Whether you own a flat in Wandsworth or manage a shop in Clapham, electrical safety isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a vital part of protecting people and property. Yet many property owners are unclear about the difference between a domestic and commercial EICR in London.

This blog will walk you through what each type of Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) involves, who needs them, how often they're required, and what sets them apart.

Need a certified provider for EICR testing in London? Call Maintracts today on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk.

“An EICR is not just a legal requirement—it’s peace of mind that your electrics are safe, efficient, and future-ready.”

What Is an EICR and Why Does It Matter?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed assessment carried out by a qualified electrician. It evaluates whether a property's electrical system is safe to use, compliant with current standards, and free from faults that could cause harm or fire.

During the inspection, the electrician will check for:

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Faulty wiring

  • Deterioration due to age or wear

  • Poor previous installations

  • Fire or shock hazards

If faults are found, they are coded (C1, C2, C3, or FI) to indicate the level of urgency for repair or investigation.

Want more info? Visit our page on domestic EICR in London, commercial EICR in London, and EICR for residential properties in London for full service breakdowns.

Domestic Vs Commercial EICR in London – Key Differences

Now let’s explore how Domestic and Commercial EICRs differ in purpose, process, and legal obligations.

1. Property Type

  • Domestic EICR: Designed for residential homes, flats, and rented properties. Essential for landlords, buyers, and safety-conscious homeowners.

  • Commercial EICR: Carried out on business premises like offices, restaurants, shops, schools, and warehouses—places where employee and customer safety is a priority.

2. System Complexity

Domestic systems generally include:

  • Single-phase power

  • Standard sockets and lighting circuits

  • Smaller distribution boards

Commercial properties often include:

  • Three-phase power

  • Larger, more complex distribution systems

  • Emergency lighting, machinery, HVAC, or data servers

This means commercial EICRs require a more detailed inspection and specialised reporting.

3. Legal Requirements

  • Homeowners: Not legally required, but strongly recommended every 10 years or before buying/selling a property.

  • Landlords: Legally required every 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

  • Businesses: Must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Failure to carry out periodic EICRs could void insurance and create legal liability.

Curious about workplace risks? Read our guide on commercial EICR hazards in London.

4. Inspection Frequency

  • Domestic properties: Every 10 years (homeowners) or 5 years (landlords)

  • Commercial properties: Varies from 1 to 5 years depending on building use, insurance requirements, and industry regulations

  • Higher-risk environments: May require more frequent checks, especially where public access or heavy machinery is involved

5. Testing Procedure and Disruption

  • Domestic EICRs: Usually completed within 2–4 hours with minimal disruption.

  • Commercial EICRs: May take longer and require after-hours or weekend access to avoid interrupting business operations.

Maintracts offers flexible scheduling to minimise business downtime.

6. Report Detail and Documentation

Both reports will classify electrical risks and make clear recommendations. However, Commercial EICRs often require:

  • Circuit and schematic diagrams

  • Electrical load data

  • Ongoing maintenance schedules

  • Compliance documentation for insurance and safety audits

For a full breakdown of how to prepare, visit our step-by-step guide to a certified EICR in London.

Why and When Should You Get an EICR?

Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, an EICR is essential for:

  • Preventing electrical fires and faults

  • Ensuring legal compliance

  • Avoiding fines, voided insurance, or liability claims

  • Providing peace of mind to tenants, staff, or customers

You should book an EICR if:

  • Your last inspection was 5+ years ago

  • You're moving into a new property

  • You've noticed flickering lights or frequent trips

  • You're applying for landlord or business insurance

Not sure what could be flagged during inspection? See our post on common electrical faults in EICR in London.

How Maintracts Can Help

With over 40 years of experience, Maintracts delivers expert EICR inspections throughout London. We work with:

  • Homeowners and landlords

  • Property managers and estate agents

  • Small businesses and multi-site corporations

We provide fast reporting, expert diagnostics, and compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations—keeping your property legally safe and fully powered.

Book now on 02086822244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between domestic and commercial EICR in London helps you make the right decisions for your property’s safety and compliance. One protects the home, the other the workplace—but both are vital for legal, financial, and personal peace of mind.

From fast residential reports to large-scale commercial testing, Maintracts is your trusted partner for reliable, compliant inspections.

Book your inspection today at Maintracts EICR Services

FAQs

1. What does an EICR include?

A full inspection of wiring, consumer units, earthing, socket outlets, lighting, and any other fixed installations, with classification of any risks.

2. How long does an EICR take?

  • Domestic: 2–4 hours

  • Commercial: 1–3 days, depending on size and complexity

3. Can an EICR fail? What then?

Yes. If your report includes a C1 or C2 code, immediate remedial action is required. Failing to fix serious faults could result in legal penalties or insurance issues.

See more on our blog about what happens if you fail an EICR inspection in London.

4. Is an EICR legally required to sell a house?

Not currently, but it's strongly recommended as it can help speed up the process and give buyers confidence in the property.