London’s commercial buildings—from high-street shops to office complexes—rely on robust electrical systems to function safely and efficiently. But what happens when those systems age or are poorly maintained? That’s where a Commercial EICR hazards assessment in London becomes critical.

A Commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps property owners and facility managers uncover hidden electrical issues that can jeopardise workplace safety and legal compliance.

This blog explores the five most frequent hazards identified during a commercial EICR inspection in London—and why addressing them is essential.

Need a trusted provider for your next commercial EICR? Call us on 02086822244 or email us at info@maintracts.co.uk to schedule an expert inspection across London.

"Your business can’t afford electrical risks. A professional EICR turns hidden hazards into actionable insights, keeping your premises safe, legal, and operational."

Why EICRs Are Critical for London’s Commercial Properties

Every commercial premises is legally required to maintain safe electrical installations under UK legislation. A commercial EICR report in London identifies and categorises faults, ensuring early detection of dangers like overheating, electric shocks, or fire risks.

A thorough electrical safety inspection in London provides much more than compliance—it enhances staff safety, prevents costly downtime, and helps avoid invalidated insurance claims.

Whether you're a landlord, business owner, or facilities manager, periodic electrical compliance audits in London are essential for proactive building management.

5 Common Commercial EICR Hazards in London

1. Aged Or Damaged Wiring

One of the most common findings in a commercial electrical faults London report is deteriorating wiring, often in buildings that haven’t had an inspection in over five years.

Cracks in insulation, brittle sheathing, and exposed conductors create high-risk environments. These faults not only reduce energy efficiency but also increase the risk of electric shock and fire.

Through detailed fixed wire testing, we inspect the integrity of all accessible circuits and flag any wiring that requires urgent replacement or improvement.

2. Overloaded Circuits And Distribution Boards

With today’s increasing reliance on electronic equipment, we frequently uncover overloaded circuits during a commercial EICR inspection in London. Overloading is often caused by plug-in extensions or repurposed rooms (e.g., server rooms or break areas with added appliances).

This not only stresses your system but also raises serious workplace safety hazards. Signs of overheating or overcurrent are flagged in the report, with recommendations like installing dedicated circuits or upgrading the consumer unit.

3. Unsafe Electrical Installations

Improperly installed switches, sockets, light fittings, or junction boxes are a recurring hazard found in many EICR safety checks in London. Often the result of unqualified or outdated work, these faults pose both operational and safety concerns.

Whether it’s loose wiring, incorrectly terminated conductors, or unsecured fixtures, our team identifies unsafe electrical installations that must be addressed promptly to meet health and safety obligations.

4. Obsolete Or Faulty Consumer Units

Older fuse boards that lack RCD protection or modern safety devices are inadequate for today’s business demands. These outdated units often fail to comply with current regulations and are common defects identified during commercial electrical testing in London.

We recommend modern upgrades that include surge protection and circuit breakers with fault detection. This reduces the likelihood of business disruption and supports full building compliance checks.

5. Inadequate Earth Bonding And Grounding

Earth bonding prevents metal parts from becoming live if a fault occurs. Missing or poor-quality bonding on water pipes, heating systems, or steel structures is one of the more dangerous condition report findings.

During your periodic inspection report in London, we’ll test your system’s continuity and ensure grounding meets safety standards, especially in areas exposed to water or conductive surfaces.

What If You Fail A Commercial EICR?

If your report highlights issues classified as:

  • C1 (Danger Present) – Immediate action is required.

  • C2 (Potentially Dangerous) – Remedial work is strongly advised.

  • C3 (Improvement Recommended) – Not urgent but should be corrected.

Don’t panic. We’ll provide a clear action plan with a timeline for repairs. You can read more about the next steps if your site fails in our guide on common electrical faults in EICR in London.

How Often Should You Book A Commercial EICR?

The standard recommendation for commercial premises is:

  • Every 5 years, or

  • Upon change of tenancy, ownership, or building usage

Many insurers and leaseholders now require up-to-date certification, making proactive inspections essential.

Curious how the process differs from domestic assessments? Find out in our guide to domestic vs commercial EICR in London.

Partner with Maintracts for EICR Peace of Mind

We’ve been helping businesses across London stay compliant, safe, and fully powered for over 40 years.

From small shops to multi-storey offices, our fully qualified team delivers clear, reliable electrical maintenance services with zero guesswork.

Whether you need a new inspection or help addressing past faults, we’re your go-to partner for all things electrical in the capital.

  • Expert engineers
  • Fast turnarounds
  • Transparent reports

Call 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to book your commercial EICR in London today.

FAQs

1. What does an EICR include for commercial buildings?

It includes a thorough inspection of your installation, tests for circuit integrity, and a condition report that categorises any faults as C1, C2, or C3 for clarity and compliance.

2. Who is responsible for arranging a commercial EICR in a leased building?

In most cases, the landlord or property owner is responsible, though commercial tenants may also bear responsibility based on lease agreements.

3. What happens if I ignore EICR recommendations?

Failure to act on safety recommendations can lead to legal liabilities, invalidate insurance, or result in accidents. Don’t delay vital electrical safety inspections in London.

4. How do I prepare my site for an EICR?

Ensure safe access to all distribution boards, trunking, sockets, and lighting. Inform your staff in advance, as a power-down may be required during testing.

5. Can you help with repairs after a failed inspection?

Absolutely. Our team provides remedial work and recertification to restore compliance. We’ll guide you every step of the way.