What Is an EICR?
- Ryan O'Toole
- May 7
- 3 min read
Understanding Electrical Fixed Wire Testing for UK Businesses ⚡🏢
If you’re responsible for a commercial or industrial property, you’ve likely heard of an EICR – or perhaps you’ve seen it referred to as a fixed wire test or electrical certificate.
But what exactly is it? Why is it so important? And how often should you be getting it done?
Let’s break it down.
⚡ What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive inspection and testing process used to assess the safety and condition of your building’s fixed electrical wiring. This includes:
Consumer units and distribution boards
Sockets, switches and lighting circuits
Hardwired plant and equipment
Protective devices like RCDs and fuses
Think of it as an MOT for your electrical infrastructure – ensuring it’s safe, compliant, and fit for use.
The EICR identifies defects, deterioration, damage or non-compliance with the latest standards set out in BS 7671 (18th Edition + Amendment 2) – the current UK wiring regulations.
⚠️ Why is a fixed wire test important?
Whether you manage a factory, office, warehouse, retail unit, or educational premises, an EICR helps you:
✅ Prevent fire or electric shock hazards
✅ Identify issues before they become costly problems
✅ Demonstrate compliance with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
✅ Maintain insurance cover and satisfy underwriter conditions
✅ Keep staff, visitors, and property safe
Without a valid EICR, you're operating blind – and potentially breaking the law.
🗓️ How often should an EICR be carried out?
Here are the recommended testing intervals for different environments, in line with BS 7671 and current guidance:
Premises Type | Maximum Interval for EICR |
Commercial (e.g. offices, shops) | Every 5 years |
Industrial (e.g. factories, warehouses) | Every 3 years |
Educational premises | Every 5 years |
Hospitality (e.g. hotels) | Every 5 years |
Care homes | Every 5 years |
Landlord-owned properties (HMOs or rented commercial spaces) | Every 5 years or at change of occupancy |
Construction sites | Every 3 months |
⚠️ Keep in mind: if the environment is subject to high usage, harsh conditions, or is altered significantly, more frequent inspections may be necessary.
🔍 What happens during a fixed wire test?
A qualified electrical engineer will carry out a combination of:
Visual inspections – checking for obvious signs of wear or non-compliance
Dead testing – including insulation resistance and continuity checks
Live testing – including earth fault loop impedance and RCD performance
Labeling and schedules – ensuring circuits are clearly identified
Detailed reporting – categorising findings based on urgency
📝 EICR Report Codes Explained
Every EICR includes observations using a coding system to indicate the level of risk:
🔴 C1 – Danger Present: Immediate threat to safety. Urgent action required.
🟠 C2 – Potentially Dangerous: Not immediately unsafe, but corrective action needed ASAP.
🟡 C3 – Improvement Recommended: No immediate danger, but not compliant with current standards.
❓ FI – Further Investigation Required: More information or testing needed to determine risk.
If a report shows C1 or C2 issues, it will be marked as unsatisfactory until these are resolved.
🛠️ What happens after an unsatisfactory report?
That’s where a trusted partner like Mech-Elec Building Services steps in. We’ll:
Provide a clear breakdown of remedial actions
Offer transparent quotes with no surprises
Carry out corrective work to bring the installation up to standard
Issue a certificate of completion, showing you're now compliant
We also offer reminder scheduling for re-testing, so you’ll never fall out of compliance again.
📍 Regional & Nationwide Support
We work with commercial and industrial clients across the Midlands and beyond:
📌 Based in Nottingham, covering:
Derby
Leicester
Newark
Lincoln
Nottinghamshire
Leicestershire
Derbyshire
Lincolnshire
And the wider East & West Midlands
📦 Nationwide testing is also available for clients who need a trusted partner across multiple sites in the UK.
📞 Book Your Fixed Wire Test Today
Ready to stay compliant, safe, and stress-free?
Get in touch to arrange your EICR or request a quote:
📞 0115 667 0244
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