It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked: how often do we actually need an EICR? The honest answer is that it depends on the type of building and how it’s used. The law requires your installation to be kept safe, and industry guidance sets out sensible maximum intervals between inspections.
Recommended maximum intervals
These are the commonly used maximum periods from IET Guidance Note 3. Your inspector may recommend a shorter interval depending on what they find.
- Offices, shops, restaurants and hotels: every 5 years
- Schools, colleges and universities: every 5 years
- Private rented homes: every 5 years (and a legal requirement for landlords in England)
- Factories, workshops and warehouses: every 3 years
- Farms and agricultural buildings: every 3 years
- Theatres, cinemas and places of entertainment: every year
- Swimming pools, saunas and spas: every year
- Hospitals and medical locations: every year
- Construction site temporary supplies: every 3 months
- Owner-occupied homes: every 10 years
When you should test sooner
Some situations call for an inspection regardless of when the last one was done:
- You’re buying, selling or taking on the lease of a building.
- There’s been a change of use, such as offices converted to a gym or a warehouse to a lab.
- There’s been damage from a fire, flood or vehicle impact.
- The building has been extended or significantly altered.
- Your insurer has asked for one.
- Your last report recommended a shorter interval.
Who is responsible?
Generally, whoever has control of the building’s electrical installation. In a single-occupier building that’s often the tenant or owner. In a multi-let building it’s usually the landlord or managing agent for the common parts and landlord’s supplies, with tenants responsible for their own areas. Your lease should spell it out, and if it doesn’t, it’s worth agreeing who does what.
Not sure when yours is due?
If you can’t find your last report, or you’ve inherited a building with no records, we can help you work out where you stand and get you back on track.
Martin Cook Electrical Services has been carrying out EICRs and fixed wire testing since 1998, for offices, schools, warehouses, landlords and data centres across London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Request a free quote or call us on 01525 582582.
