The short answer: Fixed wire testing (EICR) checks the safety of electrical installations to BS 7671. Learn when it’s required and what the inspection covers
Fixed wire testing — formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — is an inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a building. It identifies deterioration, defects, damage, or dangerous conditions that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire.
For commercial and industrial premises, periodic inspection and testing is required under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations.
The recommended inspection period depends on the type of premises. For industrial and commercial properties, inspection every 3–5 years is typical. High-risk environments may require annual testing.
A NICEIC-registered electrician inspects and tests the distribution board, circuit protective conductors, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation. The result is an EICR grading any observations as C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended), or FI (further investigation required).
Varlowe’s NICEIC-registered electrical engineers provide fixed wire testing and EICR reporting for commercial and industrial clients. For more information, visit our electrical services page or email us. Contact us
Fixed wire testing — formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — is a periodic inspection and test of a building’s hardwired electrical installation. It checks that the installation is safe, meets the requirements of BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), and identifies any deterioration, damage, or defects that require action.
For commercial and industrial premises, the recommended inspection frequency is every 3 to 5 years. The applicable standard requires that frequency be determined based on the type of installation, usage, and environmental conditions. Landlords of rented commercial property are legally required to maintain their electrical installations in a safe condition.
A fixed wire test includes visual inspection of the distribution board, wiring, accessories, and earthing; testing of earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and loop impedance; and operation tests of protective devices including RCDs. The engineer produces an EICR identifying any codes C1 (danger), C2 (potentially dangerous), or C3 (improvement recommended).
Fixed wire testing is not a specific legal duty in all cases, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that electrical systems are maintained in a safe condition. For many employers and landlords, a periodic EICR is the recognised way to discharge this duty. Some insurers and lenders also require evidence of current certification.
Yes. Varlowe Industrial Services is NICEIC registered and carries out fixed wire testing (EICR) for commercial and industrial clients from their Wolverhampton base. Their engineers test to BS 7671 requirements and produce fully documented EICR reports identifying any remedial actions required.