Commercial EICR for Serviced Offices in Cambridge

Cambridge’s serviced office market spans everything from converted period buildings in the city centre to purpose-built suites on the science and innovation parks. Whatever the building, the electrical installation behind the walls needs regular testing. An EICR (fixed wire test) checks the condition of the consumer unit, cabling, sockets, light fittings and switches to confirm the installation is safe and compliant. We carry out commercial EICRs across Cambridge and the surrounding area. 

Why Serviced Offices Need a Commercial EICR 

Periodic testing of a commercial electrical installation is a strict legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. In a serviced office building, the responsibility for the fixed electrical installation usually sits with the building owner or management company, not the individual tenants. 

Serviced offices add complexity because multiple tenants share the same underlying electrical infrastructure. Meeting rooms, communal kitchens, shared server rooms and co-working floors all draw from the same circuits. An EICR identifies whether those circuits can handle the load safely and whether any part of the installation has deteriorated. A current EICR also gives landlords and building managers evidence of compliance for insurers and auditors. 

What the EICR Inspects 

Our engineers inspect the building’s fixed electrical installation. That covers: 

• The consumer unit (distribution board) 

• All cabling and circuit wiring 

• Sockets, light fittings and switches 

• Protective devices including RCDs and circuit breakers 

The inspection does not cover portable appliances like laptops or kettles. Those fall under PAT testing, which is a separate service. 

Each part of the installation is assessed and given an observation code where a defect or concern is found. Our guide to EICR observation codes explains what C1, C2, C3 and FI codes mean and what action each one requires. 

EICR Frequency for Office Buildings 

We recommend an EICR every five years for standard office buildings. For older installations, the on-site engineer may recommend dropping to every three years based on the condition of the wiring and distribution board. This is an engineer-led recommendation recorded on your report, not a general rule of thumb. 

For a fuller breakdown by building type, our guide to how often an EICR is required covers the recommended intervals across different commercial property types. 

We track your EICR schedule and send reminders ahead of each due date, so you are never caught off guard. 

What Happens if the EICR Identifies Issues 

If the inspection finds defects, each one is categorised by severity. A C1 code means there is an immediate risk and the issue must be addressed urgently. A C2 means the defect is potentially dangerous and needs remedial work within a defined timeframe. C3 is an improvement recommendation. Where the engineer needs more information, an FI code flags it for further investigation. 

Once remedial work is completed, the electrician carrying out the repair issues an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC). These sit alongside the original EICR as proof the work was completed to the required standard. Our guide to unsatisfactory EICR results covers the full process. 

Arrange a Commercial EICR in Cambridge 

We have engineers covering Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and the rest of the UK. Out-of-hours and weekend appointments are available at no extra charge. Get in touch and we will scope the inspection for you. Request a quote.