Most people never think about the wiring behind their walls until something goes wrong. But electrical installations deteriorate over time — connections loosen, insulation breaks down, and regulations move on. Regular testing catches problems before they become dangerous.

Here’s how often you should be getting your electrics tested, depending on your situation.

Homeowners: Every 10 Years

The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) recommend that domestic electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every ten years. There’s no legal requirement for owner-occupiers, but the recommendation exists for good reason.

Wiring insulation degrades with age. PVC-insulated cables from the 1970s and 1980s are now 40-50 years old, and the plasticiser in the insulation can harden and crack — especially in warm areas like loft spaces above downlights. Rubber-insulated wiring from pre-1960s properties is often well past its safe service life.

If your property is older than 25 years and has never had an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), it’s worth booking one sooner rather than waiting for the ten-year mark.

Landlords: Every 5 Years (It’s the Law)

Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have made electrical inspections a legal requirement for all privately rented properties in England. Landlords must have an EICR carried out by a qualified person at least every five years.

The report must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority within seven days if requested. If the EICR identifies any C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) issues, the landlord must complete remedial work within 28 days — or less if the inspector specifies a shorter deadline.

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 per breach. Local authorities can also arrange remedial work themselves and bill the landlord for it.

Commercial Properties: Every 5 Years

Commercial and industrial installations should be tested every five years as standard. Some higher-risk environments — like construction sites, swimming pools, or petrol stations — require more frequent testing, sometimes annually.

For commercial properties, electrical testing also feeds into your fire risk assessment and insurance requirements. Many commercial insurers now ask for a valid EICR as a condition of cover. If you have a fire and can’t produce an up-to-date report, your claim could be refused.

When to Test More Often

The standard intervals are a minimum. You should consider testing sooner if your property has any of the following: an old rewirable fuse box (no MCBs or RCDs), wiring that pre-dates 1970, a history of tripping or flickering lights, scorch marks around sockets or switches, a recent extension or loft conversion (to check the new circuits tie in properly), or if you’ve just bought the property and there’s no recent EICR on record.

You should also get circuits tested after any flooding or significant water ingress, as moisture can compromise insulation resistance and earth connections.

What Testing Involves

An electrical inspection isn’t just a visual once-over. A qualified electrician will carry out a full range of tests on every circuit — including insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity, and RCD operation. Each measurement is recorded and compared against the limits in BS 7671. You can read more about what to expect in our guide to what happens during an EICR.

The Cost of Not Testing

Electrical faults cause around 14,000 house fires in the UK every year. Many of these are in properties with old, untested wiring. A periodic inspection typically costs a fraction of what you’d spend dealing with even minor fire damage — and it could save a life.

For landlords, the financial risk is even more direct. A £30,000 fine for non-compliance dwarfs the cost of a five-yearly EICR.

Need your electrics tested? We carry out EICRs across Rotherham and South Yorkshire for homeowners, landlords, and businesses. Call 01709 645 115 or WhatsApp us to book.

MP Electrical — your local qualified electrician in Rotherham.