Commercial EICR Inspections

How Much Does a Commercial EICR Inspection Cost?

The cost of a Commercial EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) typically starts from £250 (ex VAT) for small premises and increases depending on the electrical installation’s size, age, and complexity. Larger offices, warehouses, or multi-floor buildings may require more time and testing, which increases the cost. Prices can also vary based on access, the number of circuits, and working hours (e.g., out-of-hours testing).

What Is an EICR Inspection?

An EICR is a formal assessment of the condition of an electrical installation. It checks whether your electrical systems are safe, compliant, and fit for continued use. These inspections are conducted by qualified electricians in line with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

An EICR identifies:

• Electrical faults or deterioration

• Overloaded circuits

• Potential fire and shock risks

• Non-compliance with current regulations

• Defective wiring or components

Commercial EICRs are essential for legal compliance, insurance, and the safety of employees and visitors.

Who Needs a Commercial EICR?

EICRs are a legal and regulatory requirement for most commercial premises, including:

• Offices

• Retail units

• Warehouses

• Restaurants and hospitality venues

• Schools and healthcare facilities

• Landlord-owned commercial properties

Business owners, landlords, duty holders, and facilities managers all share responsibility for ensuring electrical safety. A current EICR is also often required by insurers or during lease negotiations.

How Often Should a Commercial EICR Be Carried Out?

The recommended interval for commercial EICRs is every 5 years, or at the change of tenancy or building use. In higher-risk environments (e.g. factories, kitchens, or wet environments), more frequent testing may be advised.

Regular EICR testing helps:

• Prevent electrical fires and downtime

• Comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

• Meet the requirements of insurance policies

• Maintain the value and integrity of your electrical infrastructure

What’s Included in a Commercial EICR?

A commercial EICR is a comprehensive test and inspection of fixed electrical installations. It typically includes:

• Visual inspection of electrical distribution boards, wiring, and sockets

• Dead testing for continuity and insulation resistance

• Live testing for polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD protection

• Identification of any damaged, outdated, or unsafe components

• Coding of issues found (C1 – immediate danger, C2 – potentially dangerous, C3 – improvement recommended)

• Issuance of a full EICR report with observations and recommendations

If urgent safety issues are found, the electrician can isolate circuits or advise on immediate remedial actions.

Signs Your Building May Need an EICR Sooner

Even if you’re within your 5-year testing cycle, you should consider an earlier inspection if:

• You’ve had repeated tripping of circuits or unexplained power outages

• There’s visible damage to wiring, sockets, or switchgear

• You’re renovating, expanding, or changing the building’s use

• Your last EICR identified C2 or C3 issues that were not resolved

• Your insurance provider requests an updated report

Benefits of Regular EICR Inspections

Regular EICRs are about more than compliance—they’re a smart risk management strategy. Benefits include:

• Improved safety for staff, tenants, and visitors

• Reduced downtime due to proactive fault detection

• Lower repair costs through early intervention

• Peace of mind that your installation is compliant and safe

• Improved asset management for facilities and building owners

Summary

A Commercial EICR is an essential part of your electrical safety and compliance plan. Whether you manage a small office or a large commercial estate, periodic testing ensures your systems are safe, legally compliant, and performing reliably.

To recap, EICRs:

• Are recommended every 5 years in commercial buildings

• Help identify electrical risks before they cause harm

• Are required by insurers, landlords, and HSE regulations

• Provide a clear report of compliance and remedial actions

Book Your Commercial EICR Today

At MHL, our UK-wide accredited engineers carry out thorough, reliable EICR inspections across all commercial sectors. Whether you’re due for routine testing or need a fast turnaround for insurance or compliance, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to request a quote or book your commercial EICR inspection. We operate throughout the UK.