Electrical Testing (EICR Testing)

This initial step ensures that no electrical currents flow through the system during testing, minimising the risk of electrical shock or accidents. Under dead conditions, our engineers will perform rigorous tests to assess the integrity and safety of individual circuits within the electrical installation. These tests include:  

1. Insulation resistance test  

1. Continuity test 

This initial step ensures that no electrical currents flow through the system during testing, minimising the risk of electrical shock or accidents. Under dead conditions, our engineers will perform rigorous tests to assess the integrity and safety of individual circuits within the electrical installation. These tests include:  

1. Insulation resistance test  

1. Continuity test 

This process involves applying a controlled amount of current to the electrical system while monitoring for abnormalities or potential faults. The main goal of live testing is to identify any hidden or intermittent faults that may not be detectable during dead testing. This includes checking for:  

1. Overheating  

1. Earth fault current  

1. Voltage drop 

Our Electrical Engineers will check the installation’s components. We conduct examinations of:

• Earthing and bonding  

• Switches, power outlets, and light fittings  

• Sockets  

• Overcurrent protection

Once the inspection has finished, any issues found are recorded and detailed in the EICR report for further corrective action. The detailed report will be received after 10 working days allowing you to:

• Access your report via email or our online reporting system.  

• Identify the EICR codes allocated to your electrical systems.  

• View all critical and essential remedial works needed.  

• Request a quotation from for all remedial works required. 

In April 2021, the UK government made it mandatory for Housing Associations and Social Housing to seek an EICR certificate every five years – although this is not a legal requirement for commercial buildings. Within commercial premises, the Duty Holder has a legal responsibility to ensure electrical installations are safe and compliant, by managing regular maintenance inspections and documentation. Duty Holders have a legal obligation to ensure a duty of care.

Fixed electrical wiring testing can cause minor disruption to daily operations as it involves a sequence of examinations such as dead testing, which will temporarily switch off power within the area that is being tested. However, at BES Group, we understand the importance of productivity and keeping your business operational. Therefore, our electrical engineers will safely work around your schedule and keep disruption to a minimum. We also encourage plants and premises to maximise testing capabilities during shutdown periods, as this will allow for examination and testing to take place without interfering with daily operations.

EICRs are mandatory for Housing Associations and Social Housing. This is to ensure the safety of your tenants and that the electrical systems are in good working order. You must have an EICR before the tenant moves into the property and keep this updated every five years. If you don’t, you could face fines of up to £30,000.

EICR inspections grade issues on a C1, C2, C3, or F1 basis.

• C1: Danger is present and immediate remedial action is required.
• C2: Potentially dangerous, and urgent remedial work is required.
• C3: Improvement is recommended.
• FI: Further investigation is required.

If any these codes are identified, your EICR assessment will be deemed unsatisfactory. It’s mandatory for you to organise Electrical Remedial Work for these issues within 28 days of inspection. Once complete, the engineer can provide written confirmation they have carried out the works. . Our engineers will also include recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your electrical systems to help your premises be more sustainable.  There’s no need to have another EICR carried out after this final inspection from a qualified engineer, unless it is deemed FI.

EICRs are a legal requirement for Housing Associations and Social Housing. They are not a legal requirement for commercial buildings, although an up-to-date Fixed Wire Electrical Test Certificate proves that a building’s electrical systems are safe and compliant with regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Electricity at Work Regulations require the Duty Holder to legally conduct maintenance inspections and documentation to ensure the electrical installation is safe and fit for purpose. Although, this does not need to be completed with an EICR.

Typically, Fixed Wire Tests can range from 3 months up to 5 years. This depends on the demand of business operations, which can vary between different industries and sectors.

There are additional key factors that need to be considered such as:

• The type of electrical installation.
• How frequent the electrical system is used.
• The environment the electrical system is in.

These are important factors to be considered when scheduling your next EICR report. Our experts will work with you to ensure your electrical systems remain compliant, in top condition, and safe for use.

The frequency of Fixed Wire Testing depends on several factors including the environment, temparature and excess moisture. Learn more about how often EICR’s should be conducted. 

EICRs aren’t governed by electrical bodies such as the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) or the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), they are regulated by the UK Government.  The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that: Electrical systems are built to prevent risk Systems are maintained to prevent danger, including 5-year fixed wire testing inspections (EICR reports) Work on electrical systems is done safely Facilities managers and duty holders are responsible for maintaining EICR inspections. BES Group can help by scheduling necessary inspections with minimal disruption to your business.