In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how long an EICR lasts for your business or the facilities you manage.
To understand EICR validity, it’s important to consider how the reports actually work. EICR refers to a thorough inspection and test of a building’s electrical system. The assessment checks for defective work, overloaded circuits, shock risks, fire hazards and any unsafe wiring.
Once it’s complete, you receive an EICR certificate – the actual report – which outlines any issues that have been identified. These can vary from C1 (danger present) and C2 (potential danger) where urgent remedial work is needed, to C3 (no immediate danger) and FI (further investigation required).
If your EICR identifies issues, the next step is to address them within an appropriate timeframe. C1 hazards, such as exposed live wiring, require immediate attention to eliminate the risk of electric shock or fire.
C2 issues, like loose connections that could lead to overheating, need attention to resolve the problems identified, but don’t pose an immediate danger.
C3 observations, such as outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current standards, don’t require immediate action but are recommended for improvement.
FI (Further Investigation) means there’s an unknown issue that requires deeper inspection.
Failing to act on these findings could lead to electrical failures, increased safety risks and potential liability in the event of an incident.
Your EICR is valid from the day the report is produced by a qualified and competent electrician. The electrician will specify the maximum duration that you should wait until your next periodic inspection.
Ultimately, an EICR is a way of checking your electrical installation is working safely, efficiently and compliantly. The report can be used to demonstrate that you have kept your electrical installation in order.
How long that remains the case is another question. The British Standards Institute, which sets the standard for electrical installations (BS 7671), recommends that commercial premises have an EICR at least every five years. However, this is just a guideline and the frequency will depend on a number of factors, such as:
Similarly, landlords are legally obliged to have an EICR at least every five years from April 2021. While the legal requirement isn’t the same for business owners and facilities managers, this does provide a broad ball-park figure for roughly how long an EICR lasts. That said, the electrician’s recommendation on your EICR report will provide a clear answer.
While five years is a reasonable estimate of how long an EICR is ‘valid’ for, you should also take into account the type of installation being tested, how often it’s used and the environment within which it’s situated.
High-risk environments may need testing more frequently than five years. That includes those exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures like swimming pools, saunas or laundrettes, as well as places that are open to the public such as cinemas, hospitals and petrol stations.
Some industries require more frequent EICR inspections due to the nature of their operations and the risks involved. A few examples include:
The maximum period between tests will be outlined by your EICR inspector on the report. If you want to show that you’ve taken action to keep your electrical installation in good working order, you must stick to their recommendation.
Many businesses focus on the safety aspect of an EICR – but overlooking the legal and insurance implications can be a costly mistake.
While there isn’t a blanket law that states all businesses must have an EICR, failing to keep your electrical systems safe and in working order could mean you breach the following:
If an electrical fault leads to fire, injury or business disruption, insurers may refuse to pay out on claims if you don’t have a valid EICR. As a result, you could suffer financial loss and even legal action if the incident affects your employees or customers.
By staying on top of EICR inspections, your business is not only safer but more reputable. It also means you have greater protection from potential legal and financial consequences.
While EICRs provide essential periodic checks, there are steps you can take between inspections to maintain the electrical safety of your business:
Routine visual inspections – Regularly check for obvious issues like damaged sockets, flickering lights or exposed wires.
PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) – This ensures electrical appliances are safe for use and further improves the safety of your installation.
Thermal imaging surveys – This non-invasive technique can detect overheating components before they cause a failure.
Staff awareness and training – Educating employees on electrical safety can prevent hazards from escalating.
By integrating these additional checks, you will reduce the likelihood of electrical faults and prolong the lifespan of your EICR validity.
If you’re concerned that your EICR is no longer valid, the team at Volta Compliance is here to help you put things right. Our fully qualified electricians provide EICR tests and certificates for commercial and industrial premises in and around Leeds.
We’ll make sure your electrical system is safe, before recommending how long your EICR should last before your next inspection.
With years of experience and a commitment to the highest safety standards, we provide:
Don't leave your electrical compliance to chance. Get in touch with us today for expert advice on keeping your EICR valid or to arrange a free, no obligation quote. Call us on 0113 436 0402 or email info@voltacompliance.com.
