Making sure your business follows electrical safety regulations in London isn't just about ticking boxes. It’s about keeping your workplace safe, avoiding fines, and making sure your staff and customers are protected from electrical hazards. Whether you're running a small café or managing an office, electrical compliance should be a top priority.
Failing to follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 or not keeping up with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) can lead to serious consequences, including legal penalties, business insurance issues, and even workplace accidents.
So, what do you need to do to stay compliant? Let’s break it down step by step.
1. What Are the Key Electrical Safety Laws for Businesses in London?
If your business uses electrical equipment, you have legal responsibilities under UK law. The two main regulations you need to know are:
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – This law makes it clear that employers must make sure electrical systems are safe to use, maintained properly, and don’t pose a risk to employees or the public.
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) – These are the UK standards for electrical installations. They cover how electrical wiring and equipment should be installed and maintained to prevent risks like shocks and fires.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces these laws, and businesses that ignore them can face serious penalties. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, increased insurance costs, and potential legal action.
What does this mean for your business?
You need to ensure:
✅ Electrical installations meet BS 7671 standards
✅ Regular inspections and maintenance checks are carried out
✅ All employees follow safety protocols when using electrical equipment
Failing to comply isn’t just a paperwork issue – it puts your business and employees at risk.
2. How Do You Carry Out an Electrical Safety Audit?
An electrical safety audit helps identify potential hazards before they become serious problems. Think of it as a checklist for making sure everything is up to standard.
Steps to follow:
1️⃣ Inspect all electrical installations – Look for any loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated fuse boxes.
2️⃣ Check portable appliances – Any electrical equipment used by employees needs regular testing (more on this later).
3️⃣ Review maintenance records – If you don’t have a system in place for tracking safety checks, it’s time to start one.
4️⃣ Test emergency lighting – If the power goes out, your business should have backup lighting in place.
5️⃣ Schedule professional inspections – A qualified electrician should carry out periodic testing to confirm compliance.
Keeping records of inspections is important. If the HSE ever asks for proof of compliance, you’ll need to show that your business has been following the rules.
3. What is PAT Testing and Why is it Important?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a way to check that electrical appliances are safe to use. While not legally required, it’s highly recommended for businesses to stay compliant with electricity at work regulations.
Which appliances need PAT testing?
🔌 Computers, printers, and office equipment
🔌 Kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves
🔌 Power tools and machinery
🔌 Extension leads and adapters
Appliances should be tested regularly based on risk level. For example, a power drill used daily on a construction site should be tested more often than a printer in an office.
How do you know if your appliances are safe?
Look for PAT testing labels – They show when an item was last tested and when it’s due for another check.
Train employees to do visual inspections – If a cable is frayed or a plug is damaged, it should be reported immediately.
Hire a certified PAT tester – They can carry out formal tests and provide an official report.
Ignoring PAT testing can lead to accidents, electrical fires, and legal issues if an unsafe appliance causes injury.
4. How Do You Choose a Qualified Electrician for Compliance Checks?
When it comes to electrical safety, you need someone who knows the UK wiring regulations inside out. Not all electricians are qualified to carry out business compliance checks, so make sure you choose a professional with the right credentials.
What to look for in an electrician:
✅ NICEIC or NAPIT certification – These accreditations show they meet UK safety standards.
✅ Experience with commercial properties – A domestic electrician may not have the right expertise for business settings.
✅ Insurance coverage – A professional should have liability insurance in case something goes wrong.
✅ Clear documentation – They should provide reports for safety inspections and PAT testing.
Hiring the right electrician means you can trust that your business meets legal safety standards and avoids unexpected compliance issues.
5. What Are the Most Common Electrical Safety Mistakes Businesses Make?
Even well-intentioned business owners can overlook key safety issues. Some of the most common compliance violations include:
⚠️ Overloaded plug sockets – Too many devices plugged into one outlet can cause overheating and fires. ⚠️ Poorly maintained wiring – Old or faulty wiring is one of the biggest fire hazards in UK businesses.
⚠️ Ignoring warning signs – Flickering lights, buzzing sockets, and circuit breakers tripping repeatedly are signs that something’s wrong.
⚠️ Lack of staff training – Employees should know how to use electrical equipment safely and report hazards.
⚠️ Skipping routine checks – Businesses often forget that electrical safety is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time fix.
Ignoring these issues can lead to accidents, HSE inspections, fines, and even temporary business closures if safety standards aren’t met.
6. What Happens If You Don’t Comply with Electrical Safety Laws?
Breaking electrical safety laws isn’t something to take lightly. The HSE has the power to issue enforcement notices, fines, and even shut down businesses that don’t meet safety requirements.
Potential consequences:
💰 Fines of up to £20,000 for serious breaches
📉 Higher insurance costs – Non-compliance can make your business uninsurable
⚠️ Legal action – If an employee or customer is injured due to negligence, you could face lawsuits
🚫 Business closure – In extreme cases, the authorities can shut down operations until safety issues are fixed
Keeping your business compliant isn’t just about following rules – it’s about protecting people and avoiding financial risks.
7. How Can You Keep Your Business Electrically Safe Long-Term?
Electrical safety isn’t a one-off task – it’s an ongoing process. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
🔹 Schedule regular inspections – Set reminders for PAT testing, maintenance checks, and professional safety assessments.
🔹 Keep up with regulations – UK wiring standards and safety laws change over time, so stay informed.
🔹 Train employees – Make sure staff understand how to use electrical equipment safely and report hazards.
🔹 Work with professionals – A qualified electrician can help you stay compliant and fix issues before they become serious.
🔹 Document everything – Keep records of inspections, repairs, and compliance reports in case of an HSE audit.
Staying compliant means fewer risks, lower insurance costs, and peace of mind knowing your business is a safe place to work.
Would your business pass an electrical safety check today? If not, now’s the time to put a plan in place.
FAQ: Electrical Safety & UK Regulations
What are 5 tips for electrical safety?
1️⃣ Don’t overload sockets – Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating and fire hazards.
2️⃣ Check for damaged cables – Frayed wires and exposed conductors can lead to electric shocks or short circuits.
3️⃣ Keep electrical equipment dry – Water and electricity don’t mix. Never use appliances near water sources unless designed for it.
4️⃣ Turn off power when not in use – Unplug unused appliances to reduce energy waste and prevent electrical faults.
5️⃣ Schedule regular safety checks – Have a qualified electrician inspect wiring, circuits, and appliances to ensure compliance with UK safety laws.
What are the current electrical regulations in the UK?
The main regulations businesses must follow include:
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Requires all electrical systems to be maintained to prevent danger.
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) – The UK standard for safe electrical installation and maintenance.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employers must ensure workplace safety, including electrical hazards.
The Building Regulations (Part P) – Covers electrical work in domestic and commercial buildings to ensure safety compliance.
What are the five golden rules of electrical safety?
1️⃣ Disconnect the power – Always turn off and isolate electrical circuits before working on them.
2️⃣ Use proper protective equipment – Wear insulated gloves and use voltage detectors before handling wiring.
3️⃣ Confirm the circuit is de-energised – Test circuits with an electrical tester before starting any work.
4️⃣ Keep a safe distance – Avoid working near exposed live wires unless absolutely necessary and properly trained.
5️⃣ Follow installation and maintenance guidelines – Ensure all electrical systems comply with UK safety standards.
What are the main requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 sets out specific rules for electrical safety in workplaces, including:
Ensuring electrical systems are safe – Employers must keep wiring, appliances, and circuits properly maintained.
Regular inspections and risk assessments – Identify and prevent hazards before they become dangerous.
Using competent persons for electrical work – Only qualified electricians should carry out electrical installations and repairs.
Protecting employees from electrical risks – Implement safety measures such as PAT testing, surge protection, and circuit breakers.
Keeping proper records – Maintain logs of safety inspections, repairs, and compliance checks for HSE audits.
Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal action, or even business closure if safety standards aren’t met.
Contact TNS Electrical Solutions for Expert Advice or an EICR in London
Looking for professional electrical advice or need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in London? At TNS Electrical Solutions, our business electrician in London provides expert electrical services to keep your home or business safe and fully compliant with UK regulations.
📍 Address: 445 Sulivan Ct, Peterborough Rd, London SW6 3BX
📞 Phone: 020 3715 2919
🕒 Hours: Open 24/7 – We’re always here when you need us!
📍 Email: info@tnssolutions.co.uk
Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or homeowner, we offer:
✅ EICR inspections to meet legal compliance
✅ Electrical safety advice tailored to your property
✅ PAT testing & commercial electrical services
✅ 24/7 emergency electrician support
Get in touch today for trusted, reliable electrical solutions in London! 🚀
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