CompareEngineering.com

IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Electrical Inspections

Compare quotes for fixed wiring testing and EICR certificates from accredited UK providers. Commercial, industrial and rental property inspections.

Get Electrical Inspection Quotes Start a Quote Now

What Electrical Inspections Cover

A periodic inspection and test of an electrical installation examines the condition of the fixed wiring, distribution boards, protective devices, earthing arrangements and all permanently connected equipment. The inspection is carried out in accordance with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and the results are recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

The inspection covers the entire fixed installation from the incoming supply to every socket, switch and fixed appliance. It includes visual inspection for damage, deterioration and non-compliance with current standards, together with a programme of testing including earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation.

The purpose of the inspection is to confirm that the installation is safe for continued use, to identify any defects or areas of concern, and to provide an overall assessment of the installation condition. Any observations are classified using a standard coding system (C1, C2, C3, FI) to indicate the severity and urgency of any remedial work required.

Who Needs Electrical Inspections?

Almost every non-domestic premises requires periodic electrical inspection. The duty arises from several overlapping pieces of legislation, and is reinforced by insurance requirements and professional standards.

Commercial landlords and property managers
Residential landlords (mandatory in England)
Retail premises and shopping centres
Offices and co-working spaces
Industrial and manufacturing sites
Hotels, restaurants and hospitality
Schools, colleges and universities
Healthcare premises and care homes

Recommended Inspection Intervals

The IET Wiring Regulations and associated guidance (IET Guidance Note 3) recommend maximum intervals between inspections based on the type of premises. The intervals below are recommendations, though they are treated as the minimum acceptable standard in practice.

Commercial premises (offices, retail, hospitality)Every 5 years
Industrial premises (factories, workshops)Every 3 years
Rental properties (landlord obligation)Every 5 years (or change of tenancy)
Places of public entertainmentEvery 1 to 3 years
Swimming pools and leisure centresEvery 1 year
Hospitals and healthcare facilitiesEvery 5 years
Educational establishmentsEvery 5 years
Agricultural and horticultural premisesEvery 3 years
Petrol filling stationsEvery 1 year
Construction site installationsEvery 3 months

Legal Obligation

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger. Failure to maintain safe electrical installations is a criminal offence. For private landlords in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make periodic inspection (EICR) mandatory, with penalties of up to £30,000 per breach. Insurance claims may be rejected if an installation has not been periodically inspected and tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EICR?+
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the formal document produced following a periodic inspection and test of an electrical installation. It records the condition of the installation, identifies any defects or non-compliances, and classifies them by severity. An EICR replaces the older Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) and is the standard format used under the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
How often should electrical inspections be carried out?+
The recommended intervals depend on the type of premises. For commercial properties, the standard interval is every 5 years. Industrial premises are typically every 3 years. Rental properties in England require an EICR every 5 years or at each change of tenancy under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. High-risk environments such as swimming pools and petrol stations may require annual inspection.
Who can carry out an EICR?+
Electrical inspections must be carried out by a competent person — a qualified electrician or electrical engineer with the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience. In practice, this means a person registered with an approved electrical competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA or the ECA. For larger installations, the work is often carried out by inspection bodies.
Are electrical inspections a legal requirement?+
Yes, in several contexts. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical systems are maintained so as to prevent danger. For landlords in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make EICRs mandatory. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to maintain a safe workplace, which includes electrical safety. Insurance policies also commonly require evidence of periodic testing.
What do the classification codes on an EICR mean?+
Observations are classified as: C1 — danger present, risk of injury, immediate remedial action required; C2 — potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required; C3 — improvement recommended; FI — further investigation required. A C1 or C2 observation means the installation is unsatisfactory and the defect must be addressed. A report with only C3 observations, or no observations, is classified as satisfactory.
What is the difference between an EICR and a PAT test?+
An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation — the wiring, distribution boards, circuits and permanently connected equipment. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) covers individual portable and moveable appliances plugged into the installation. Both are important, but they are separate exercises. CompareEngineering.com currently focuses on fixed wiring inspection (EICR).

Compare Electrical Inspection Quotes Today

Register for free and receive competitive quotes for EICR certificates and fixed wiring testing from accredited UK providers. No obligation, no hidden fees.

Register Free Get a Quote

CompareEngineering.com is an introducer, not an inspection body or electrical contractor. All inspections are carried out by the provider you select. Prices shown are indicative, not binding quotations.