What is an EICR for your business premises?
An EICR is an electrical installation condition report recording inspection and testing of an existing installation. It identifies its condition, limitations and recommended action. The IET's model uses C1 for danger present and C2 for potentially dangerous conditions [S1]. Use the findings when planning extra load, alongside a separate charger design and new-work certification. Checked October 2026.
What does an EICR tell you about your site?
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) records the condition of an existing electrical installation after inspection and testing. It includes the inspection’s extent, limitations, findings and an overall assessment [S1].
For your site, it matters because adding chargers starts with the wiring you already have. Give the designer the report and its supporting schedules. Ask which findings affect the proposed work, and keep any remedial records with it. A report covering another part of the premises may leave the proposed supply route unassessed [S1].
How often should a business arrange periodic inspection?
Avoid applying a household inspection interval to every commercial building. HSE explains that inspection and, where necessary, testing form part of preventive maintenance. Frequency needs judgement informed by use, experience and equipment guidance [S2].
Ask your competent inspector to record the next recommended inspection and its basis. Review that plan when the premises or loads change. Check lease and insurance obligations separately; ask your solicitor about contractual or legal requirements rather than treating a suggested technical interval as the whole answer.
What should you do before adding charging load?
Request an assessment of the existing installation alongside the new design. Electrical Safety First describes checks covering earthing, bonding, switchgear, wiring condition and changes in use [S4]. Ask the contractor to separate urgent defects, further investigation and work needed for the proposed addition.
An EICR is not the installation certificate for newly installed charger circuits: the IET publishes distinct documents [S3]. Our charger certificate guide explains the handover pack. Read Section 722 for the charging design questions and use the charging cost tool for a separate operating-cost illustration.
Next step
Bring your report and circuit schedules to the site check, then get matched with an installer that covers your area.
Piggy Pineapple Ltd operates this referral service. We refer enquiries to installer partners and may be paid a fee. Our owner holds shares in at least one partner. Before sharing your details, we name the proposed partner and disclose any shareholding in it.
Common questions
Does an EICR replace a new charger's installation certificate?
No. The IET publishes separate forms for an Electrical Installation Certificate and an EICR. Agree both the existing-installation assessment and new-work certification in the scope [S3].
Who should inspect the existing installation?
Use an electrically competent inspector. Electrical Safety First says periodic inspection and testing should be carried out by electrically competent persons [S4].
Do all observations mean urgent repair?
No. The model separates C1 danger, C2 potential danger, C3 improvement recommended and FI further investigation. Ask the inspector to explain the action attached to each observation [S1].
Can an existing report omit parts of the site?
Yes. The model records the extent and limitations of inspection. Check those sections before assuming a report covers the intended charger supply route [S1].
Can a landlord request a more recent report?
Check the lease wording with your solicitor. For the technical question, the model records the recommended next inspection date and the reason for inspection; provide those details when resolving the request [S1].
Ask about your site
Sources
- Electrical Installation Condition Report - Amendment 4 model form, Institution of Engineering and Technology,Last checked 19 October 2026
- The Electricity at Work Regulations - guidance on maintenance, Health and Safety Executive,Last checked 19 October 2026
- Model Forms - EIC, EICR and Minor Works certificates, Institution of Engineering and Technology,Last checked 19 October 2026
- Periodic inspection and testing, Electrical Safety First,Last checked 19 October 2026