Fixed Wire Testing (EICR) for Commercial & Educational Buildings

What Is Fixed Wire Testing?

Fixed Wire Testing, formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), assesses the safety and integrity of a building’s permanent electrical installation. This includes distribution boards, circuits, wiring systems, switches, sockets and connected fixed electrical components.

The purpose of the inspection is to identify damage, wear and tear, deterioration, overloaded circuits, defective work, fire risks, shock risks and issues relating to earthing or bonding. Findings are recorded within the EICR and prioritised using industry observation codes such as C1, C2, C3 and FI.

For commercial properties, schools and other duty holders, fixed wire testing is an essential part of demonstrating electrical safety, compliance and responsible building management.

What Does an EICR Check?

An EICR examines the condition of the electrical installation from the main intake and distribution boards through to circuits, sockets, switches, lighting points and fixed equipment. The inspection is designed to identify whether the installation remains safe for continued use and whether it aligns with current standards.

The inspection and testing process is used to:

• identify overloaded circuits or equipment
• uncover electrical shock and fire risks
• highlight defective work
• identify earthing and bonding issues
• assess the condition of wiring and associated fixed equipment
• provide a schedule of circuits for clearer asset visibility

If no clear diagram or circuit schedule is available, this often has to be established as part of the survey and testing process.

How Often Should Fixed Wire Testing Be Carried Out?

The recommended frequency depends on the type of building, the environment, usage and risk profile. Below is a practical guide.

Why Fixed Wire Testing Matters

Fixed wire testing is about more than getting a certificate. It helps protect people, property and operations.

An up-to-date EICR helps you:

• reduce electrical fire risk
• Identify dangerous deterioration before failure occurs
• support compliance with workplace safety obligations
• protect insurance position
• Reduce avoidable downtime
• demonstrate duty of care and governance
• improve visibility across circuits and distribution systems

For schools, universities, offices, retail sites, industrial buildings and multi-site estates, structured electrical compliance is not optional background admin. It is part of keeping the building operational and legally defensible.

The legislation most relevant to fixed wire testing and electrical maintenance includes:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

These frameworks place duties on employers and duty holders to maintain electrical systems so far as reasonably practicable to prevent danger.

Book Your Fixed Wire Testing Assessment

Protect your people, property and compliance position with a structured EICR programme designed around your building, your operating hours and your reporting needs.

Our Fixed Wire Testing Process

Pre-Survey & Planning

We confirm building type, circuit quantities where known, access restrictions and operational requirements so testing can be scheduled with minimal disruption.

On-Site Inspection & Testing

Our engineers inspect and test the installation in line with current standards, identifying deterioration, risk, defects and compliance issues.

Digital Reporting & Close-Out

You receive a clear EICR with coded observations and prioritised next steps, helping you understand risk and plan remedial action properly.

Book Your Fixed Wire Testing Assessment

Protect your people, property and compliance position with a structured EICR programme designed around your building, your operating hours and your reporting needs.