Sector guide
EICR Testing for Industrial Premises
EICR testing for industrial premises — inspecting three-phase supplies, machinery circuits and harsh environments in factories, warehouses and workshops to BS 7671.
Industrial premises put electrical installations under heavy, continuous demand in often harsh conditions. An EICR proves the installation remains safe for the workforce and the processes it powers. This guide covers EICR testing for factories, warehouses and workshops.
What makes industrial testing different
- Three-phase supplies and larger distribution serving machinery and process plant (maximum demand and diversity).
- Harsh environments — dust, moisture, vibration, heat and mechanical damage that accelerate wear.
- Heavy, cyclical loads from motors, machinery and process equipment.
- Higher consequences from an unplanned outage or fault.
What the EICR covers
- Incoming supply, main switchgear and distribution boards.
- Machinery and process circuits, isolation and switching arrangements.
- Earthing and bonding across the site, including to structural steel and plant (earthing arrangements).
- Signs of overload, overheating and mechanical damage on hard-worked circuits.
Planning around production
Testing is planned around shift patterns and production, isolating circuits during downtime or planned stoppages, with critical process circuits identified and handled under a controlled plan.
Managing the result
Observations are coded C1, C2, C3 or FI. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory and should be remedied by a competent person and re-certified, following the remedial priorities. Recording the outcome and next inspection date in a compliance programme keeps an industrial site safe, productive and demonstrably compliant — the essence of a good commercial EICR programme.
Frequently asked questions
How often does an industrial site need an EICR?
Industrial premises often warrant more frequent inspection than offices — commonly every three years, subject to the previous report and a risk assessment — because of heavy machinery loads, harsh environments and higher wear. The previous report should always set the actual interval.
This article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.