Is a commercial EICR a legal requirement?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers and duty holders to maintain electrical systems so they do not cause danger. Periodic inspection and testing — a commercial EICR, also called fixed wire testing — is the normal way to show you have done that.
Insurers, landlords, local authorities and fire risk assessors routinely ask for a current EICR. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also makes the responsible person consider electrical fire risks.
Recommended maximum intervals by premises type
These are typical maximum intervals between inspections, as recommended in IET Guidance Note 3. The inspector may set a shorter interval on the report based on the condition and use of the installation.
| Type of premises | Max interval |
|---|---|
| Offices and shops | 5 years |
| Restaurants, hotels and pubs | 5 years |
| Schools, colleges and other educational premises | 5 years |
| Hospitals, medical and care premises | 5 years |
| Community centres and halls | 5 years |
| Rented homes and HMOs | 5 years |
| Industrial units and factories | 3 years |
| Theatres | 3 years |
| Cinemas | 1–3 years |
| Leisure complexes and swimming pools | 1 year |
| Petrol filling stations and launderettes | 1 year |
| Caravan parks and marinas | 1 year |
| Construction site installations | 3 months |
When to test sooner
- The previous report recommends a shorter interval
- A change of tenant, owner or use of the building
- After a fire, flood or other damage
- Repeated tripping, flickering lights or signs of overheating — see thermal imaging and power quality surveys
- Before a lease handback or as part of due diligence
Testing without shutting the business
Polarity plans commercial EICRs board by board, outside trading hours where needed, so critical circuits stay live. Commercial EICRs are priced from £249 per distribution board, with a written schedule and fixed remedial prices. See commercial electrical testing and our commercial compliance services.
Frequently asked questions
How often does an office need an EICR?
The typical maximum interval for offices is five years, unless the previous report recommends a shorter period.
Is fixed wire testing the same as a commercial EICR?
Yes. Fixed wire testing is the common commercial name for periodic inspection and testing, which is recorded on an EICR.
Can testing be done out of hours?
Yes. Polarity carries out evening, night and weekend testing, phased board by board, to avoid disrupting trade.
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