How often should a commercial premises have an EICR?
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
When it comes to ensuring the safety and compliance of commercial premises, one crucial aspect is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Therefore, how often should a commercial premises have an EICR?
An EICR is an inspection and testing process that assesses the condition of electrical installations within a building. Firstly, it plays a vital role in identifying any potential electrical hazards or non-compliance issues. Secondly, it involves certain electrical checks to ensure even if there are no faults that your installation is to the correct standard at that moment.
We will explore the importance of EICRs for commercial premises and discuss how often they should be conducted.
Why did you require ongoing electrical testing?
First and foremost, it is essential to understand that electrical installations can deteriorate over time. Factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, and changes in usage.
This deterioration can lead to various electrical issues including
- Faulty wiring.
- Inadequate earthing.
- Broken electrical components.
- Intended or unintentional changes by others.
- Outdated equipment
All of these can pose significant risks to the safety of occupants and the property itself. Thus, an EICR helps identify these issues and provides recommendations for rectification.
We explore general electrical testing in this article.
“Electrical Testing and Inspection”
How often do I need an EICR?
The frequency at which EICRs should be conducted in commercial premises depends on several factors
- The type of premises
- The usage of the property
- Following the recommendations outlined in the British Standards.
In general, commercial premises should have an EICR performed at regular intervals to ensure ongoing compliance and maintain electrical safety standards. Therefore, for most commercial properties, it is recommended to have an EICR conducted every five years.
This timeframe allows for regular assessment of the electrical installations and ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. Furthermore, it also aligns with the requirements set by regulatory bodies and insurance companies. Thus, demonstrating a commitment to electrical safety and compliance.
While an EICR is not a direct lawful obligation, the practice of carrying out these to the guidelines ensures that you are compliant with
These regulations require that employers provide a safe working place for all and the EICR is a demonstration of that process
Different Buildings and Different Timescales
It is important to note that certain premises may require more frequent EICRs due to their specific nature or usage. For example, high-risk environments such as industrial facilities or buildings with complex electrical systems may need more frequent inspections.
Similarly, premises where electrical equipment is subject to frequent changes or additions may require greater inspections. Buildings such as hotels or office buildings, may require more regular assessments to account for any modifications made.
In addition to the regular intervals, there are other instances when an EICR should be conducted. These include:
- Change of occupancy.
- Significant electrical alterations
- Electrical incidents or fires
Change of occupancy
Whenever there is a change of tenant or occupant in a commercial premises, it is recommended to have an EICR performed. This ensures that the electrical installations are safe and compliant for the new occupants and provides a baseline for ongoing inspections.
This is sometimes performed by the Landlords in house electrical installation company or in many cases the client moving in will want it undertaken for peace of mind before committing to a long lease
Significant alterations or additions
If there have been substantial changes or additions to the electrical installations within a commercial premises, it is advisable to have an EICR conducted to verify the safety and compliance of the modified systems.
This could include
- Expansions over the same floor or over multiple floors.
- Upgrades to the electrical infrastructure.
- Upgrades or changes to the electrical consumer boards
Following electrical incidents or faults
In the event of electrical incidents, it is crucial to conduct an EICR to assess the cause of the incident and thereby identifying any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
These electrical incidents could include
- Major power surges leading to damage or complications.
- Electrical fires
- Equipment failures
- Electrical issues causing disruption to the working process
EICR and Overall Safety
By adhering to the recommended inspection intervals and conducting EICRs when necessary, commercial premises can ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of their electrical installations.
Regular EICRs not only help prevent potential hazards and accidents but also demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of occupants and compliance with regulations.
Another ongoing electrical test for overall safety can be the process of testing your electrical appliances. Appliances when faulty are an electrical fire risk. Thus, scheduled testing can highlight faulty equipment for disposal or maintenance.
We have created several articles on PAT Testing for review.
“PAT Testing in the Workplace”
How often should a commercial premises have an EICR Summary
Commercial premises should have an EICR conducted at regular intervals, typically every five years. This is to assess the condition of electrical installations and ensure compliance with safety standards.
However, the frequency may vary depending on the type of premises, its usage, and any significant changes or incidents.
By prioritizing EICRs, commercial property owners can maintain a safe and secure environment for their occupants and demonstrate their commitment to electrical safety.
Our team at Electrical Installation Services (EIS) are here to guide you through this process and provide an outline of what you would require, how long the process would take and relevant budget pricing.
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