Category: Engineering specialty · Reviewed by Simon Temme, Account Executive · Last reviewed 2026-06-05
Electrical inspection is the periodic testing and inspection of fixed electrical installations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, normally conducted at 1–5 year intervals by qualified electrical engineers and recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR); the inspection is typically provided by engineering insurance companies as part of the integrated ‘inspect and insure’ model.
Category: Engineering specialty Also known as: EICR, electrical installation inspection, fixed wire testing First codified: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671 (continuously updated) Related legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [1]; Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 [2]; Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [3]
Electrical inspection in the UK commercial context comprises two principal elements: fixed installation inspection (the testing and inspection of permanent electrical wiring, distribution boards, switchgear and associated installations) and portable appliance testing (the periodic inspection of electrical equipment connected to the fixed installation by plug and socket — ‘PAT testing’). This entry addresses the fixed installation inspection, which is the principal engineering insurance product [4][5].
The fixed installation inspection is conducted in accordance with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations, currently in 18th edition with amendments) and is recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The EICR identifies any defects, classifies them by severity (C1: danger present, action required immediately; C2: potentially dangerous, action required urgently; C3: improvement recommended; FI: further investigation required) and certifies the installation as satisfactory or unsatisfactory for continued service [4][5].
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 do not specify a fixed interval for inspection of electrical installations, but the practical effect is that periodic inspection is the industry standard. Recommended intervals from IET and HSE guidance are typically [1][6]:
The inspection is typically performed by ‘competent persons’ as understood under HSWA 1974, often electrical engineers employed by engineering insurance companies or by independent inspection consultancies registered with relevant professional bodies (NICEIC, NAPIT, ECA) [4][5].
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) are the principal current statutory framework, made under sections 15 and 80 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Regulations apply to all places where the HSW Act applies — essentially all workplaces — and impose duties on employers, employees and self-employed persons in respect of electrical systems and electrical work [1][3].
The principal duties under EAWR are:
Regulation 4(1): All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent danger.
Regulation 4(2): All systems shall be maintained so as to prevent danger.
Regulation 4(3): Work activities, including operation, use and maintenance, shall be carried out so as not to give rise to danger.
Regulation 5: No electrical equipment shall be put into use where strength and capability may be exceeded so as to give rise to danger.
Regulation 16: Persons engaged in work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger shall possess such knowledge or experience.
The HSE is the principal regulator with enforcement powers under HSWA 1974. EAWR offences are summary offences in the magistrates’ court (with fines up to the statutory maximum) and indictable offences in the Crown Court (with potentially unlimited fines for serious cases) [4][6].
BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) is the principal technical standard for fixed electrical installations in the UK. Although not statutory in itself, BS 7671 compliance is the practical means of meeting the EAWR requirements and is universally referenced in the construction and electrical contracting industries. The current edition (BS 7671:2018 incorporating amendments) is published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in cooperation with BSI [7].
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 implement the EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU (retained as UK law post-Brexit) and set design and conformity assessment requirements for electrical equipment placed on the market. They complement the EAWR operational regime [2].
For domestic electrical installations, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (and equivalent devolved provisions) and the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 impose specific duties on landlords in respect of fixed installation inspection — typically requiring an EICR every 5 years for rented residential properties [8].
A UK commercial or industrial customer engages an inspection provider (typically an engineering insurance company or a specialist electrical inspection consultancy) to carry out the periodic electrical inspection. The inspector attends the premises with appropriate test equipment, visually inspects the installation, carries out the prescribed tests (continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, residual current device operation) and prepares the EICR [4][5].
The inspection is typically completed in 1–5 days depending on the size and complexity of the installation. Larger industrial installations may require a phased approach with different areas inspected at different times to maintain business operations during testing. The inspector must isolate parts of the installation for testing, with the operator’s electrical staff often assisting with the isolation [4][5].
The EICR is provided to the operator with classified observations. The operator has the responsibility for acting on the observations — C1 observations require immediate action (typically isolation of the affected circuit pending repair); C2 observations require urgent action (typically remedial work within an agreed timeframe); C3 observations are for the operator’s information and judgment. The inspector will normally recommend the date of the next inspection based on the installation type and the observations made [4][5].
The integrated insurance cover responds for sudden and accidental damage to the electrical installation from breakdown (typically including transformer failures, switchgear failures, motor failures in fixed plant), with extensions for additional costs of working and business interruption from electrical failures. The cover is typically integrated with machinery breakdown insurance under a combined engineering insurance policy [5][6].
Standard EICR: 5-yearly inspection of commercial premises. The dominant sub-class.
Industrial premises EICR: 3-yearly inspection of industrial premises.
High-risk environment EICR: annual inspection of petrol stations, swimming pools, marinas and other high-risk environments.
Construction site temporary installation: 3-monthly inspection of temporary electrical installations on construction sites.
Healthcare premises EICR: detailed inspection of healthcare facilities with specific attention to medical electrical installations under HTM 06-01 and related Health Technical Memoranda.
Hazardous area electrical inspection: specialist inspection of electrical installations in hazardous areas (oil and gas, petrochemical, paint shops) under DSEAR Regulations and IECEx/ATEX standards.
PAT testing: separate inspection regime for portable electrical appliances connected to the fixed installation by plug and socket. Frequency depends on equipment type and risk environment.
Thermographic survey: non-destructive electrical survey using thermal imaging to identify hot spots and incipient failures, often combined with periodic inspection.
Solar PV installation inspection: dedicated inspection for solar PV installations (under MCS standards and BS 7671 amendments) including DC side testing.
A UK industrial company operates a manufacturing facility with substantial electrical installations including HV/LV transformer, main and distribution switchboards, motor control centres for production machinery and extensive small power and lighting distribution. The company engages an engineering insurance company to carry out periodic electrical inspection on a 3-year cycle. The inspection takes 2 weeks (phased across the site to minimise production disruption) and identifies several C2 observations (worn cable insulation in a damp production area; inadequate IP rating on certain distribution boards) plus a number of C3 observations. The company remedies the C2 observations within 8 weeks. The combined inspection and machinery breakdown cover (including transformer and switchgear breakdown) costs approximately £14,000 per year. Figures in this example are illustrative.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-05. Next review: 2026-12-05.
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 724952. Registered in England and Wales, Companies House 07014570. This entry provides general information about UK insurance concepts and is not regulated advice. Consult your insurance broker on your specific position.
Apex Insurance Brokers serves UK professional services firms and commercial businesses. Call 0117 325 0027, email hello@apexinsurancebrokers.co.uk, or request a quotation.
Get a quote