One of the trickier parts of understanding EICR testing is working out which recommendations apply to you and when. Obviously this is very important from a safety perspective but also because insurance can be accidentally voided.

First things first, as well as the interval, it is important to understand the difference between the two types of checks that are referred to as ‘Routine Check’ and ‘Inspection/Test’.1

The following tables give guidance on how often an Electrical Installation should have a ‘Routine Check’ and ‘Test & Inspection’ carried out.2

The contents are industry recommendations and are based upon a number of different factors such as…

General Installations

TypeRoutine CheckMaximum Inspection/Test Interval
Domestic AccommodationN/AChange of Occupancy or 10 Years
Domestic Accommodation – Rented Houses or Flats1 YearChange of Occupancy or 5 Years
Residential Accommodation (HMO)1 YearChange of Occupancy or 5 Years
Commercial1 YearChange of Occupancy or 5 Years
Education Establishments6 Months5 Years
Industrial1 Year3 Years
Offices1 Year5 Years
Shops1 Year5 Years
Laboratories1 Year5 Years

Hospitals and Medical Clinics

TypeRoutine CheckMaximum Inspection/Test Interval
General Areas1 Year5 Years
Medical Areas6 Months1 Year

Buildings Open to the Public

TypeRoutine CheckMaximum Inspection/Test Interval
Cinemas1 Year1 to 3 Years
Church Installations1 Year5 Years
Leisure Complexes1 Year3 Years
Places of Public Entertainment1 Year3 Years
Restaurants and Hotels1 Year5 Years
Theatres1 Year3 Years
Public Houses1 Year5 Years
Village Halls/Community Centres1 Year5 Years

Special Installations

TypeRoutine CheckMaximum Inspection/Test Interval
Agricultural and Horticultural1 Year3 Years
Caravans1 Year3 Years
Caravan Parks6 Months1 Year
Highway Power SuppliesAs Convenient6 to 8 Years
Marinas4 Months1 Year
Fish Farms4 Months1 Year
Swimming Pools4 Months1 Year
Emergency LightingDaily/Monthly3 Years
Fire AlarmsDaily/Weekly1 Year
LaundrettesMonthly1 Year
Petrol Stations1 Year1 Year
Construction Sites3 Months3 Months
  1. Test definitions were correct at publication. ↩︎
  2. Frequency recommendations are subject to change but were correct when published. ↩︎

Get In Touch…

If you’re still unsure of your responsibilities or if you inspection is due then give us a call on 01143 627 123 or complete the contact form below and we’ll be in touch.

 

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