Why Every Business Should Schedule Annual EICR Testing
Protecting People, Property, and Productivity with SJM Electrical
For every business owner or property manager, electrical safety isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a legal, operational, and moral responsibility. Whether you manage an office, retail space, industrial unit, or multi-site property portfolio, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is one of the most effective ways to protect your staff, premises, and reputation.
At SJM Electrical, we carry out comprehensive EICR inspections across commercial and domestic properties in Worthing and the South East, helping businesses stay compliant and safe all year round.
What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a professional inspection and testing process that assesses the safety and performance of a property’s electrical system.
During an EICR, a qualified electrician will:
- Inspect wiring, circuits, sockets, lighting, and distribution boards
- Test for faults, overloading, deterioration, or potential fire risks
- Identify areas that no longer meet the current BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
- Provide a detailed written report with recommendations or required remedial works
The report assigns one of three classification codes, helping landlords and facility managers understand what actions are needed to restore compliance and safety.
Why Annual EICR Testing Matters for Businesses
While UK regulations typically require commercial EICRs every five years (or at change of tenancy), scheduling annual testing or visual inspections offers major advantages:
1. Minimise Risk of Electrical Fires and Failures
Electrical faults are a leading cause of commercial fires. Regular testing ensures potential hazards are detected early — before they can disrupt operations or endanger staff.
2. Maintain Legal and Insurance Compliance
Health and Safety legislation requires that all electrical installations be maintained in a safe condition. Many insurers also require up-to-date EICR certification to validate coverage.
Failing to maintain electrical systems could result in policy disputes or enforcement action from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).
3. Avoid Costly Downtime
An unexpected electrical failure can halt production, disrupt operations, and impact your bottom line. Proactive testing identifies issues before they cause downtime, saving your business time and money.
4. Demonstrate Duty of Care
Regular testing demonstrates that you are actively safeguarding your employees and tenants — protecting not only lives but also your business’s professional reputation.
5. Extend the Life of Your Electrical System
Like any asset, electrical systems perform better and last longer with regular inspection and maintenance. Annual EICR checks help spot wear, corrosion, or environmental damage before they escalate.
What Happens After an EICR?
After your inspection, you’ll receive a full Electrical Installation Condition Report outlining:
- Any defects or non-compliances
- Classification codes (C1, C2, C3, or FI)
- Recommended repairs or improvements
SJM Electrical can then complete any remedial works required to bring your installation up to standard and issue a satisfactory certificate for your records and insurance.
How SJM Electrical Can Help
At SJM Electrical, we support commercial clients with:
- Full EICR inspections and certification
- Emergency and remedial repairs following unsatisfactory results
- Ongoing maintenance schedules tailored to your business
- Energy-efficient upgrades (lighting, automation, and EV charging)
We’re proud to help businesses across Sussex and the South East stay safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Book Your EICR with SJM Electrical
If your last EICR is out of date — or you’re unsure when it was last completed — now is the time to act.
📞 Call us today on 01903 680599
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.sjmelectricalservices.co.uk
Regular EICR testing isn’t just about compliance — it’s about confidence, continuity, and care.
Keep your business powered safely with SJM Electrical.
