What it is
A distribution board inspection looks closely at the boards themselves — enclosure condition, protective device suitability, RCD operation, labelling and circuit charts, signs of overheating, and the main earthing arrangement at the board. It is narrower than an EICR and doesn't replace one: it won't tell you about the condition of the final circuits. It's useful when planning an upgrade, after a problem at the board, or as part of a maintenance programme.
What's included
- Visual inspection of the board and devices
- RCD operation testing
- Labelling and circuit chart check
- Written findings
Not included
- Testing of final circuits (that's an EICR)
- Remedial work
- Thermal imaging unless booked separately
Who needs it
- Businesses running planned maintenance between EICRs
- Owners planning a consumer unit upgrade
- Premises with evidence of overheating or tripping at the board
What you'll receive
Written inspection report. This is not an EICR.
How often
As part of a maintenance programme or when concerns arise.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Legal requirementGreat Britain
Workplace systems must be maintained to prevent danger
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical systems at work to be maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. They don't set a fixed inspection interval: how often depends on the type of installation, its use and condition.
Sources: Electricity at Work Regulations (opens external site): Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4; HSE maintenance guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety: maintenance
- Technical standardUK (BS 7671)
What makes a report unsatisfactory
C1 (danger present) and C2 (potentially dangerous) make the overall result unsatisfactory. On reports issued to BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026), C3 (improvement recommended) and FI (further investigation advised) don't affect the overall result. Older reports used 'further investigation required without delay', and an FI made them unsatisfactory.
Sources: IET model EICR form (opens external site): BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 model Electrical Installation Condition Report form; IET Wiring Matters (opens external site): Further investigation (Wiring Matters, issue 110, July 2026); IET (current BS 7671) (opens external site): Ensure you are up to date with BS 7671
- Recommended practiceGreat Britain
Keep records that show the system is maintained
The Electricity at Work Regulations require systems to be maintained; records of inspections, tests and repairs are how duty holders show it to insurers, auditors and enforcing authorities. HSE's guidance on maintenance explains a risk-based approach.
Sources: Electricity at Work Regulations (opens external site): Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4; HSE maintenance guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety: maintenance
Before your appointment
- Arrange access to every board, and agree when each can be isolated.
- Share board schedules and the previous EICR.
If something's found
- Each board is reported separately, so you can prioritise repairs board by board.
- Anything dangerous is reported to you straight away, with options to make it safe.
- Further work is quoted before we do it, so nothing is added to your bill without your agreement.
- Completed work is certified, and notified to building control where the law requires it.
What affects the price
- Number and size of boards
- Single- or three-phase
- Isolation and out-of-hours working
Read more
- Commercial electrical compliance: a practical checklist
The inspections and records most commercial premises need, which are law, which are British Standards, and which come from your lease or insurer.
- EICR codes explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI (updated for 2026)
What each code means, which ones fail a report under the 2026 rules, and what landlords must do about each.