An Electrical Installation Condition Report checks the condition of an electrical installation and identifies any defects, deterioration or safety concerns.

An EICR is designed to identify:

• Deterioration or damage to wiring and components
• Faults or defects that could lead to electric shock or fire
• Overloaded or poorly designed circuits
• Non-compliance with current regulations (BS 7671)

At the end of the inspection, you receive a clear report outlining:

• Any issues found
• Their level of risk (C1, C2, C3 classifications)
• Recommended remedial actions

You may have heard the term “5-year fixed wiring inspection” — this is often used interchangeably with an EICR, but there’s a small difference:

• EICR = the actual inspection and the formal report
• Fixed wiring inspection = a more traditional or informal way of describing the same process

When someone refers to a fixed wiring inspection, they are almost always talking about an EICR.

The 5-year period refers to how often the inspection is typically carried out — not the inspection itself.

• Based on guidance from BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
• Common for many commercial environments
• May vary depending on building type, usage, and risk

Typical guidance:

• Commercial buildings: every 3–5 years
• Industrial environments: often more frequent
• Rental properties: fixed at 5 years by law

In simple terms: the EICR is the report, and the 5-year period is a common inspection interval.

For Commercial Buildings (Offices, Retail, Industrial)

You are legally required to ensure your electrical systems are safe.

This falls under:

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

An EICR is the recognised way of demonstrating compliance.

In practice:

• Most organisations carry out EICRs regularly
• Insurers and auditors often expect them
• Without one, it’s difficult to prove your systems are safe

For Residential Rental Properties (UK)

Yes — it is mandatory

Landlords must:

• Have a valid EICR at least every 5 years
• Provide it when required

Failure to comply can result in significant fines.

 Why It Matters

Whether formally mandated or not, an EICR is essential for:

• Protecting occupants and staff
• Reducing fire and electrical risk
• Avoiding unexpected failures or downtime
• Meeting insurance and legal expectations
• Planning maintenance with confidence

Without a current EICR, you may be exposed to unnecessary operational and legal risk.

The Bottom Line

• EICR = the inspection and report
• “Fixed wiring inspection” = another name for the same process
• 5-year interval = typical guidance, not a universal rule
• Commercial properties: Expected as part of your duty of care
• Residential lettings: Legally required

If you’re unsure when your last inspection was carried out, or whether your building is compliant, getting clarity is the first step.

An EICR gives you:

• A clear view of your electrical safety
• Evidence of compliance
• A plan to address any issues before they escalate

Yes. QPES carries out commercial EICR inspections for offices, shops, business units, managed buildings and other commercial premises.

Yes. If remedial works are required, QPES can advise on the findings and complete the necessary repair work where appropriate.

Yes. QPES provides EICR inspections for landlords and letting agents across Nottingham and nearby areas.

EICRs are commonly required by landlords, letting agents, commercial property owners, facilities managers and businesses that need to manage electrical safety and compliance.

Availability depends on the property type, location and current workload. Same-week appointments may be available in Nottingham and surrounding areas.