EICR Test

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems in commercial buildings to be maintained so as to prevent danger. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the widely accepted method of demonstrating compliance, typically carried out every five years for most commercial premises, or more frequently in higher-risk environments. The report must be carried out by a qualified electrician and retained as evidence for insurers and regulators.

Is an EICR test a legal requirement?

Electrical installations in workplaces must be maintained in a safe condition under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Employers, building owners, and duty holders are responsible for ensuring that electrical systems do not pose a danger to people using the premises.

While the regulations do not specify exact inspection intervals, periodic electrical inspections such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) are widely used to demonstrate that installations are being properly maintained.

Many insurers, landlords, facilities managers, and health and safety policies require a valid EICR as evidence that electrical systems have been professionally inspected and assessed.

For most commercial premises, an inspection interval of around five years is commonly recommended, although higher-risk environments may require more frequent testing.

What does an EICR test include?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report involves a detailed inspection and testing process designed to assess the safety and condition of the electrical installation within a building.

Typical elements inspected during an EICR include:

• wiring systems and cable condition
• distribution boards and consumer units
• sockets, switches, and fixed electrical equipment
• earthing and bonding arrangements
• circuit protection devices
• insulation resistance and polarity testing
• condition of electrical accessories and enclosures

The inspection identifies any deterioration, damage, or non-compliance with current electrical safety standards.

Issues discovered during the inspection are recorded within the report and assigned EICR observation codes indicating whether remedial work is required.

How EICR testing is carried out

Professional EICR testing follows a structured inspection process carried out by a competent electrician.

Step 1 – Visual inspection

The electrician examines the installation to identify visible damage, unsafe alterations, overheating, or deterioration.

Step 2 – Electrical testing

Specialist testing equipment is used to assess circuit integrity, insulation resistance, polarity, and the performance of protective devices.

Step 3 – Safety evaluation

The electrical installation is assessed against the current edition of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) to determine whether it remains safe for continued operation.

Step 4 – Report and coding

A formal Electrical Installation Condition Report is issued detailing the results of the inspection and identifying any safety observations.

Step 5 – Remedial recommendations

Where faults are identified, the report will outline the work required to rectify the issue and bring the installation up to standard. 

If remedial work is needed, it can be arranged through our Quoted Works service.

What do EICR observation codes mean?

Observations identified during an Electrical Installation Condition Report are classified using standard codes.

• C1: Danger present – immediate risk of injury. Must be made safe without delay.
• C2: Potentially dangerous – urgent remedial work required to remove the risk.
• C3: Improvement recommended – no immediate danger, but improvements are advisable to meet current standards.
• F1: Further investigation required – additional investigation needed before the safety of the installation can be confirmed.

An installation will normally be considered unsatisfactory if C1, C2, or FI observations are recorded.

How often should an EICR test be carried out?

Inspection intervals depend on the type of premises and how the electrical installation is used.

Typical guidance based on industry recommendations includes:

• Commercial premises – Every 5 years (approximately)
• Industrial premises – Every 3 years (approximately)
• High-risk or high-usage environments – More frequent inspection may be required

In environments with heavy electrical usage, environmental stress, or high occupancy, shorter inspection intervals may be appropriate.

EICR testing across Yorkshire and the Humber

Robinsons Facilities Services has been carrying out EICR testing for commercial buildings across Yorkshire and the Humber for decades — supporting organisations across Leeds, Harrogate, York, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Hull, and surrounding areas.

We work with property managers, multi-academy trusts, healthcare providers, local authorities, and commercial property owners across a wide range of environments, many as their single supplier for all building maintenance and compliance. 

All testing is carried out to the current edition of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) by qualified, experienced electricians accredited to recognised standards across health and safety, quality, and technical competence.

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