M&E Contrax Resources

EICRs for Commercial Properties

What businesses need to know

The question of whether a commercial property needs an EICR is frequently answered with uncertainty. The honest answer is that while there is no single piece of legislation that mandates an EICR for commercial premises in the same way as for residential rental properties, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 effectively require it as the recognised method of demonstrating that a duty has been met.

Written by David Moore, M&E Installations Manager, M&E Contrax. Last reviewed: June 2026.

What the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require

The Electricity at Work Regulations place a duty on employers, the self-employed, and those in control of premises to ensure that all electrical systems are constructed, maintained, and operated in a way that prevents danger. The Regulations do not specify how this must be demonstrated, but an EICR carried out by a competent person is widely accepted by insurers, local authorities, and the Health and Safety Executive as the appropriate method.

A business that cannot demonstrate that its electrical installation has been recently inspected by a qualified contractor is exposed to risk both from a safety and a legal liability perspective. If an electrical incident occurs and the employer or premises controller cannot show they took reasonable steps to maintain the installation, the regulatory and civil liability consequences are significant.

How often does a commercial property need an EICR

The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing recommends the following frequencies as a guide:

General commercial premises (offices, shops, restaurants): every 5 years

Industrial premises: every 3 years

Premises with a change of occupancy or significant alteration to the installation: at the point of change

Agricultural premises: every 3 years

Swimming pools, sauna facilities, and similar: every 1 year

These are recommended frequencies rather than fixed legal requirements. The appropriate frequency for your premises depends on the nature of the activities carried out, the age and condition of the installation, and the specific risk level. A competent EICR contractor should advise on the appropriate frequency for your property type.

What a commercial EICR involves

A commercial EICR follows the same general principles as a residential inspection but is typically more complex, takes longer, and requires more preparation. For larger premises, you will need to provide access to all distribution boards, sub-distribution boards, and the main intake. The inspection may require parts of the site to be temporarily de-energised.

For smaller commercial premises such as a retail unit or small office, a commercial EICR may be completed within 2 to 4 hours. For larger sites, a multi-day inspection or phased programme may be more practical.

The inspection report covers all fixed wiring, distribution boards, protective devices, earthing and bonding, and any specialist systems that form part of the fixed electrical installation. The report will reference BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, and any specific standards relevant to the premises type.

PAT testing alongside EICR

An EICR covers only the fixed installation. It does not cover portable appliances such as computers, kettles, power tools, and other moveable equipment. PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is the complementary inspection that covers these items. For most commercial premises, both are needed as part of a complete electrical safety programme.

M&E Contrax can carry out both EICR and PAT testing, either on the same day or as part of a scheduled programme. Combining both reduces disruption to the premises and provides comprehensive documentation of your electrical safety compliance in one engagement.

Recent Case Studies

162-Circuit EICR at WJ Group, Wellington, Somerset
69-Circuit EICR at Harmony Windows, Exeter
198-Circuit EICR at International Dance Supplies, Newton Abbot

FAQs

Strictly speaking, the legislation requires maintenance of safe electrical systems rather than mandating an EICR by name. However, an EICR is the industry-standard evidence of compliance and is typically required by insurers, commercial lenders, and local authority compliance teams. For practical purposes, yes: a business without a current EICR is exposed to significant risk.

This depends on the terms of the lease. In many commercial leases, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the electrical installation within the demised premises. In others, particularly where the landlord retains control of common areas and services, the landlord carries the responsibility. Check your lease carefully and seek professional advice if the position is unclear.

A failure, meaning one or more C1 or C2 findings, requires remedial work. For commercial premises, the urgency is determined by the classification of the finding. C1 findings require immediate action. C2 findings require prompt remediation. Once the work is completed, the contractor provides written confirmation and a retest or updated certificate can be issued.