Your legal duty
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems to be maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. The HSE's electrical safety guidance explains what this means in practice. A periodic EICR is a common way to check your fixed installation and keep a record.
How often?
There's no single fixed interval in law. Industry guidance suggests intervals based on the type of premises and how it's used, often around five years for offices and shops and shorter for industrial units or higher-risk environments. Your insurer or landlord may also set a requirement. Each report should state when the next inspection is due.
Keeping disruption down
Testing means switching circuits off. Inspections can often be planned to keep disruption down.
Don't ignore C1 or C2 codes on a report. They mean danger or potential danger to staff and customers.
- You don't have a current EICR
- Your insurer, landlord or a tenant has asked for one
- You're taking on new premises
Ask Steve about inspecting your premises: call Steve or use the quote form to ask whether this is something he can help with and what it would involve.
Sources and further reading
- Legislation.gov.uk – Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- HSE – Electrical safety at work
- IET – BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
General guidance only, based on the sources above. Last reviewed October 2026. It isn't a substitute for an inspection by a qualified electrician.