Commercial EICR — frequency and what’s involved
Commercial premises should have a satisfactory EICR on the fixed wiring — commonly every five years for offices and shops, and more often (for example every three years, or annually) for higher-risk environments. It's expected by most insurers and often written into your lease. The inspection is scoped to the number of circuits and usually scheduled to avoid disrupting trading.
Why commercial premises need one
Employers have a legal duty to maintain the electrical installation in a safe condition, and an EICR is the standard way to evidence it. Beyond the law, most commercial insurance policies and many commercial leases require an in-date satisfactory EICR — and may ask to see it when a claim is made.
How often
Intervals are guidance- and risk-based rather than a single legal number. A typical office or shop often works to a five-year cycle; higher-risk environments — industrial units, places with heavy machinery, or premises with lots of public footfall — are commonly inspected more frequently. Your insurer or lease may set the interval, so it's worth checking those alongside the report's recommendation.
What the inspection involves
The installation is inspected and tested circuit by circuit against BS 7671, with findings coded (C1, C2, C3, FI) just like a domestic EICR. On a larger site this takes longer, so we scope it by circuit count and schedule around your opening hours — including evenings or weekends where downtime is the priority.
Is a commercial EICR a legal requirement?
The duty to keep the installation safe is legal; the EICR is the recognised way to demonstrate it. In practice it's also required by most insurers and many leases, which makes it effectively essential.
How long does a commercial EICR take?
It depends on the number of circuits. A small premises might be a few hours; a large site is scoped per circuit and may run over several visits, scheduled to avoid disrupting trading.
Can you work out of hours?
Yes — for many commercial clients we test in the evenings or at weekends so the inspection doesn't interrupt business.