested, such as a new circuit or a consumer unit change. An EICR reports on the condition of an existing installation and says whether it's satisfactory for continued service.
Do I need an EIC or a Minor Works for a consumer unit change?
An EIC. Replacing a consumer unit isn't minor works, even when the circuits stay the same.
When can I use a Minor Works certificate?
For an addition or alteration to an existing circuit that doesn't include a new circuit, such as adding a socket or moving a light point. Several items of work on the same circuit can go on one certificate. If you've altered more than one circuit, issue a separate Minor Works for each, or an EIC.
Is a new circuit always an EIC?
Yes. The Minor Works form is for work that doesn't include a new circuit, so any new circuit needs an EIC.
Which certificate does a landlord need?
An EICR. It reports on the condition of the installation. Landlords in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland generally need a condition report at least every five years, or sooner if the last report sets an earlier date. If remedial work follows, it's recorded on a Minor Works or an EIC, depending on the work.
Can I do all three on my phone?
Yes. ZipCert does the EICR, EIC and Minor Works on your phone, built to the A4:2026 model form layout, and works with no signal once it's open. There's a 14-day free trial, no card.
All three certificates, one app. 14-day free trial, no card.
Written by ZipCert, which makes an electrical certificate app. Check BS 7671 and your scheme's guidance for anything you're unsure of.