Every business has a duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain its electrical systems so they don't cause danger. A commercial EICR, sometimes called a commercial electrical safety certificate or fixed wire test, is the standard way to show you are meeting that duty. Insurers, landlords and fire risk assessors often ask to see it.
How often does a business need a commercial EICR?
There isn't one fixed legal interval. The usual benchmark is the set of recommended maximum intervals in the IET's Guidance Note 3, which the inspector adjusts for the condition and use of your installation:
| Type of premises | Recommended maximum interval |
|---|---|
| Offices, shops, restaurants and hotels | 5 years |
| Schools, churches and community buildings | 5 years |
| Industrial units and workshops | 3 years |
| Cinemas and places of public entertainment | 1–3 years |
| Caravan parks, marinas and swimming pools | 1 year |
The inspector records the recommended date of the next inspection on the report. If you lease your premises, check the lease too, as many require the tenant to arrange it.
What a commercial EICR covers
- distribution boards and sub-mains, including three-phase supplies
- final circuits for lighting, power and fixed equipment
- earthing and bonding throughout the premises
- RCD protection and trip times
- the condition of the wiring, accessories and enclosures, including in plant rooms and outbuildings
Emergency lighting and fire alarm systems are certified under their own standards. The EICR covers the circuits that supply them. Tell us when you request a quote if you need anything beyond the EICR.
Testing around your opening hours
Testing means turning circuits off, so we plan the work with you. We can test one section at a time to keep the rest of the premises running, or schedule the visit for a time that suits your trading hours. We agree all of this before we arrive, so there are no surprises on the day.
Pricing a commercial EICR
Commercial installations vary too much for a single price, so we quote after a short call. It depends on the number of distribution boards and circuits, whether the supply is single or three-phase, access, and when the testing needs to happen. Tell us what the premises is used for, roughly how big it is and how many boards it has (a photo helps), and we will give you a fixed price before booking. Multi-site businesses and property managers can have several sites quoted together.
After the inspection
You get a full written report with every observation coded C1, C2, C3 or FI. Any C1 is made safe before we leave. For C2 and FI items, we give you a fixed-price quote for the remedial work. You don't have to use us. Once the work is done, we issue written confirmation for your insurer, landlord or fire risk assessor.
Holiday lets and furnished lets
Holiday lets aren't covered by the 2020 private rented sector regulations, but as a business you still have a duty to keep the installation safe, and most insurers and booking platforms expect evidence. A commercial-style EICR every five years, with appliance testing alongside, is the usual approach.