EICR Testing & Electrical Compliance: A Vital Guide for London Businesses
Running a commercial or industrial site in London comes with many responsibilities and one of the most important is ensuring your electrical systems are safe, compliant, and up to legal standards. Electrical safety isn’t just good practice
It’s a legal requirement.
Whether you manage an office, warehouse, retail space, or manufacturing site, understanding your obligations around EICR testing and compliance can protect your business from costly fines, insurance issues, or worse — electrical accidents.
What Is an EICR and Why It Matters
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of your electrical systems and wiring. It assesses whether your building’s electrical installations are:
Safe to operate
Up to current UK standards
Free from faults or deterioration
Suitable for ongoing use
For commercial properties, regular EICR testing isn’t optional — it’s essential. Under UK law, landlords and business owners must ensure the safety of electrical installations to protect staff, customers, and assets.
Legal Responsibilities for Commercial and Industrial Premises
In London and across the UK, electrical compliance is governed by regulations such as:
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Failure to comply can result in legal action, invalid insurance, or serious safety incidents. For landlords, regular EICR inspections are a legal requirement. For business owners, compliance demonstrates duty of care and keeps operations legally protected.
How Often Should EICR Testing Be Carried Out?
The frequency of testing depends on the type of premises, by planning inspections around these intervals, you avoid last-minute compliance issues and costly downtime.
Different types of buildings have different testing intervals:
| Building Type | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Standard commercial | 5 years |
| Industrial (e.g., factories) | 3 years |
| High-risk environments | 1 year |
| Tenanted buildings | Change of occupancy or every 5 years |
A reputable electrical contractor won’t just tick boxes
Electrical compliance isn’t just about meeting regulations, it’s about protecting your people, your business, and your reputation. Regular EICR testing is the foundation of safe and legally sound operations in London’s commercial and industrial spaces.
If you recognise any of these signs or want peace of mind, get in touch for a comprehensive electrical health check.