What to Expect from a Commercial EICR and How to Fix Any Fails

As a commercial landlord, business owner or facilities manager, it’s important for you to fully understand Electrical Installation Condition Reports. And as a NICEIC approved contractor, we’re more than happy to help get you up to speed.

So you probably already know that an EICR is a thorough safety assessment of a building’s fixed electrical installations. And you’re most likely aware that electrical safety is a legal requirement for all commercial properties.

But do you know what actually gets checked during an EICR? Or what causes a report to fail? And most importantly, have you thought about how you might fix any issues without it costing a fortune or causing major disruption? In this blog, we’ll break down what’s involved in a commercial EICR, talk about the most common fail codes and how to fix things, and explain how 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 an examination of all the fixed electrical systems and installations within a building to ensure that each one is operating safely.

Previously known as Fixed Wire Testing, each electrical system is inspected and tested for defects or deterioration. This, in turn, ensures that your business is compliant with the latest BS7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which is a legal must as well as a requirement of business insurance providers.

A periodic EICR provides a clear record of the condition of your electrics and recommends any necessary remedial work to keep your business and properties safe. It’s crucial for:

• Keeping your electrical systems safe for staff, tenants and visitors.
• Meeting legal duties under health and safety and workplace regulations.
• Keeping you compliant with insurance requirements.
• Identifying wear, damage or faults before they become serious problems.
• Ensuring your business avoids downtime from unexpected electrical issues.

The EICR Testing Process

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.

At Midland Fire, we follow the below process:

• 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 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.

Common EICR Codes Explained

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. However, reports can initially come back as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and if you’re issued with the latter, you’ll need to take action to get your electrics up to standard.

An unsatisfactory report will highlight any issues or faults and categorise them based on their severity using a coding system. The codes are as follows:

C1: Danger present

A C1 code means there’s an immediate risk of electrocution or fire. In commercial spaces, this could be exposed live wires in a distribution board or severely damaged sockets. Action is needed immediately, like isolating the issue and repairing it straight away, to keep your commercial property and everyone in it safe.

C2: Potentially dangerous

C2 signals a problem that isn’t immediately dangerous, but could become serious if left unchecked. Examples are poor earthing, loose connections in a fuse board or outdated wiring near water sources. You’ll need to get C2 issues fixed promptly to avoid further risks and to stay compliant with safety standards.

C3: Improvement recommended

A C3 isn’t an immediate EICR fail, it’s a recommendation that improvement is needed soon rather than a mandatory requirement. It means the installation is safe for now but could be better. For example, lacking RCD protection on socket circuits or using outdated fittings that don’t meet current best practice.

FI: Further investigation required

An FI code means your electrician spotted an unclear, inaccessible or complex fault that they couldn’t fully assess on the day. This could be intermittent tripping, signs of previous DIY fixes or inaccessible areas hiding potential defects. A more in-depth follow-up inspection will be needed before a satisfactory report can be issued.

An EICR report is classed as unsatisfactory if it contains C1, C2 or FI codes. C3 codes can be listed in a satisfactory report, but we recommend you still consider actioning these improvements fairly quickly to keep your electrical systems up to date, avoiding more costly problems in the future.

How to Fix EICR Fail Codes

If your electrical safety report comes back with fail codes, it’s important to hire a qualified electrician or electrical contractor to carry out any repairs or system updates detailed in the report as soon as possible.

At Midland Fire, we don’t just inspect, we can also handle all your report rectifications. The severity rating of your EICR codes helps us to prioritise which work needs doing first, and once the repairs are complete we’ll then retest to confirm your safety compliance.

Why Choose Midland Fire for EICR & Electrical Rectification Services?

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.

Businesses and landlords benefit from:

• Qualified and certified approved electricians that 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?
Yes, in most commercial settings, it’s a legal requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure electrical systems are safe and properly maintained.

Do commercial landlords need an EICR for their property?
Landlords are legally required to maintain electrical safety in their business’s premises. A valid landlord NICEIC EICR certificate for your premises demonstrates compliance and ensures tenant safety.

Do I need an NICEIC approved contractor?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Using an 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, Midland Fire can take care of all necessary remedial works to bring your EICR up to satisfactory standard.