Commercial EICRs are more complex and higher-value than domestic inspections. This guide covers inspection intervals for different premises types, scope differences, required qualifications, three-phase and distribution board considerations, and typical costs.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
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An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for a commercial property is fundamentally different from a domestic EICR — in scope, complexity, time, and cost. Commercial installations often include three-phase supplies, multiple distribution boards, sub-main cables, motor circuits, power factor correction, UPS systems, and specialist circuits for fire alarms, emergency lighting, and data infrastructure.
The legal framework for commercial EICRs draws from the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the specific requirements of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. Unlike the domestic private rented sector, there is no single piece of legislation that mandates a 5-year inspection interval for commercial premises — the interval is risk-based. However, BS 7671 Appendix 6 recommends a maximum of 5 years for most commercial premises.
This guide covers inspection intervals, scope differences, the qualifications required, typical costs, and how to build a commercial EICR business using Elec-Mate.
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BS 7671 Appendix 6 (Table A6.1) recommends maximum inspection intervals by premises type:
These are maximum intervals — if the inspector specifies a shorter interval on the EICR, the shorter interval applies. A commercial installation that is older, has had physical damage, or is in a wet or corrosive environment should be inspected more frequently than the table maximum.
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A commercial EICR must cover all accessible parts of the electrical installation. The scope differences from a domestic EICR are significant:
The scope of the inspection must be agreed in writing before the inspection begins. Where specialist systems (fire alarm, emergency lighting, data) are excluded from scope, this must be clearly stated on the EICR front page.
Commercial EICRs require a higher level of competence than domestic inspections. The inspector must be able to assess the specific installation type and must hold relevant qualifications:
Commercial installations typically have a three-phase supply (400V, 50Hz, TN-S or TN-C-S earthing system) feeding a main distribution board (MDB), with sub-distribution boards (SDBs) on each floor or in each section of the building. Key inspection points:
A commercial EICR involves a defined sequence of electrical tests on every circuit of every distribution board within scope. The core tests are:
Test results for all circuits on all distribution boards within scope must be recorded on a Schedule of Test Results and issued with the Condition Report.
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Try the certificate tools freeGN3 (Reg 1.3) is explicit: after completing periodic inspection and testing, the inspector must provide the person ordering the inspection with all of the following documents:
A common documentation failure identified in industry guidance is issuing the EICR front page without the accompanying Schedules of Test Results — rendering the report incomplete and non-compliant with GN3 requirements. For multi-board commercial premises, confirm in the scope agreement that a full set of schedules will be provided for every board inspected.
Commercial buildings are required to have fire detection systems (BS 5839-1) and emergency lighting (BS 5266-1). The EICR assessor should note any visible deficiencies in the power supply arrangements for these systems:
A full inspection of the fire alarm system to BS 5839-1 or the emergency lighting system to BS 5266-1 is outside the scope of an EICR — but the EICR should note if a fire risk assessment or specialist service inspection is recommended.
Commercial EICR pricing is typically based on the number of distribution boards, the number of circuits, and the time required. Typical day rates for qualified commercial electrical inspectors are £350 to £600 per day. Indicative costs:
Commercial EICRs are high-value work. A single large commercial EICR can generate more revenue than a week of domestic EICRs. Building relationships with commercial property managers, facilities managers, and landlords creates recurring revenue from periodic inspections and remedial works.
Always agree the inspection scope in writing — which distribution boards, which floors, whether fire alarm and emergency lighting power supplies are included. Out-of-scope items must be noted on the EICR. A clear scope agreement protects you and manages client expectations.
Commercial clients need reports quickly — for insurance renewals, lease completions, and health and safety documentation. Use the EICR app to complete and issue reports on site or within 24 hours. Fast turnaround is a significant differentiator in the commercial market.
Use Elec-Mate's quoting app to quote remedial works immediately after identifying C1 and C2 defects. Sending the remedial quote with the EICR report converts a one-off inspection into a repair job — and positions you as the natural choice to carry out the work.
Join 1,000+ UK electricians using Elec-Mate for commercial EICR reports, remedial works quoting, and professional documentation.
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