Why Regular EICR Testing is Essential for Compliance

It will come as no surprise that electrical faults are one of the leading causes of fires in the workplace. What is a surprise is that even with this knowledge, many businesses still aren’t on top of their electrical safety.

While businesses have a legal duty to ensure all their electrical systems are safe, in practice, there are still lots of workplaces out there that inadvertently become non-compliant due to neglected maintenance and inadequate staff training. This is a mistake that could cause unnecessary harm and damage to your business and all those who work for you.

The solution is simple. To make sure you’re keeping your electrical systems well-maintained and your business safe and compliant, it’s crucial to schedule a regular EICR.

Read on to find out exactly what a commercial EICR entails, what to do if your business fails an inspection, and how our Electrical Division at Midland Fire can help keep your business safe and in line with electrical regulations.

What Is a Commercial EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a thorough safety assessment of all the fixed electrical systems and installations within a building. Previously known as Fixed Wire Testing, each electrical system is inspected and tested for defects or deterioration.

This inspection helps keep your workplace and staff safe from the risk of electrocution and fire, whilst also keeping you in line with your insurance requirements. It will also identify wear, damage or faults before they become serious problems, ensuring your business avoids downtime from unexpected electrical issues.

An EICR is effectively proof that the electrical installations at your business have been properly checked and deemed safe, helping you remain compliant with the latest BS7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Who Needs an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

EICRs are essential for all workplaces and commercial buildings, where regular inspections help business owners maintain safety and meet their legal requirements. Compliance is particularly important in industrial, healthcare, education and hospitality settings.

Private landlords also have a responsibility to ensure all their electrical installations remain safe, and it’s compulsory for an EICR to be carried out every five years in both private and social rented properties.

What Happens During a Commercial EICR?

Your EICR should be carried out by a qualified electrician, and following the inspection you’ll be issued with a report for your records including observations and recommendations.

For your electrical installations to be regarded as safe and compliant with the regulations, your property needs to be issued with a satisfactory EICR report.

If faults or deterioration are found and your report comes back as unsatisfactory, you’ll be issued with a C1, C2, C3 or FI code, and remedial works will be needed before your electrics can be deemed compliant.

The EICR process goes roughly like this:

• Initial consultation and site survey to assess all equipment, circuits and distribution systems.
• Thorough fixed wire testing, covering all distribution boards, circuits, wiring, sockets, lighting, etc.
• Inspection for safety, deterioration, defects, faults, overloading and non-compliance.
• Detailed NICEIC EICR report issued, including observations and remedial recommendations.
• Where necessary, corrective work can be quoted and scheduled to bring your business up to the satisfactory compliance level.
• Final certification provided.

Why Professional Accreditation Matters When Choosing a Service Provider

Let’s finish with a word on how important it is that you choose an electrician with the specific knowledge and expertise to carry out your commercial EICR. A good way of checking this is by making sure your contractor is NICEIC-approved. This will ensure that your inspection is carried out correctly by a qualified professional and that your certification is accurate.

A reliable contractor will provide:

• Detailed reporting.
• Remedial recommendations and work.
• Certification records.

• Compliance support.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Your Commercial EICR?

We are a trusted NICEIC-approved contractor with extensive experience in electrical testing and certification. Choosing Midland Fire for your EICR will give you peace of mind that your commercial property is safe and fully compliant.

We offer the following benefits for businesses and landlords:

• Qualified and certified electricians who are up to date on the latest version of BS7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations.
• UK-wide commercial electrical inspection and testing.
• Expertise in electrical inspections and testing of circuits, boards and equipment.
• Clear compliance reports with actionable observations and recommendations.
• Remedial works available immediately after inspection.
• Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption to your business.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

How often should a commercial EICR be done?
That depends on your electrical installation. Typically, an EICR should be carried out every five years (or sooner if the building’s use or occupancy changes). High-risk environments like industrial sites may need more frequent checks. Check out our website for more information.

What happens if my EICR fails?
If your EICR fails, you’ll receive a report highlighting issues with codes C1, C2 or FI. These must be fixed by a qualified electrician before the installation can be deemed safe and compliant.

Is an EICR legally required?
In commercial settings, it’s a legal requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure electrical systems are safe and properly maintained. An EICR provides proof of this and demonstrates compliance.

Do I need a NICEIC-approved contractor?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Using a NICEIC-approved contractor for your EICR ensures the inspection is carried out by a qualified professional who meets industry-recognised standards. It’s the best way to guarantee your report is accurate, reliable and fully compliant with current regulations.

Can Midland Fire handle remedial works too?
Absolutely, we can take care of all necessary remedial works to bring your EICR up to a satisfactory standard.