School EICR Testing in London and Surrounding Areas: How Often and What’s Involved?

For many schools, local authorities and multi-site employers, a common benchmark is an EICR every 5 years, with shorter intervals sometimes used for higher-risk areas or older installations. One example of local authority guidance states fixed installations in schools should be examined by a competent electrician every 5 years.

Your EICR will also recommend a next inspection date based on the condition of the installation and how the building is used.

If you’re a caretaker, site manager, premises lead or employer responsible for day-to-day safety, this guide is here to make EICR testing simple.

What is an EICR in a school or workplace?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a professional inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation, such as:

• Distribution boards and consumer units

• Fixed wiring and circuits (classrooms, corridors, offices, plant rooms)

• Sockets, switches and fused spurs

• Earthing and bonding

• RCD/RCBO protection (devices that cut the power quickly if there’s a fault)

It’s different from PAT testing. PAT is for portable plug-in equipment (kettles, laptop chargers, extension leads). EICR is about what’s built into the building.

If you want to see how Azure supports education sites, this sits within our wider education and compliance services:

• Electrical Services for Education

• Electrical Statutory Compliance

Why EICR testing matters for school safety and compliance

In the UK, the core expectation is simple: electrical systems must be maintained to prevent danger. That duty is set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations.

In real terms for schools and employers, an EICR helps you:

• spot deterioration before it becomes a failure

• reduce risks like shock, overheating and fire

• plan remedial work sensibly (instead of firefighting)

• keep your safety records tidy for LA reviews, audits, and insurers

How often do schools and businesses need an EICR?

The practical benchmark most site teams work to

Many education sites and commercial premises work to a 5 year cycle as a sensible baseline and some local authority school electrical safety guidance explicitly states a 5 year examination interval for fixed installations.

When you might need it more often

From what we see on London and surrounding area sites, shorter intervals are commonly considered if you’ve got:

• older distribution boards or ageing wiring

• repeated tripping or nuisance RCD trips

• heavy IT load (charging trolleys, AV-heavy classrooms, server spaces)

• specialist rooms (DT, labs, kitchens)

• cabins, outbuildings, long cable runs or “bits added over time”

• recent refurbishment or changes of use

Also worth knowing: the IET explains that the initial frequencies are recommended by the designer and subsequent intervals are recommended by the competent person carrying out the inspection and testing.

What does the electrician actually do during an EICR?

1) Visual inspection

Before testing begins, the electrician checks visible signs of risk like:

• damaged sockets or switches

• overheating marks or burning smells

• loose trunking or exposed containment

• signs of damp/water ingress near electrical kit

• distribution boards that are poorly labelled, overloaded or blocked by storage

This is where lots of issues are spotted quickly on busy sites.

2) Electrical testing on circuits

Testing confirms the system will protect people if something goes wrong. This typically includes checks such as continuity, insulation resistance and polarity (among others), which are common elements referenced in EICR explanations from certification bodies and guidance sources.

3) Reporting and recommendations

You’ll receive a report showing:

• what was inspected and tested

• observations and issues found

• a code (C1, C2, C3, FI) for each issue

• a recommended re-test date

For site managers, this is the part that turns “electrical testing” into a clear plan.

How to prepare your school site so the EICR runs smoothly

Access checklist (simple but important)

• locations of all distribution boards (including any hidden ones)

• keys/access to cupboards, risers, plant rooms, loft hatches

• a note of known problem circuits (trips, flickers, warm sockets)

• a list of spaces with restrictions during lessons

• preferred windows for isolation/shutdown (if needed)

Timing that usually works best

Most schools in London and the surrounding areas prefer:

• half term / inset days

• holiday windows for larger sites

• after-hours for smaller blocks or targeted areas

The goal is always the same: get it tested properly without disrupting the school day.