Offices and schools are recommended an EICR every 5 years whereas public premises like cinemas need an EICR every 1-3 years. D P Electrical Specialists Limited work with various businesses from leisure centres, retail shops to factories so we know how to be discreet while on site, preventing any downtime or disruption to your business.
As a business owner in York, knowing exactly when the next EICR is due is essential in providing a safe working environment for employees and visitors at your business. If you’re new to EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Reports, keep reading to find answers to frequently asked questions.
So what is an EICR?
An EICR is an inspection of electrical systems at a premises or commercial building. The purpose is to identify electrical faults and areas of non compliances. An EICR helps locate areas of general wear and tear and defects which could increase the risk of hazards such as fires or electrocution. As a business owner in York, you do have a legal obligation to conduct regular EICR inspections under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Although the idea of an EICR inspection can sound complicated, the team have conducted numerous EICR inspections over the years so you can guarantee a thorough inspection and successful remedial work if required.
What happens during an EICR?
The team conducts visual and electrical tests on systems such as lighting, circuits, outlets and switches. The fuse board or distribution boards, depending on the size of your business premises, are also inspected as they are typically the main hub for distributing electricity throughout the premises. We recently conducted an EICR at a business close to Parliament Street in York. It was our first experience working with this particular customer so we were not aware of solar panels on the premises. Part of the EICR inspection included inspecting the solar panels to make sure they were correctly earthed and that the AC isolators and inverters were connected to the distribution board correctly. Additional systems such as fire alarm panels and air conditioning units are also checked during an EICR.
How often do I need an EICR?
Low risk environments such as retail shops and offices should have an EICR every 5 years in order to demonstrate compliance with regulations. For premises with electrical systems in constant use or heavier electrical demands and machinery, we recommend an EICR every 3 years. As a business owner of a public premises such as a library or cinema, the recommendation is every 1 -3 years. As your local EICR electrician, we can better inform you of how often an EICR is needed once we’ve had a look at the premises and level of electrical demand.
How much is a commercial EICR?
For a property with up to roughly 10 circuits, typical of a small retail unit or office space like an estate agent, an EICR costs between £250- £400. A larger industrial or commercial warehouse will include a number of complexities such as a greater number of circuits which need inspection and may have access requirements such as lighting at a great height. An EICR at a larger premises can cost between £900 - £2,000.
With D P Electrical Specialists Limited, you’re paying a premium to work with NAPIT approved electricians with years of experience, ensuring compliance with Wiring Regulations and confirming safety at the premises.
Contact D P Electrical Specialists Limited on 07764 760281 to speak to our knowledgeable EICR electricians.
