Commercial EICR London — Commercial Electrical Inspection Certificates

What Is a Commercial EICR?

A Commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of the electrical installations in a non-domestic or commercial property. This includes offices, retail shops, warehouses, restaurants, pubs, hotels, schools, care homes, HMOs, and any other premises used for business or multi-occupancy purposes. Like a domestic EICR, a commercial EICR examines the fixed wiring, distribution boards, earthing, bonding and all electrical circuits to determine whether the installation is safe and complies with BS 7671.

Who Needs a Commercial EICR?

The following organisations and property types require a commercial EICR:

• Commercial — renting office, retail or industrial space
• HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) — required as part of HMO licensing conditions
• Business owners — required under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to demonstrate electrical safety in the workplace
• Property management companies — for any commercial premises under management
• Hotels, B&Bs and short-term lets — required under local licensing and insurance conditions
• Schools, care homes and public buildings — required under sectoral regulations and insurance policies

Commercial EICR Prices — London 2025

How Often Is a Commercial EICR Required?

• Commercial properties — every 5 years as a general recommendation (Electricity at Work Regulations 1989)
• HMOs — every 5 years as part of HMO licensing
• Industrial premises — every 3 years recommended due to higher risk environment
• After major electrical work — a new EICR should be obtained after any significant rewiring or circuit additions

Commercial vs Domestic EICR — Key Differences

A commercial EICR differs from a domestic inspection in several important ways:

• Complexity — commercial installations typically have more circuits, distribution boards, three-phase supplies and more complex earthing arrangements
• Duration — commercial inspections take longer, often requiring half a day or more for larger premises
• Regulations — commercial installations must comply with additional regulations beyond BS 7671, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Pricing — priced by circuit count rather than bedroom count, reflecting the complexity and time required