Do Commercial Properties require an EICR?

All commercial properties require an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations the business owner or landlord of any commercial premises in Oxfordshire and indeed across the UK, has a legal obligation to ensure the safety of the users of their property. One of the ways the electrical safety of a commercial property is checked is with a 5 yearly EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) inspection. Hawtin Electrical are your local experienced commercial electrician based in Oxford. We are here to explain why your commercial property requires an EICR, and what that entails.

What is a Commercial EICR?

A commercial EICR is the thorough inspection and testing of the electrical installation of your Oxfordshire commercial property. A commercial EICR must be completed by a qualified and competent registered electrician and is performed at regular intervals, generally every 5 years. The EICR report itself will advise you of the condition of your property’s electrical installation and will detail any work required to improve safety. 

Why do I need a Commercial EICR?

As a business owner or landlord of a commercial property, you have a legal responsibility to provide an electrically safe environment for your employees, customers, or tenants. Under UK law, should damage or injury occur due to electrical faults or fires in a property without a valid EICR, you would be liable and could face serious consequences. A commercial EICR helps to highlight any potential issues before a dangerous situation can arise. Regular inspections will identify potential faults and allow you to effect repairs before any serious damage can occur.  

What happens during a Commercial EICR?

When your electrician arrives at your Oxfordshire property to carry out your commercial EICR they will be looking at various elements of your electrical installation. They will test and inspect your fuse/distribution board, switches, light fittings, electrical outlets, and all fixed wiring. They will be checking for faults and possible hazards such as broken sockets, loose wiring, overheating components, and faulty circuits. Any issues your electrician finds will be noted on the commercial EICR report itself. A code will be assigned which advises the severity of the issue and how swiftly it needs to be rectified. Your electrician will discuss the findings with you and advise you of the next steps. 

How much does a Commercial EICR cost?

The cost of a commercial EICR varies based on both the type of property and the amount of circuitry to be inspected. A large commercial property will typically be more expensive than a small building, simply due to the amount of time it will take to complete the EICR inspection.  If you would like a quote for your Oxfordshire property, the experienced electricians at Hawtin Electrical will be happy to advise you.

Hawtin Electrical are your local, professional, and reliable commercial electrician in Oxford. With many years of experience, our fully qualified and NICEIC registered electricians can assist with all elements of commercial electrical work. If your Oxfordshire commercial property is due for an EICR inspection, contact us today.