A commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, records the condition of an electrical installation within an agreed inspection scope. For a facilities manager, preparation is the difference between a useful assessment and a visit constrained by locked rooms, missing records or equipment that cannot be switched off.
Agree what will be inspected
Start with the boundaries of the installation. Confirm which buildings, tenant areas, distribution boards and specialist systems are included. Give the contractor previous reports, circuit schedules and details of alterations since the last inspection. Explain any areas that need permits, escorts or specialist access.
Do not assume every quotation covers the same work. Ask contractors to explain proposed limitations and how inaccessible areas will be handled. A cheaper quotation with a narrower scope may leave important parts of the premises unassessed.
Prepare for interruptions
Discuss which tests require supplies to be interrupted and agree a programme with affected teams. A retail unit may prefer work outside trading hours, while a production site may need separate windows for different areas. Plan the restart as carefully as the shutdown.
Identify equipment that needs an orderly shutdown or a manufacturer’s restart procedure. Coordinate with IT, security and building-management teams so that a test does not create an unexpected operational problem. This is a planning task for competent personnel, not a reason for staff to open equipment or attempt testing themselves.
Understand the report and follow-up
Ask the inspector to explain observations, limitations and recommended next steps. Keep any remedial quotation clearly linked to the report, so you can track which findings have been addressed. Retain evidence of completed work with the original assessment.
Avoid choosing an inspection interval solely from a generic internet checklist. The installation, its use, its condition and applicable requirements need consideration. HSE advises using a competent person to inspect and test an installation.
Reference: HSE: electrical safety questions
What to send with your enquiry
Provide the building type, approximate size, available electrical records and preferred working hours. Flag critical systems and known faults. MCN Mechanical & Electrical can discuss inspection access and help define a workable testing and follow-up scope.