EICR Frequency: How Often Should You Inspect It?

EICR Frequency means the intervals at which Electrical Installation Condition Reports are conducted according to the types of properties and risk levels to ensure safe electrical installations. 

For commercial properties, an EICR inspection is typically required every 5 years or as specified in the report; higher-risk environments, such as theatres or industrial units, may need more frequent checks to ensure safety. In domestic settings, EICRs are recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. For rented properties and HMOs, inspections are required every 5 years or as described in the report.  

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to hire qualified professionals to inspect and test electrical installations at least every 5 years, as described in the report. Landlords must also give a copy of the EICR to tenants and local authorities upon request. These regulations hold landlords accountable and maintain safety standards in rental properties.

What Is the Validity Period of an EICR in the UK?

Landlords in the private rented sector must ensure the EICR certificate validity by conducting inspections at least every 5 years, as described in the report, or at the start of a new tenancy. Around 95% of rental properties in the UK meet this requirement. Landlords should provide a copy of the report to tenants and local authorities upon request. If landlords fail to comply, they risk fines ranging from £5,000 to £30,000.

Homeowners are advised to schedule inspections every 10 years to maintain the validity of the EICR certificate; approximately 78% of homeowners follow this recommendation to ensure their electrical systems remain safe and hazard-free. Commercial property owners should arrange EICRs every 5 years or as described in the report. High-risk environments, such as industrial units or leisure complexes, often require more frequent inspections, typically every 3 years, to ensure the EICR certificate validity is up to date.

How Often Should an EICR Be Updated in the UK?

In the UK, property owners must update an EICR every 5 years, or as described in the report, or as recommended based on risk factors. These EICR updates ensure compliance with safety standards, minimise potential hazards and maintain the reliability of electrical systems.

Commercial properties, such as offices, shops, and restaurants, should update an EICR every 5 years or as described in the report. These updates ensure electrical systems remain compliant with safety standards and address potential risks. Properties with higher electrical demands or greater risks, like industrial facilities, need more frequent inspections, usually every 3 years. 

In residential properties, homeowners should schedule an EICR every 10 years to keep their electrical systems safe, reflecting the lower risk compared to commercial or rental properties. Landlords conduct EICRs every 5 years, as described in the report, or at the start of a new tenancy to ensure tenant safety and comply with legal obligations.

Some environments require more frequent EICR updates.

1. Annual Inspections: High-risk locations, such as swimming pools, medical facilities, and areas with flammable materials, need yearly EICR updates to address potential hazards.
2. Every 3 Years: Industrial properties with complex electrical systems should undergo inspections every three years to ensure operational safety.
3. Every 5 Years: Offices and retail properties must have an EICR every five years to maintain safety standards.
4. Every 10 Years: Owner-occupied homes should update their EICR every decade, as the risks are comparatively lower.

Annual Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)

High-risk environments require annual Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. These inspections address the unique challenges posed by settings where electrical risks are significantly higher.

Scenarios Requiring Annual EICRs are mentioned below. 

1. Hospitals and Medical Facilities
   Hospitals perform 100% annual EICR inspections to maintain the safety of life-support equipment and other critical systems. Electrical failures in healthcare settings directly jeopardise patient lives, making yearly assessments essential.
2. Manufacturing Sites
   Around 85% of manufacturing facilities schedule annual EICRs to manage the intensive use of machinery and high electrical loads. These inspections mitigate risks, ensure worker safety, and prevent operational downtime.
3. Chemical Plants
   Chemical plants conduct 92% of annual EICRs to address the risks associated with volatile and hazardous materials. These inspections help prevent catastrophic incidents and maintain workplace safety.
4. Data Centres
   Approximately 97% of data centres complete annual electrical condition reports to avoid system failures that disrupt critical IT services. Regular inspections ensure uninterrupted operations and protect sensitive data.
5. Food Processing Facilities
   Food processing facilities carry out 89% of annual EICRs to handle high-energy machinery and comply with food safety standards.

When Are EICRs Required Every Three Years?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems. Most commercial properties follow a 5-year inspection schedule, but specific high-risk or specialised environments require EICRs every 3 years to address elevated risks and meet safety standards.

Approximately 85% of industrial sites, including factories and manufacturing plants, conduct EICRs every 3 years. These sites rely on high-energy machinery and complex electrical systems, increasing the likelihood of faults. Frequent inspections minimise risks and maintain operational safety. Leisure complexes, such as cinemas, theatres, and leisure centres, require triennial EICRs to ensure public safety. Around 78% of these properties follow this schedule to manage heavy foot traffic and high electrical loads.

Farms and greenhouses also adopt a 3-year EICR schedule due to harsh conditions like moisture and dust. About 80% of agricultural environments conduct these inspections to prevent equipment failures and protect worker safety. Specialised commercial properties, such as warehouses and facilities using high-voltage equipment, perform triennial EICRs to address specific risks. Regular inspections in these environments ensure compliance, reduce hazards, and prevent costly downtime.

When Are EICRs Required Every Five Years?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required every 5 years for most rental and commercial properties to ensure electrical systems meet safety standards. Approximately 95% of rental properties in the UK follow this schedule to comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. 

Commercial properties, such as offices, shops, and restaurants, also adhere to the 5-year EICR schedule, with around 85% of these establishments conducting inspections to maintain workplace safety and regulatory compliance. These inspections help reduce electrical hazards by up to 72%, minimising risks for tenants, employees, and visitors.

By conducting EICRs every 5 years, landlords and property owners ensure safety, meet legal obligations, and avoid fines that range from £5,000 to £30,000 for non-compliance. These reports play a critical role in preventing accidents and maintaining the integrity of electrical systems.

When Should an EICR Be Done Every Ten Years?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are essential for identifying potential hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and preventing costly damage or safety incidents in electrical systems. Homeowners schedule EICRs every 10 years for properties with lower electrical risks, such as owner-occupied homes. Low-risk residential properties, especially those with modern electrical installations, follow a 10-year schedule. Builders construct newer homes under updated regulations, ensuring systems remain safe for a decade before requiring formal inspections. The 10-year EICR cycle allows homeowners to manage minimal electrical strain effectively, ensuring compliance with safety standards. By adhering to this schedule, homeowners maintain reliable systems, identify potential faults on time, and protect their property’s electrical integrity.

How Can Landlord Property Certificates Help Update an EICR?

Landlord Property Certificates (LPC) offer comprehensive services to assist landlords in updating their Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs). Their team of qualified electricians conducts thorough inspections to ensure that properties comply with current electrical safety standards. By engaging LPC, landlords can efficiently obtain up-to-date EICR certificates, ensuring tenant safety and adherence to legal requirements.

What Are the Costs of Updating an EICR in the UK?

The cost of an EICR certificate in the UK typically ranges from £125 to £300 for residential properties. Smaller homes, such as one-bedroom flats, usually cost £125 to £150, while larger homes, like five-bedroom houses, range from £250 to £300 or more. For commercial properties, prices are higher, ranging from £300 to £1,000, depending on size and system complexity. Factors like property size, system intricacy, and location influence these costs. Obtaining quotes from certified professionals ensures accurate pricing tailored to your property.