NFC Tags for Consumer Units
Stick a tag on the board. Scan it next time. Instant access to every circuit, test result and observation for that consumer unit.
What Are NFC Tags?
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small, self-adhesive stickers that store a tiny amount of data. You stick one on or near a consumer unit, and iCertifi links the tag to that distribution board. On your next visit, hold your iPhone near the tag and the app opens straight to that board – showing every circuit, every test result, every observation, and the full certificate history.
Think of it like a QR code, but invisible.
The tag sits behind the consumer unit door or on the side of the enclosure. Any electrician in your firm with iCertifi can scan it and see the full board information instantly.
What You Need
- iPhone 7 or newer – all iPhones from the 7 onwards have NFC built in
- NTAG215 or NTAG216 NFC stickers – available on Amazon for around 10p each (buy a pack of 50 for a few pounds)
- iCertifi Cloud Pro – the NFC feature is included with your subscription
Pro Tip: NTAG215 tags work perfectly for iCertifi. Buy a pack of 50 from Amazon for a few pounds – they cost pennies each and last forever.
How to Write a Tag
Step 1: Open any certificate and go to the distribution board screen.
Step 2: Tap the NFC icon (the wave symbol) in the toolbar.
Step 3: Hold the top of your iPhone against the NFC tag.
Step 4: You will feel a haptic tap and see a confirmation. The tag is now linked to this board.
Step 5: Stick the tag inside the consumer unit door or on the side of the enclosure.
One tag per board. Each tag links to one specific distribution board. If a property has multiple boards, use one tag per board.
How to Scan a Tag
From the app: Tap Scan NFC on the home screen, then hold your phone near the tag. The app jumps straight to the board showing all circuits, test results and observations.
Background reading (iPhone XS and newer): Just hold the top of your phone near the tag – even from the lock screen. iOS shows a notification, tap it and iCertifi opens at the right board.
Pro Tip: Background reading works without opening the app first. Walk up to the board, hold your phone near the tag, tap the notification – done.
What You See When You Scan
When you scan a tag, iCertifi opens the full board view showing:
- All circuits – every circuit on that board with full details
- Test results – Zs, R1+R2, insulation resistance, RCD times – the lot
- Observations – any C1, C2, C3 or FI codes recorded against the board
- Certificate history – every certificate that includes this board
- Supply details – earthing arrangement, Ze, Ipf and supply characteristics
No searching needed. One scan and you have the complete picture of that board. No scrolling through certificates trying to find the right one.
Real-World Use Cases
Return Visits
Arrive at a property you certified two years ago. Scan the tag and instantly see the original EICR, all observations, and every test result from that visit. Compare with what you see now.
Multiple Electricians in Your Firm
When your colleague visits a site you originally certified, they scan the same tag. With Firm Collaboration enabled, they see the same board information you do – no handover notes needed.
EICR Comparison
Doing a periodic inspection? Scan the tag to see the previous EICR results. Compare readings side by side to spot deterioration or changes since the last inspection.
Tag Every Board You Certify
NFC tags cost pennies but save minutes on every return visit.