EICRs, remedials and upgrades from firms that hold the right registration
Electrical compliance is deceptively simple to buy and easy to buy badly. An EICR is only as good as the competence of the engineer and the honesty of the coding. The desk matches you to registered contractors and, where you need it, to an independent inspector who is not the firm quoting for the remedials.
Who is legally responsible
The employer or person in control of the premises under the Electricity at Work Regulations, with duties to maintain electrical systems so far as reasonably practicable to prevent danger. In residential lettings the landlord carries a specific five-yearly EICR duty in England.
What the regulations require
Requires electrical systems to be constructed and maintained to prevent danger, so far as reasonably practicable.
The IET Wiring Regulations, the technical standard against which installations are inspected and coded.
Five-yearly EICR duty for private landlords, with remedials inside 28 days.
Underpins in-service inspection and testing of portable appliances.
What the electrical panel covers
EICR, electrical installation condition report
Periodic inspection and testing of the fixed installation, with observations coded C1, C2, C3 or FI and a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome.
C1 and C2 remedial works
Rectification of danger present and potentially dangerous observations, with a signed minor works or installation certificate on completion.
In-service inspection and testing (PAT)
Inspection and testing of portable and transportable equipment, with an asset register rather than a pile of stickers.
Emergency lighting testing
BS 5266-1 testing and certification, usually bundled with fire safety but delivered by the electrical contractor.
Lightning protection
Testing and certification of lightning protection systems and surge protection, with earth resistance readings recorded.
Accreditation the desk checks for
- Registration verified on the NICEIC or NAPIT register, not just a logo on a van
- Inspecting engineer holds City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent
- Extent and limitations agreed in writing before the visit
- Coding rationale explained, with photographs for C1 and C2 observations
- Remedial quote itemised against the specific observation numbers
Where buildings usually come unstuck
Consequence: Inflated C2 coding, and no way to tell whether the work was needed
Fix: Separate the inspection from the remedial contract, or get a second opinion on anything above a threshold
Consequence: The report becomes documented evidence you knew about the danger
Fix: Close every C1 and C2 with a certificate, and diary the C3 items into planned works
Consequence: A satisfactory outcome based on inspecting a fraction of the installation
Fix: Agree the extent and limitations in writing before the engineer arrives
Consequence: Every future job costs more and takes longer
Fix: Require updated schedules as a deliverable of the inspection
Electrical questions buyers actually ask
How often does a commercial building need an EICR?
BS 7671 and IET guidance set maximum intervals by premises type. Five years is typical for commercial offices, three years for industrial and higher risk premises, and annually for construction sites and some public entertainment venues. The risk assessment can shorten the interval.
What do C1, C2 and C3 mean?
C1 is danger present, requiring immediate action. C2 is potentially dangerous, requiring urgent remedial action. C3 is improvement recommended and does not make the report unsatisfactory. FI means further investigation is required, which does make it unsatisfactory.
Does an unsatisfactory EICR mean we have to close?
No, but C1 items must be made safe immediately, usually at the time of the inspection. C2 items need urgent attention. The report should tell you what was made safe on the day and what remains outstanding.
Should we use the same firm for testing and remedials?
It is common and often practical, but the incentive problem is real. For large portfolios we recommend splitting inspection from remedial delivery, and the desk can match separate panels for each.
Can you match multi-site EICR programmes?
Yes. Portfolio programmes across multiple sites are one of the most common brief types the desk handles, and firms are matched on geographic coverage as well as accreditation.
Electrical guides
Need electrical specialists?
Send one brief. Inside forty-eight hours you get three firms that have confirmed capacity and hold the accreditation for your exact scope, and we set up the introductions on your word.