EICR — get the fixed wiring tested
An Electrical Installation Condition Report — a qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring (consumer unit, circuits, sockets, fixed lighting) against BS 7671 and issues a report classifying any defects as C1, C2, C3 or FI (further investigation).
An Electrical Installation Condition Report — a qualified electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring (consumer unit, circuits, sockets, fixed lighting) against BS 7671 and issues a report classifying any defects as C1, C2, C3 or FI (further investigation).
You are about to load whatever wiring you have inherited or fitted out with catering equipment, fridges and heavy sockets use. Landlords, insurers and most premises licence conditions expect a current, satisfactory EICR, and it is your main evidence of meeting your duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Ask specifically for an EICR to BS 7671 with a full schedule of test results, not just a verbal "it's fine".
Who this is for
Every venue, especially one taking on an existing unit's wiring or doing a fit-out.
What you’ll hold
- EICR with C1/C2/C3/FI classification codes
- Schedule of test results
Watch out for
- Accepting a "satisfactory" verbal report with no paperwork. Insurers and licensing want the written EICR and schedule of test results, not a phone call.
- Not budgeting for remedial work. A C1 or C2 code on an older unit's wiring can mean days of extra electrical work before you can safely fit out.
- Booking it too late. Once kitchen equipment is plumbed in and boxed against the walls, testing the sockets and circuits behind it gets expensive and disruptive.
Sources
- HSE — Electricity at work checked 2026-09-02
- NICEIC — find a registered electrician checked 2026-09-02
See also
- EICR — fixed wire test— this becomes an ongoing job once you’re open →
- PAT test everything portable
- Fire alarm and detection to the FRA's category
- Emergency lighting to BS 5266
This is item 18 of 66 in the free UK Launch Checklist. See the whole list →