An Electrical Installation Condition Report — commonly called an EICR or periodic inspection — is the most important electrical safety document for any commercial building. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your fixed wiring, distribution boards, earthing, and protective devices, flagging any defects that could lead to fire, electric shock, or equipment damage.
For commercial premises, the law requires an EICR to be carried out at least every five years. However, many insurers now insist on annual or biennial testing, especially for high-risk environments such as factories, restaurants, and care homes. Landlords letting commercial property are also legally required under the Landlord and Tenant Act to ensure the electrical installation is safe at the start of each tenancy.
The report classifies defects using three codes. A C1 code means "danger present" — there is an immediate risk of injury, and the electrician will usually attempt to make it safe on the spot. A C2 code means "potentially dangerous" — the installation is not complying with current regulations and remedial work is required urgently. A C3 code is an advisory note — improvement is recommended but not required for safety.
At DCC Electrics, we issue clear, detailed EICRs that break down every observation by location, circuit reference, and recommended action. We do not hide behind vague language. If your distribution board has inadequate labelling, we tell you exactly which circuits are affected. If your earthing conductor is undersized, we specify the correct cross-sectional area.
One issue we see repeatedly is outdated fuse boards with no RCD protection. BS 7671 now requires RCD protection for socket outlets in commercial premises, and many older installations do not meet this standard. Upgrading to a modern metal-clad distribution board with RCBOs can transform a C2-heavy report into a clean bill of health.
Do not treat your EICR as a box-ticking exercise. A thorough inspection by a qualified commercial electrician can identify problems before they cause a fire, trip your production line, or invalidate your insurance. Our NICEIC-registered engineers carry out EICRs for businesses across Kent, London, and the South East, and we can schedule remedial work immediately after the inspection if required.