How often should I get an EICR?

An EICR inspection (also known as fixed wire testing) is essential for keeping your electrical installations safe, but how often should you have one done?

Every year? Every five years? Every ten years?

Our handy guide below will show you the frequency you should get your EICR carried out.

Why do some properties need EICRs so often?

It ultimately depends on the more high-risk the environment is. The more risk, the more frequently EICRs need to be carried out.

High-risk factors include:

• The use of flammable gases and chemicals
• Densely populated buildings
• Wet and dusty environments

How often EICR inspections (fixed wire testing) should be carried out

An EICR every year

• Petrol stations
• Launderettes
• Saunas
• Hospitals (medical locations e.g. theatres)
• Marinas
• Cinemas (front of house)
• Swimming pools

An EICR every three years

• Spa hotels
• Leisure centres (excluding swimming pools)
• Theatres
• Caravan parks
• Cinema (back of house)
• Farms
• Factories and industrial buildings

An EICR every five years

• Offices
• Laboratories
• Shops
• Schools
• Community centres
• Churches
• Hospitals (general areas)

An EICR every five years (or change of tenancy)

• Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Rental properties

A guide to EICR for landlords

EICR and HMOs

An EICR every ten years

• Domestic houses
• Domestic flats

These timescales aren't set in stone

Ultimately the engineer carrying out the testing for you will specify the recommended retest period. This will depend on the environment and the overall condition of the electrical installation.

For example, if you have an office with a very old electrical installation, your engineer may advise you have another test carried out in three years rather than five.