EICR test

Maintain electrical installation safety standards

Over time, electrical installation quality will deteriorate because of general usage and age. Old, faulty and malfunctioning electrical installations can not only cause danger to life due to electric shocks, but also pose a fire risk if they are not regularly checked.

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is an in-depth inspection of a property’s electrical systems and installation status. The report assesses the competency of your electrics by allocating one of four different industry recognised categories to each circuit, and testing can only be carried out by a qualified electrician.

EICR inspections are required by law for rental properties and HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy), in order to protect tenants and their possessions.

An EICR test for other commercial buildings such as shops, factories or offices does not have to be carried out by law, however, it is still recommended because employers have a legal responsibility to ensure employees and customer are kept safe. Carrying out regular EICR checks on the condition of the electrics in your commercial property will help to achieve this.

What we do

During an EICR inspection, a qualified and experienced Highlander electrician will inspect the electrical installations in your commercial building.

They will carry out a visual inspection, checking for cracks, breaks and signs of overheating. Electrical testing will then be carried out where voltages and currents are used to check the safety of the different circuits. 

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Highlander’s electrician will grade each circuit according to the following criteria:

  • C1 (danger present)
  • C2 (potentially dangerous)
  • C3 (improvement recommended)
  • FI (further investigation required without delay)
  • C1 (danger present)
  • C2 (potentially dangerous)
  • C3 (improvement recommended)
  • FI (further investigation required without delay)

Our electrician will then issue a report that will record in detail any issues that are discovered during EICR testing. For a property to pass the inspection, all of the electrical installation circuits must be graded C3, which means the level is satisfactory. If any of the other categories are given, this means the electrical installation is unsatisfactory, and Highlander will be able to advise you on any remedial work that will be needed to make your building safe.

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How often should an EICR test be carried out?

The IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671, which sets the standard for electrical installations in the UK, recommends the following:

  • Business owners: once every five years
  • Landlords: once every 5 years or when there is a change of tenancy
  • Homeowners (without a swimming pool): once every 10 years
  • Homeowners (with a swimming pool): once a year
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Why choose us?

Highlander provides a proven solution so you can meet your commercial building’s health and safety requirements. 

Depending on what remedial work is required after the EICR test, our experienced electrician will either be able to carry out any repairs immediately or book the work in for after the inspection, a quote for which can be provided.

If an EICR report comes back as unsatisfactory on a rental property, the landlord has a legal obligation to complete the required remedial works within 28 days of the original report being received. They must then provide copies to the tenant(s).

Highlander’s professional and intensive EICR testing service will help keep your commercial premises safe and compliant at all times.