Cost Guide

Commercial EICR Cost

A commercial EICR in the UK typically costs between £300 and £2,000, depending on the size of the premises, the number of circuits, and the complexity of the electrical installation. Commercial EICRs are recommended every 3-5 years depending on the type of business.

Average cost: £300–£2000

Cost Breakdown

Item	Min	Max	Note
Small retail unit or office (up to 100m²)	£300	£500	Single-phase supply with 10-20 circuits; typically takes half a day to inspect and test
Medium office, restaurant, or workshop (100-300m²)	£500	£900	May have single or three-phase supply, 20-40 circuits, and commercial equipment; usually a full day
Large commercial premises (300-1,000m²)	£800	£1500	Three-phase supply, multiple distribution boards, 40-100+ circuits; typically 1-2 days on site
Industrial unit or warehouse	£1000	£2000	Heavy machinery, three-phase equipment, high-bay lighting, and extensive distribution systems; may require 2-3 days
Multi-storey office building (per floor)	£400	£800	Priced per floor; full building inspections are often phased over several visits to minimise business disruption
Emergency or out-of-hours testing surcharge	£100	£400	Many commercial premises can only be tested outside business hours — expect a 30-50% surcharge for evening, weekend, or overnight work

What's Included

Visual inspection of the entire fixed electrical installation including all distribution boards, sub-boards, wiring, trunking, containment, sockets, switches, luminaires, and permanently connected equipment
Dead testing of every circuit for insulation resistance, continuity of protective conductors, and correct polarity — with the supply isolated section by section
Live testing for earth fault loop impedance at every distribution board and significant points, prospective fault current measurements, and RCD trip time testing
Thermographic survey of main distribution boards (increasingly included by commercial electricians to identify hot spots indicating loose connections or overloaded circuits)
A comprehensive written EICR report with observations coded as C1, C2, C3, or FI, and an overall Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory assessment
Schedule of test results for every circuit, providing a permanent record of the installation's condition at the time of inspection

Factors Affecting Cost

Size of the premises and number of circuits — the more circuits to test, the longer the inspection takes and the higher the cost. A small shop with 15 circuits is fundamentally different from a factory with 200+
Supply type — three-phase supplies require more complex testing than single-phase, and the electrician needs additional qualifications and equipment for high-voltage systems
Type of business — manufacturing facilities with heavy machinery, commercial kitchens with specialist equipment, and IT server rooms all require more detailed inspection than a standard office
Number of distribution boards — large commercial premises often have multiple sub-distribution boards across different floors or areas, each requiring individual inspection and testing
Time of testing — if the inspection must be carried out outside business hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight) to avoid disruption, expect a significant surcharge
Age and condition of the installation — older commercial buildings with original wiring, multiple phases of alteration, and poor documentation take considerably longer to inspect

How Long Does It Take?

Commercial EICRs take significantly longer than domestic inspections. A small retail unit with a single-phase supply and 15-20 circuits typically takes 4-6 hours. A medium-sized office or restaurant with 30-50 circuits usually takes a full day. Large commercial premises, industrial units, and multi-storey buildings can take 2-5 days depending on the number of distribution boards and circuits. The inspection is often phased over several visits to minimise business disruption — for example, testing one floor per visit or working outside business hours. Power will need to be isolated to individual circuits or distribution boards during dead testing, so coordination with the business is essential to avoid disrupting critical systems (servers, refrigeration, security systems, etc.).

Do I Need This?

While there is no single law that mandates a specific frequency for commercial EICRs, several regulations create a practical requirement. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical systems to be maintained to prevent danger. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure the safety of employees and visitors. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to assess and manage fire risks, including electrical fire risks. BS 7671 recommends commercial premises are inspected every 3-5 years (or more frequently for higher-risk environments such as construction sites, swimming pools, and industrial facilities). Insurance policies for commercial premises almost universally require evidence of regular electrical inspection, and many will not pay out on a claim related to electrical fire or injury if a current EICR cannot be produced. Commercial landlords should also ensure the electrical installation meets the requirements of their lease agreement.

How to Save Money

Schedule the EICR during your quietest business period and plan which areas can be isolated at which times — efficient scheduling reduces the total hours on site

Provide the electrician with existing documentation (previous EICRs, electrical drawings, distribution board schedules) before the visit so they can plan the inspection efficiently

Combine the EICR with other planned electrical maintenance such as PAT testing, emergency lighting testing, or fire alarm servicing to consolidate call-out charges

For multi-site businesses, negotiate a portfolio rate with a single electrical contractor for all premises — volume discounts of 10-20% are common

Ensure good access to all distribution boards, trunking, and electrical equipment before the electrician arrives. Time spent moving stock, furniture, or gaining access to locked areas is time you are paying for

Consider a phased inspection over multiple visits during business hours rather than paying overnight surcharges, if your operations can accommodate brief circuit isolations during the day

Average Cost Summary

£300–£2000

Typical price range for commercial eicr cost in the UK. Prices may vary based on your location, property type, and specific requirements.

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Related Cost Guides

EICR Cost

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) costs between £100 and £300+ in the UK depending on the size and age of your property. A 1-bed flat starts at around £100, a typical 3-bed house costs £150–£250, and larger or older properties can exceed £300. Landlords are legally required to have an EICR every 5 years — homeowners should get one every 10 years or before buying or selling.

£100–£300

Commercial Electrician Rates

Commercial electrician rates in the UK range from £200 for minor works to £5,000 or more for major installations, with hourly rates typically between £45 and £85 depending on the complexity, location, and whether out-of-hours work is required.

£200–£5000

Sources & References

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do commercial premises need an EICR?

BS 7671 recommends the following maximum intervals: commercial premises (offices, shops) every 5 years; industrial premises every 3 years; cinemas, theatres, and entertainment venues every 3 years; hospitals and medical facilities every 5 years; educational establishments every 5 years; agricultural and horticultural premises every 3 years; and construction site installations every 3 months. However, these are maximum intervals — if the installation is older or in poor condition, more frequent inspections may be recommended.

Can a commercial EICR be done during business hours?

Yes, in many cases. A skilled commercial electrician can isolate individual circuits or distribution boards while keeping the rest of the building operational. However, this requires careful planning to avoid disrupting critical systems. For premises with sensitive equipment (server rooms, commercial kitchens with walk-in freezers, medical facilities), it may be more practical to test outside business hours. Discuss the options with your electrician during the quotation stage.

What is the difference between a domestic EICR and a commercial EICR?

The testing methodology and report format are the same — both follow BS 7671 and use the same observation codes (C1, C2, C3, FI). The key differences are scale and complexity. Commercial installations typically have three-phase supplies, multiple distribution boards, larger numbers of circuits, specialist equipment, and higher fault levels. This requires electricians with commercial experience and appropriate qualifications (such as the City & Guilds 2391 with commercial endorsement). The cost is higher because more time and expertise are needed.

What happens if a commercial EICR is unsatisfactory?

If the report identifies C1 or C2 observations, the installation is graded Unsatisfactory and remedial work is needed. For C1 (danger present) observations, immediate action is required — the dangerous condition should be made safe before the electrician leaves site. C2 (potentially dangerous) observations should be remedied promptly, typically within 28 days. Unlike residential landlord regulations, there is no specific statutory deadline for commercial premises, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that danger be prevented, and your insurer may require evidence of prompt remediation.

Do I need a commercial EICR if I rent my business premises?

This depends on your lease. In many commercial leases, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the electrical installation within their demised area, while the landlord is responsible for common areas and the main supply infrastructure. Check your lease carefully and discuss with your landlord. Regardless of the lease terms, as an employer you have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the safety of your employees, which includes the electrical installation they work with. If in doubt, arrange an EICR for your own protection.

Is a commercial EICR required for insurance?

Almost universally, yes. Commercial property insurance and public liability insurance policies typically require evidence of regular electrical inspection. If you cannot produce a current EICR following an electrical fire or injury, your insurer may refuse to pay out or may reduce the settlement. Some insurers specify the maximum interval between inspections as a condition of cover. Check your policy wording and comply with whatever frequency it specifies — this may be more frequent than the general BS 7671 recommendations.

Can my maintenance electrician do the EICR, or do I need a specialist?

An EICR should be carried out by an electrician with specific inspection and testing qualifications (City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent) and experience with commercial installations. While your regular maintenance electrician may hold these qualifications, it is often considered best practice to use an independent inspector for EICRs to ensure objectivity — the same principle as using an independent auditor for financial accounts. If your maintenance electrician is qualified, they can certainly do the inspection, but ensure they have the right qualifications and are registered with a competent person scheme.

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