How often does a commercial property need an EICR?
There is no fixed legal interval for commercial premises: the law requires electrical systems to be maintained so they are safe. IET Guidance Note 3 recommends a periodic inspection (EICR) at least every 5 years for offices, shops, restaurants and hotels, every 3 years for industrial premises and every year for places such as swimming pools and petrol stations.
What is due, and how often.
Checked November 2026.
| Check | How often | Who does it | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offices, shops, restaurants, hotels | Every 5 years (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3; Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, reg. 4(2) |
| Schools, colleges and universities | Every 5 years (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Industrial units, factories, warehouses | Every 3 years (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Agricultural and horticultural premises | Every 3 years (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Swimming pools, saunas, petrol filling stations, medical locations | Every year (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Construction site installations | Every 3 months (recommended maximum) | Qualified electrician | IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Privately rented homes in England (for comparison) | Every 5 years: a legal requirement | Qualified electrician | Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 |
This is a guide, not legal advice. What your building needs depends on its use, size, risk and equipment, and standards are revised. Check with your competent people and the current official sources.
What to keep on file.
- The latest EICR, with its overall result (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) and the recommended date of the next inspection.
- Evidence that C1 and C2 observations were put right, such as the electrician's completion certificate.
- Electrical Installation Certificates or Minor Works Certificates for any work done since.
What catches people out.
- The intervals in Guidance Note 3 are maximums for a first inspection. The electrician sets the next date on each report, and that date is the one to track.
- Bring the inspection forward when the use or occupier changes, after damage such as a flood or fire, or when your insurer asks.
- An unsatisfactory EICR means at least one C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) observation, or an FI (further investigation). C3 items are recommendations.
- PAT testing of portable appliances is separate from the EICR, which covers the fixed installation.
Dueclear tracks every due date for every building.
Each inspection gets its interval, its rule and an owner. Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead, and your contractor uploads the new certificate from a link, no account needed.
FAQ
Is an EICR a legal requirement for commercial property?
There is no statutory interval for commercial premises, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require systems to be maintained to prevent danger. A current EICR is the usual way to show you have done that, and insurers often ask for one.
How long is a commercial EICR valid?
Until the next inspection date written on the report. For offices and shops that is usually up to 5 years, but the electrician may set a shorter interval.
Who is responsible for the EICR in a let commercial building?
It depends on the lease. Landlords usually cover the landlord's installation and common parts; tenants often cover their own demise. Check the repairing obligations.
Sources: IET: inspection and testing FAQs · Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4
More guides: LOLER thorough examination · Emergency lighting testing · Fire alarm servicing