HSEQ inspection of ceiling and lighting carried out as part of planned preventative maintenance programme

How Often Should an EICR Be Done in the UK?

How often should an EICR be done in the UK? This is a common question for businesses responsible for electrical safety.

In the UK, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be carried out at regular intervals. However, the exact frequency depends on the building type and level of risk.

What Is an EICR?

An EICR is an inspection of electrical systems within a building. It identifies faults, safety risks, and compliance issues.

As a result, businesses can fix problems early and maintain safe electrical systems.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?

An EICR is not always a fixed legal requirement for every building. However, electrical safety is a legal requirement in the UK.

Businesses must follow:

  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Therefore, regular EICR testing is essential to demonstrate compliance.

How Often Should an EICR Be Done in the UK?

How often should an EICR be done in the UK depends on usage and environment.

Commercial properties

  • Typically every 5 years

Industrial environments

  • Every 3–5 years

High-risk environments

  • More frequent testing may be required

Rental properties

  • Every 5 years (legal requirement)

What Affects EICR Frequency?

Several factors affect how often an EICR should be done in the UK.

For example:

  • Age of the electrical system
  • Condition of installations
  • Level of usage
  • Environmental risks

As a result, businesses should take a risk-based approach.

Why EICR Testing Is Important

EICR testing improves safety and reduces risk. In addition, it supports compliance.

It also:

  • Prevents electrical failures
  • Reduces fire risks
  • Supports insurance requirements
  • Provides clear compliance records

Without testing, faults may go unnoticed.

Who Is Responsible for EICR Testing?

Employers, landlords, and facilities managers are responsible for electrical safety.

Even when testing is outsourced, responsibility remains with the duty holder. Therefore, EICR testing must be properly managed and recorded.

How Facilities Management Supports EICR Compliance

Facilities management ensures EICR testing is carried out correctly and on time.

This includes:

  • Scheduled inspections
  • Compliance tracking
  • Asset registers
  • Audit-ready documentation

Planned Preventative Maintenance programmes support consistent compliance across all sites.

Summary: How Often Should an EICR Be Done in the UK?

So, how often should an EICR be done in the UK?

Most commercial properties require testing every 5 years. However, higher-risk environments may require more frequent inspections.

The best approach is a structured maintenance plan tailored to your building.

Need Help Managing EICR Compliance?

If you are unsure how often an EICR should be done in the UK, expert support can help.

Speak to our team to build a tailored maintenance plan aligned to your operational needs.

Recent Posts