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How can I protect my business from the increasing risk of electrical fire hazards in 2025?

Why electrical fire risk is increasing in 2025

Electrification and changing technology are the main drivers behind rising electrical fire risk. More buildings now host electric vehicle chargers, battery storage, additional circuits for increased power demand and a wider range of portable electrical devices. These changes can overload older wiring and distribution systems that were not designed for modern loads.

Recent high-profile incidents show how infrastructure failures can cause major disruption and fire. For example, the March 2025 substation fire that affected Heathrow underlined the consequences of aged equipment and deferred maintenance. theguardian.com

Product safety problems also contribute. Consumer charity testing found a high proportion of outdoor electrical products and low-cost devices failed safety tests and presented both shock and fire risks. Businesses that buy low-cost or uncertified equipment for events, pop-ups or temporary installs therefore increase exposure to fire incidents. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

In office settings, electrical distribution and lighting remain among the top causes of workplace fires. That means premises managers must treat electrical hazards as a first-order risk in routine fire risk assessments. Local fire services report electrical distribution alone accounts for around a third of office fires. london-fire.gov.uk

As the responsible person you have a legal duty to manage fire risk under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You must carry out a fire risk assessment, address significant findings and keep records of any remedial work. In parallel, the Electricity at Work Regulations require that electrical systems are designed, maintained and operated so as to prevent danger. These duties are distinct but complementary, and both must be treated seriously. gov.uk

Standards give you technical detail. For fixed wiring and installations, follow the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). For portable appliance safety, use a risk-based programme of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and daily user checks. Where buildings have changed use or undergone refurbishment, arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection; GOV.UK guidance recommends a periodic inspection regime, typically every five years for many non-domestic premises, or sooner where use changes or evidence of deterioration exists. gov.uk

Immediate actions to protect your premises this year

First, update or review your fire risk assessment and make electrical hazards a priority. If your assessment does not explicitly cover EV charging, battery storage, high‑load plant or an increase in portable devices, you should update it now. A focused review will highlight the highest-risk areas and give you a clear action plan. Use competent assessors where your building is complex. gov.uk

Second, arrange an EICR or confirm the date of the last report. If an inspection is overdue, book a qualified electrician from a reputable body such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA. Replace or repair any items identified as dangerous without delay. The EICR will identify overloaded circuits, faulty wiring and poor earthing that can cause fires. hse.gov.uk

Third, control portable equipment. Start a PAT testing schedule based on appliance risk and frequency of use. In addition, instruct staff to report damaged leads, warm plugs or burning smells and to remove suspect items from service. Banning uncertified or low-quality third-party chargers and equipment is a low-cost action that reduces risk significantly. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Fourth, fit residual current devices (RCDs) where appropriate. RCDs reduce the chance of fire and shock by cutting supply quickly on fault conditions. They are not a cure-all, but they are a practical and relatively inexpensive control that often prevents dangerous incidents. Ensure RCDs are tested regularly as part of maintenance. hse.gov.uk

Fifth, address obvious operational hazards today. Stop socket daisy-chaining, remove trailing cables from escape routes, and avoid placing heat-producing equipment near combustibles. These simple housekeeping measures pay dividends and are easy to enforce through written rules and staff training.

Medium- and long-term investments that reduce electrical fire risk

Upgrade distribution infrastructure where capacity is limited. If your building hosts vehicle chargers, a battery store or heavy plant, arrange a load study with an electrical engineer. Upgrading the main distribution board, providing dedicated circuits and installing properly rated protective devices can prevent persistent overloading and overheating.

Plan EV charging carefully. Dedicated charging rooms, segregated bays and local load-management systems reduce the chance of single-point overload. For businesses with fleets or delivery hubs, consider supervised charging routines, approved chargers and fire-safe charging cabinets. Total Safe can help design compliant charging solutions to suit your premises. See our guide to EV charging risk and bespoke consultancy for practical steps. EV charging fire risk — Protect London buildings for 2025

If you store, charge or handle lithium-ion batteries, commission a battery-specific risk assessment. High-density battery storage and battery energy storage systems (BESS) present unique hazards including thermal runaway that standard systems may not control. Consider aspirating detection, thermal imaging regimes, and specialist suppression options such as watermist or hybrid systems where appropriate. Liaison with your local fire and rescue service is vital for high-risk installations. For tailored support, see Total Safe’s lithium battery safety guidance.

Invest in better detection. Conventional smoke alarms can be slow to detect thermal runaway events or smouldering faults. Aspirating systems and multi-sensor detectors provide earlier warning in high-risk areas. Also, ensure alarms are correctly zoned so that electrical faults trigger clear, actionable alerts without unnecessary false alarms.

Finally, consider passive measures such as compartmentation, fire‑stopping and fire doors. Good passive fire protection limits fire spread, giving occupants time to evacuate and fire crews time to respond. Total Safe offers fire-stopping surveys and remedial work to reinforce compartmentation and strengthen passive defences.

Embedding controls: maintenance, training and records

Controls only work when they are maintained. Create a simple compliance register listing EICR dates, PAT schedules, RCD tests, alarm and emergency-lighting records, and planned upgrades. Keep evidence of repairs and replacement parts. This documentary trail protects your business with insurers and shows duty-holders and enforcement officers you acted reasonably.

Train staff and nominated fire marshals. Practical, role-based training that covers identifying electrical faults, safe isolation procedures and what to do if a device smokes or sparks will reduce response time and injury. Train staff on charging rules for batteries and EVs, and require staff to log faults and near misses.

Maintain a relationship with your electricity supplier and local fire service. For significant installations such as BESS or large charging arrays, early engagement with the fire and rescue service improves response planning. In some cases, your insurer may ask for specific controls; consult them early to avoid surprises.

If you need hands-on help, Total Safe provides a full suite of compliance services from inspection and PAT testing to risk assessments and remediation. Our fire risk assessment service explains legal duties and produces an action plan you can implement. Do you need a fire risk assessment every year?

Practical checklist: what to do in the next 90 days

Review your fire risk assessment and flag electrical hazards for immediate attention. gov.uk

Confirm the date of the last EICR and book a qualified inspection if overdue. hse.gov.uk

Start or update a PAT testing schedule for portable appliances. Reject uncertified chargers and low-quality items. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Test RCDs, alarm systems and emergency lighting and log results. hse.gov.uk

Isolate and quarantine damaged batteries and seek specialist disposal routes for defective cells.

Train nominated fire marshals in electrical fire scenarios and ensure staff know who to call if they spot faults.

Coordinate responsibilities in shared buildings with landlords and other tenants so electrical upgrades are planned and implemented consistently.

These actions are practical, compliant and cost-effective. They reduce immediate risk and create a platform for the medium- and long-term investments described above.

To protect your business from electrical fire hazards in 2025, start with a focused review: update your fire risk assessment, confirm the status of your electrical installation and remove obvious hazards. Then plan targeted investments in distribution upgrades, EV charging infrastructure and battery-safe storage if your operations require them. Maintain controls through clear schedules, staff training and documented evidence.

If you would like expert help to prioritise actions or to implement a site-specific plan, speak to Total Safe for a free consultation and site visit. Our services cover everything from PAT testing and EICRs to fire-stopping and bespoke lithium-battery risk assessments. Total Safe fire safety services.

For further authoritative guidance see the government’s fire safety guide for small non-domestic premises and HSE’s electrical safety pages for practical regulations and maintenance advice. gov.uk

FAQ

Q: How often should I have my electrical installation inspected?

A: Many non-domestic premises should have a full Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years as a typical benchmark; inspect sooner after major changes or if you see signs of deterioration. gov.uk

Q: Are PAT tests legally required for all businesses?

A: PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement, but the Electricity at Work Regulations require equipment to be maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is a recognised way to demonstrate you meet that duty for portable appliances. hse.gov.uk

Q: Can I use standard extinguishers on electrical fires?

A: Only use extinguishers rated for electrical fires, such as CO2 or dry powder types, and only attempt to fight a fire if it is safe to do so. Evacuate and call 999 when in doubt. london-fire.gov.uk

Q: What is the single most effective immediate action to reduce risk?

A: The quickest and most effective measure is to review your fire risk assessment and act on any identified electrical hazards—repair or isolate faulty equipment and remove uncertified items immediately. gov.uk

Q: Where can I get specialist advice on battery and EV charger risks?

A: Consult a fire safety specialist experienced in battery risks and EV infrastructure. Total Safe offers targeted assessments for battery storage and charging installations to help you remain compliant and safe. Lithium-ion battery guidance