Commercial EICR York
Commercial Electrical Installation Condition Reports in York
Every 5 years as standard — or more frequently if your lease, insurer, or licence requires it. NICEIC approved. Every circuit tested. Report issued the same day. Out-of-hours available.
What a commercial EICR covers
A commercial EICR is a full inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in your premises — everything from the main distribution board through to the final circuits serving your sockets, lighting, and fixed equipment. It doesn’t test portable appliances (that’s PAT testing), but it does test everything that’s permanently wired in.
Commercial installations tend to be more varied than domestic ones: three-phase supplies, sub-distribution boards, commercial kitchen circuits, dedicated A/C circuits, emergency lighting, fire alarm power supplies, and older wiring dating from multiple different periods of the building. The inspection methodology is the same as domestic — every circuit isolated and tested individually — but the scope reflects what’s actually there.
Main distribution board
Condition, labelling, overcurrent protection, RCD operation, earthing and main bonding.
All final circuits
Insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity, and protective device operation for every circuit.
Three-phase supply
Three-phase distribution boards, phase rotation, balancing, and protection on all three phases.
Sub-distribution boards
Any secondary boards in kitchens, plant rooms, or outbuildings are included in the inspection scope.
Emergency lighting supply
The EICR covers the electrical supply circuits to emergency lighting. A separate emergency lighting test (BS 5266) covers the fittings and battery operation.
Earthing and bonding
Main protective earthing, supplementary bonding in wet areas, cross-bonding of exposed metalwork and services.
When commercial premises need an EICR
There’s no single law that mandates commercial EICRs on a fixed schedule — unlike the 5-year rule for residential rentals. But that doesn’t mean they’re optional. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition, and a regular EICR is how you demonstrate that.
The standard recommended interval for most commercial premises. The previous EICR report states a recommended next-inspection date based on the installation’s condition.
Many commercial leases specify electrical inspection intervals. Check your lease — if it requires an EICR on commencement, on renewal, or at 3-year intervals, that’s contractually binding regardless of the general guidance.
Commercial property insurance often requires up-to-date electrical inspection records. A claim arising from an electrical fault where no current EICR exists can be complicated.
Premises requiring a licence — bars, restaurants, venues — often have electrical safety conditions attached. York City Council licensing conditions sometimes specify EICR requirements.
Taking on new premises or completing a significant fit-out is the right point to get an EICR — to establish a baseline and confirm the installation is safe before you start trading.
How a commercial EICR works in practice
Commercial premises vary more than domestic ones — an independent retail unit and a working kitchen have very different electrical installations. Before the visit, I’ll ask about the premises: the type of business, whether there’s three-phase, how many distribution boards, any known issues, and when the last inspection was done if known. That information shapes the time estimate and confirms the price before I arrive.
On the day, I work through every circuit systematically. Each one is isolated, tested, and noted. For three-phase installations I test all three phases on each circuit. Any accessible wiring is visually inspected for condition and compliance. I check earthing, bonding, and the operation of all protective devices.
At the end, I walk you through the findings — not just the verdict, but what each observation means in plain English and what, if anything, needs doing. The written report is issued digitally the same day. If remedial work is needed, I’ll give you a separate written estimate.
Out-of-hours and combined visits
Most commercial EICRs don’t need to happen during trading hours — and for businesses where shutting the power off during the day isn’t practical, I can schedule early morning, evening, or weekend visits. Hours and any additional costs are agreed in writing beforehand.
For most commercial premises, combining the EICR with PAT testing on the same visit is the most efficient approach. One disruption, one invoice. The EICR covers the fixed installation; PAT covers the portable appliances. See the PAT testing page for full detail.
Commercial EICR — frequently asked questions
Is a commercial EICR a legal requirement?
Not in the same explicit way as for residential rentals. But the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical systems safely, and a regular EICR is how that’s demonstrated. Your lease, insurance, or licence may make it contractually required regardless.
How often does my commercial premises need an EICR?
Every 5 years as a general rule. The inspection report itself will specify a recommended interval based on what was found — an older or more complex installation may be recommended sooner. Always check your lease and insurance documents as they may specify shorter intervals.
How much does a commercial EICR cost in York?
Priced by circuit count — the same method I use for domestic EICRs. £180+VAT for up to 6 circuits, then £15+VAT per additional circuit. Commercial premises typically have more circuits than domestic properties, so I’ll confirm the circuit count and give you an exact price before the visit.
Can I have the EICR done outside trading hours?
Yes. Early mornings, evenings, and weekends are available for businesses that can’t take a power interruption during trading. Hours and any pricing implications are agreed in writing beforehand.
We have three-phase power. Does that change the EICR?
It adds scope but not complexity to the approach. Three-phase circuits are tested on all three phases. If you have a three-phase distribution board, that’s included in the inspection. The time estimate and circuit count reflect the three-phase elements of the installation.
What if the EICR is unsatisfactory?
The same process as domestic: findings coded C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended), or FI (further investigation). I explain each finding before I leave, then provide a separate written estimate for any remedial work. You’re never committed to remedial work just because I carried out the EICR.
Book a commercial EICR in York
Tell me about the premises and I’ll confirm the circuit count and price before the visit. Out-of-hours visits available.