If your business operates from commercial, industrial or rental premises, you are legally required to maintain your electrical installation in a safe condition. In most cases, that means periodic inspection and testing — and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This guide explains what you should expect to pay and how to compare quotes.
What Is an Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection — formally called a periodic inspection and test — is a detailed examination of the fixed wiring and electrical installation in a building. The inspection is carried out in accordance with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and the results are recorded in an EICR.
The inspection covers:
- Fixed wiring — cables, circuits and connections throughout the building
- Distribution boards — consumer units, switchgear and protective devices
- Earthing and bonding — main earthing terminal, bonding conductors and earth electrodes
- Protective devices — circuit breakers, fuses and RCDs (residual current devices)
- Socket outlets, switches and accessories — visual inspection and testing
- Permanently connected equipment — fixed appliances, immersion heaters and similar
The inspector carries out both visual inspection and a programme of electrical tests including insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation.
How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?
Electrical inspection costs depend on the size and complexity of the installation:
| Premises type | Typical number of circuits | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small shop or office (single phase) | 5–15 circuits | £150 to £350 |
| Medium commercial premises | 15–40 circuits | £300 to £700 |
| Large commercial or industrial unit | 40–100+ circuits | £600 to £1,500+ |
| Rental property (residential) | 5–12 circuits | £150 to £300 |
| Multi-unit residential block (per unit) | 5–10 circuits | £100 to £200 |
| Industrial site (three-phase, multiple boards) | 50–200+ circuits | £1,000 to £3,500+ |
These are indicative figures. Actual prices vary between providers, which is exactly why comparing quotes makes sense.
What Affects the Price?
Several factors drive the cost of an electrical inspection:
| Factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Number of circuits | More circuits = longer inspection time |
| Number of distribution boards | Each board requires individual testing |
| Building size and access | Multi-storey or restricted-access buildings take longer |
| Age of installation | Older installations often require more investigation |
| Three-phase supply | Three-phase systems are more complex to test |
| Location | Travel costs and regional labour rates vary |
| Urgency | Emergency or out-of-hours inspections cost more |
| Previous condition | Installations with prior C1/C2 observations need closer attention |
Why Prices Vary Between Providers
Inspection providers set their own rates. A local electrician or inspection body with engineers already in your area may quote significantly less than one travelling from further afield. Volume also matters — if you manage multiple properties or sites, bundling inspections into a single contract reduces the per-unit cost.
The key point is that all inspections must be carried out by a competent person to the same BS 7671 standard, so a lower price does not mean a lower quality inspection. What you should check is the inspector's qualifications and registration with an approved competent person scheme.
How Often Do You Need an Electrical Inspection?
Recommended maximum intervals between inspections depend on the type of premises:
- Commercial premises (offices, retail, hospitality): every 5 years
- Industrial premises (factories, workshops): every 3 years
- Rental properties (England): every 5 years or at change of tenancy
- Places of public entertainment: every 1 to 3 years
- Swimming pools and leisure centres: every 1 year
- Construction site installations: every 3 months
For residential landlords in England, EICRs are mandatory under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, with penalties of up to £30,000 per breach.
How to Reduce Your Electrical Inspection Costs
- Compare quotes. Use CompareEngineering.com to get indicative prices from multiple accredited providers.
- Bundle properties. If you manage multiple sites, combine inspections to reduce per-unit cost and travel charges.
- Schedule in advance. Avoid emergency call-out premiums by planning inspections ahead of expiry.
- Negotiate multi-year agreements. Some providers offer discounts for ongoing contracts covering multiple inspection cycles.
- Keep good records. Providing previous EICR reports and installation drawings helps the inspector work more efficiently.
What Happens If You Do Not Inspect?
Failing to maintain safe electrical installations is a criminal offence under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Consequences include:
- HSE enforcement action — improvement notices and prohibition notices
- Criminal prosecution with unlimited fines
- Insurance claims rejected if an incident occurs without evidence of periodic testing
- Landlord penalties of up to £30,000 per breach (England)
- Civil liability if an electrical fault causes injury or property damage
Compare Electrical Inspection Quotes
CompareEngineering.com is the UK's only comparison site for statutory engineering inspections. Upload your asset register and receive indicative quotes from multiple accredited providers, free and with no obligation.
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