- Condition: previous findings, outstanding defects, deterioration and recorded repairs.
- Use: site activities and the services dependent on electricity.
- Exposure: moisture, dust, heat, impacts or other damaging conditions.
- Alterations: changed occupancy, new equipment, building work and increased demand.
- Upkeep: routine checks, recurring faults and the available record history.
- Obligations: applicable duties, insurer conditions, lease terms and internal policies.
Keep these sources distinct. An insurance condition must be interpreted as written; it does not establish a statutory inspection interval applying to every commercial building.
For an inspection enquiry, including access and the installation information to provide, see electrical testing and EICRs.
When should you review the plan early?
Bring the review forward when damage, recurring faults or installation changes arise. Seek advice on investigation after flooding, major incidents, undocumented work or occupancy changes introducing different activities, rather than waiting for a calendar reminder.
Review inherited documentation when occupation changes. Confirm the areas and supplies inspected, remedial closure and whether the installation still matches the report. A previous assessment of a single large unit may not cover the resulting subdivisions adequately.
How to keep an inspection programme under control
Record premises, installation or board, current report, next review, accountable person and supporting evidence. Track remedial deadlines separately from routine inspection dates so unresolved defects are not hidden behind a future booking.
Standardise portfolio reporting while preserving an evidence-based interval for each installation. Coordinate procurement and attendance where useful without overriding individual site requirements.
Programme notices, permissions, outages and subsequent repairs. Obtain quotations for equivalent scope and limitations. Essential areas left inaccessible mean incomplete evidence and another attendance, even if the scheduled visit took place.
Frequently asked questions
Is a commercial EICR always required every five years?
No. Obtain a competent inspector's recommendation for the actual installation and check requirements relating to the premises and its activities; do not impose a universal five-year assumption.
What if the previous report is missing?
Check handover files and request the report and remedial records from the owner or agent. If reliable evidence remains unavailable, assess the inspection required rather than deriving a due date from lease commencement.
Does a satisfactory report remove the need for maintenance?
No. Continue responding to damage, faults and alterations between inspections. The report evidences its assessed installation at a point in time, not a substitute for maintenance or records of subsequent changes.
Further reading and support
Consult HSE's workplace electrical-law overview and review EICR scope before commissioning.
Explore installation testing, statutory programmes, remedial projects and workplace support.
Review service disciplines, maintenance arrangements, project delivery, sector coverage and locations served, or submit your inspection brief.
