It is one of the questions facilities managers and business owners ask us most: how often do we need an EICR? The honest answer is that it depends on the type of building and how it is used. Here is a practical guide for commercial and industrial premises.
What the Law Says
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical systems so that, as far as is reasonably practicable, they do not cause danger. The regulations do not set a fixed date for testing. Instead, regular inspection and testing is the recognised way of showing your installation is being maintained, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the document that records it.
Insurers, landlords, local authorities and principal contractors increasingly ask to see a current, satisfactory EICR, so a missing or out of date report can cause problems well beyond compliance.
Recommended Intervals
Guidance published by the IET alongside BS 7671, the UK Wiring Regulations, sets out maximum recommended periods between inspections. For common types of building they are:
- Offices, shops and other commercial premises: every 5 years
- Hotels and restaurants: every 5 years
- Schools, colleges and other educational buildings: every 5 years
- Factories, workshops and warehouses: every 3 years
- Swimming pools and spas: every year
- Construction site installations: every 3 months
These are maximums, not targets. The inspector who carries out your EICR should recommend when the next inspection is due, based on the condition of the installation and how hard it is worked. A busy production facility with heavy machinery, vibration or dust may need a shorter interval.
You should also arrange an inspection when a building changes hands or use, after significant alterations, or after damage such as a flood or fire.
What Happens During an EICR
A commercial EICR is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed wiring, distribution boards and protective devices. It covers:
- A visual inspection of distribution boards, wiring, accessories and containment
- Testing of earthing and bonding arrangements
- Continuity and insulation resistance testing of circuits
- Testing of RCDs and other protective devices
- Checking circuit charts, labelling and documentation
Some tests need circuits to be switched off, so we plan the work with you in advance. On busy sites we often test in sections, outside working hours or at weekends, so the business keeps running.
Understanding the Results
Any issues are recorded using standard codes:
- C1: danger present, immediate action required
- C2: potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required
- C3: improvement recommended
- FI: further investigation required without delay
An installation with any C1, C2 or FI observations is reported as unsatisfactory. We explain every observation in plain English and provide a clear, itemised quotation for any remedial work, so you can plan and budget with confidence.
Keeping on Top of It
Across a number of sites, test dates are easy to lose track of. As part of our EICR and fixed wire testing service, we keep a record of your inspection dates and remind you when renewals are due, alongside emergency lighting, PAT testing and thermal imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EICR a legal requirement for a commercial property?
The law does not name the EICR specifically, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems to be maintained so they are safe. A current, satisfactory EICR is the recognised way to show that.
How long does a commercial EICR take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the installation. A small office can often be inspected in a day, while a large industrial site may take several days, usually split into sections to avoid disruption.
Not sure when your next EICR is due? Contact Econ Electrical and we will review your existing certificates and advise on the right schedule for your site.
