Electrical inspections and safety

Loss Adjusters Morgan Clark reported a total of 7,000 workplace fires across 2023 and 2024, with faulty electrical equipment identified as the leading cause.

Identifying electrical fire risks

Potential sources of fire include the following:

• Overloaded circuits
• Damaged leads
• Multiple adaptors and extension leads
• Unchecked or unmaintained wiring equipment
• Portable equipment
• Accumulation of dust around cooling fans or equipment
• Lighting is placed close to a combustible material (for example, art displays, notice boards, stage sets).

Maintaining your system

Fixed electrical systems must be properly designed, installed, and maintained by competent electricians in accordance with current standards.

In most cases, commercial systems must be tested at least every five years. In higher-risk environments, you may be required to carry out tests every three years or annually. This should be done in line with the BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations.

Choosing contractors

As insurers, we require work to be carried out by electricians with full scope registration or membership to work on commercial installations. They must be certified with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT), or The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT).

Portable equipment

The inspection period for portable electrical equipment testing will vary. The Health and Safety Executive provides further guidance. A competent person must carry out all inspections and testing.

If you discover any defective appliances, fix them immediately or remove them from the premises.

Download the guidance below for more information on managing risks from electricity.