Coverage of common areas does not imply coverage inside individual units. Appliance test results also cannot substitute for assessment of the fixed installation supplying them; keep those records and scopes distinct.
What should you arrange before the visit?
Supply previous EICRs, installation certificates, circuit schedules, alterations and fault records. Explain site operations and identify plant requiring a managed stop before loss of electrical supply.
Resolve the delivery arrangements before commissioning:
- Define premises, boards, circuits and occupied spaces in scope.
- Identify those controlling access and permitting outages.
- Arrange occupier notices and entry to secured rooms.
- Establish immediate escalation to the authorised decision-maker.
- Specify how exclusions and unfinished inspection work will be recorded.
Compare like-for-like scope. A restricted inspection at a low price differs from wider testing involving multiple attendances and coordinated interruptions to operations.
How to use the report
Assess the overall outcome together with limitations and individual observations. Obtain the inspector's explanation of priority and required response. Separate urgent safety action from discretionary improvements rather than absorbing important defects into a general future refurbishment.
Allocate actions and attach remedial evidence to the originating report. Track unresolved access and commission the remaining inspection. Filing the document without progressing its open findings leaves estate reporting incomplete.
Use the recommended review date alongside applicable premises requirements and intervening changes. Damage, modifications and different building use require attention when they arise, not only at the next routine appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EICR the same as an installation certificate?
No. The EICR considers an existing installation; a certificate for new work records that installation activity and verification. Retain both to give future inspectors an accurate alteration history.
Does an EICR include repairs?
Not automatically. Inspection and correction are separate instructions. Define reporting, authorisation and delivery of defects, with appropriate repair records rather than an assumption that all remedials form part of the inspection fee.
Will the electricity need to be switched off?
Arrange interruptions where required for inspection and testing. Plan safe equipment shutdown and restart, along with advance communication to affected occupiers.
Further reading and support
The need for competent installation inspection and testing is explained in HSE electrical-safety advice.
Read planning commercial EICR intervals and fixed-wire assessment. Explore testing services, remedial delivery and managing-agent support.
Review service disciplines, maintenance programmes, project options, sectors and coverage, or submit the property requirement.
