- Describe defects, past observations, repairs and any worsening condition.
- Explain what happens in the building and what relies on the electricity.
- Identify exposure to water, heat, dust, impact or other damaging conditions.
- Mention new occupants, additional equipment, alterations and demand changes.
- Share routine checking records and the history of electrical trouble.
- Provide relevant legal duties, insurance terms, lease conditions and organisational requirements.
These are different considerations. A requirement in your insurance documents needs checking on its own terms; it is not automatically the legal interval for every property.
For an inspection enquiry, including access and the installation information to provide, see electrical testing and EICRs.
When should you review the plan early?
Do not wait for the booked date if electrical faults recur, damage occurs or the installation changes. Ask what investigation is needed after flooding, a significant incident, undocumented alterations or a new occupancy with different activities.
When taking on premises, check the inherited report rather than relying on the lease date. Establish what it covered, whether repairs were completed and whether the described supplies and spaces match yours. Subdividing a unit can leave the earlier report incomplete for the new arrangement.
How to keep an inspection programme under control
Keep a list identifying the property, installation or board, latest report, next review, responsible person and records. List repair deadlines separately: booking the next inspection does not close defects in the last report.
For several properties, use one consistent format but retain the reason for each interval. Combining appointments can help with access and buying the work without making every building's needs identical.
Allow time to notify occupants, obtain access, plan power interruptions and arrange repairs. Compare quotes covering the same installation and limitations. A visit unable to reach important areas leaves both another appointment and missing information.
Frequently asked questions
Is a commercial EICR always required every five years?
Do not assume that every commercial building follows five years. Get a competent recommendation for your installation and check the duties and other requirements affecting its use.
What if the previous report is missing?
Ask the owner or managing agent and search handover paperwork for the inspection and subsequent repairs. If you cannot recover reliable records, arrange an assessment of the inspection needed. The lease age is not a reliable substitute.
Does a satisfactory report remove the need for maintenance?
No. Continue dealing with damage, faults and alterations. A report describes the installation assessed at that time; ongoing care and records of later work are still needed.
Further reading and support
Read HSE's explanation of electricity law and what an EICR includes before booking work.
Find EICR and electrical testing services, required maintenance support, compliance repairs and help for office properties.
Browse property services, maintenance work, projects, sectors and service areas, or enquire about an inspection.
