How to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

To operate your business safely and legally, you must hire a qualified and competent electrician to inspect all the fixed wiring in your premises. They will issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which is the official document that proves your electrical system is safe. This isn't just good practice; it's a legal requirement for ensuring the safety of your team and the public, and a document your insurer will almost certainly ask to see.

What is an EICR?

Think of an EICR as an MOT for your building's electrical system. It’s a formal inspection and test to check whether your existing wiring, sockets, fuse board, and other fixed electrical installations are in a safe condition and meet the current UK standards. The report will highlight any potential safety issues, defects, or areas that don't meet the regulations.

The Process: Step-by-Step

1. Find a Competent Electrician: Your first step is to find a qualified electrician who is experienced in commercial inspections. Look for professionals registered with bodies like NICEIC or NAPIT. Always ask for proof of their credentials and check they have adequate public liability insurance. It's wise to get quotes from at least two different firms.
2. The Inspection: The electrician will need access to all parts of your property. They will need to disconnect the power for a period to safely test the circuits, so plan for this disruption. They'll visually inspect fittings and conduct a series of tests on the wiring and fuse board to identify any hidden faults.
3. Receive and Understand the Report: After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed multi-page report. The overall assessment on the front page will be either 'Satisfactory' or 'Unsatisfactory'.

Understanding the Report's Codes

If your report is 'Unsatisfactory', it will list the specific issues using observation codes. It's important to know what they mean:

• C1 – Danger present. Risk of injury. This is the most severe category. The electrician must take immediate action to make this safe.
• C2 – Potentially dangerous. This is not immediately dangerous but requires urgent remedial action to bring the installation to a safe standard.
• FI – Further investigation required. The electrician couldn't draw a conclusion on a specific part of the installation and needs to investigate more.
• C3 – Improvement recommended. This is a recommendation, not a safety issue. Fixing a C3 issue will not determine whether you pass or fail, but it's good advice to follow for best practice.

An 'Unsatisfactory' result is given for any report that contains a C1, C2, or FI code. You must carry out the required remedial work to achieve compliance.

What Happens Next?

If you receive an unsatisfactory report, you must arrange for a qualified electrician to carry out the necessary repairs. Once completed, they will provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate to prove the faults have been fixed. You must keep this new certificate together with the original EICR.

For a commercial business like a restaurant, you should plan to have a new EICR inspection at least every five years, or upon a change of tenancy.