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How can I safeguard my business from fire risks associated with outdated electrical installations?

Safeguard business from fire risks associated with outdated electrical installations is a practical priority for every responsible person, and in this article you will learn how to identify danger, reduce risk and meet legal duties quickly and effectively. I explain what to look for, which standards and regulations apply, the checks and remedial actions that typically work, and when to bring in competent professionals. This guidance is written for business owners, property managers, facilities teams and compliance officers across the UK.

Why outdated electrical installations increase fire risk

Old or poorly maintained electrical systems raise the chance of faults that can start fires. Wiring insulation degrades, protective devices fail, and sockets or consumer units become overloaded. When electrical faults lead to arcing or overheating, they can ignite nearby materials and spread quickly. Regular inspection and corrective work reduce this risk and protect people, property and business continuity.

Moreover, the law places responsibility for fire safety on the ‘responsible person’ for non-domestic premises. That person must carry out and keep under review a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and ensure electrical risks are addressed as part of that process. Failure to act can result in enforcement action and penalties.

Start by understanding the key rules. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers and dutyholders to ensure systems are safe and maintained so they do not give rise to danger. In addition, fire safety obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mean you must assess and manage fire risks in your premises. These regulations are the baseline for action.

Technical standards set expectations for correct work. In the UK, BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) provides the national standard for electrical installations, and it is regularly updated. Following BS 7671 helps demonstrate that installations have been designed, installed and maintained to recognised safety levels. For higher-risk changes and new work, compliance with these standards is essential.

How to start: a practical inspection plan

First, include electrical checks in your fire risk assessment. A competent assessor will note signs of ageing, such as discoloured sockets, frequent blown fuses, warm consumer units, damaged cable insulation and outdated earthing arrangements. They will also evaluate load patterns, temporary wiring and any previous electrical incidents. Use that assessment to prioritise actions and timescales.

Next, plan regular visual checks and formal inspections. Daily or weekly walkrounds identify obvious hazards. Meanwhile, periodic inspections by a qualified electrician are essential. For most commercial premises, a fixed electrical installation inspection and test (often referred to as an EICR) on a 3–5 year cycle is common, though higher-risk premises may need more frequent testing. The inspection report will show defects graded by severity and recommend remedial work.

How to safeguard business from fire risks associated with outdated electrical installations: specific steps

Prioritise high-risk defects Address any C1 or C2 defects found on an EICR immediately. These relate to danger or potentially dangerous conditions and must be remedied without delay.

Replace obsolete consumer units and fuses Old rewireable fuses and consumer units lacking modern protection (such as RCDs where required) increase fire danger. Upgrading to modern units reduces fault currents and improves protection.

Repair or replace damaged wiring and sockets Frayed insulation and loose connections create heat and arcing. Replace or rewire affected circuits and secure connections professionally.

Avoid overloaded circuits and temporary wiring Ensure circuits are correctly rated for the loads they supply. Remove or replace permanent reliance on extension leads and adaptors. Temporary wiring should not become a permanent solution.

Install appropriate detection and isolation devices Consider additional protection such as arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) for certain circuits, as recommended in the wiring regulations for higher risk situations. These devices can reduce the risk of fires caused by arcing faults.

Competence and contractors: who should do the work?

Only competent, qualified electricians should carry out inspection, testing and remedial work. Competence includes training, experience and appropriate accreditation. For electrical inspections and EICRs, look for contractors registered with recognised schemes and who can provide clear, actionable test certificates. When changes affect fire safety measures, consult your fire risk assessor or a specialist to confirm the work will not reduce passive fire protection or escape routes.

You can rely on Total Safe for a joined-up approach. Our assessors combine fire risk assessments with compliance testing and remedial works so you get a single action plan and delivery programme. See our Fire Risk Assessment and broader fire safety services for practical support and certification.

Record keeping and the fire safety log

Good records prove due diligence. Keep EICR reports, remedial certificates, installation certificates, PAT test records and service reports together in a fire safety logbook. This makes audits simpler and demonstrates proactive management to inspectors and insurers. Total Safe’s Fire Safety Logbook is designed for exactly this purpose and helps maintain audit-ready documentation.

Also keep an action tracker linked to your fire risk assessment. Where the assessment identifies electrical hazards, record responsible people, deadlines and completion evidence. That approach reduces the chance that important remedial work is overlooked.

Practical maintenance and prevention measures

Implement a PAT testing regime for portable appliances and ensure fixed appliances are included in scheduled maintenance.

Provide clear electrical safe-work procedures and ensure staff report faults immediately.

Keep combustible materials away from electrical distribution equipment and avoid storage under consumer units or near boilers.

Label distribution boards clearly and keep access paths unobstructed so circuits can be isolated quickly in an emergency. These simple actions reduce the chance that an electrical fault becomes a full building fire.

Fire detection, suppression and escape planning

An outdated electrical system is one hazard among many. Ensure that your fire detection and alarm systems are appropriate and that emergency lighting and escape signage remain compliant and functional. Regular testing of alarms, detectors and emergency lighting is essential so occupants get early warning and safe evacuation in the event of a fault-related fire. If suppression systems are present, confirm they remain compatible with any electrical work carried out.

Insurance, enforcement and when to expect action

Insurers expect responsible fire safety management. Where inspections reveal significant electrical defects that are not remedied, you risk policy complications if a fire occurs. Likewise, local fire authorities may issue enforcement notices where the responsible person fails to control identified risks under the Fire Safety Order. Act on recommendations promptly and document completion to reduce regulatory and financial exposure.

When to commission a combined fire and electrical audit

Commission a combined audit when you discover multiple faults, when a building change affects escape routes or when occupants have changed significantly. A joint fire and electrical review provides a single coherent plan that addresses both the ignition source and the building’s ability to detect and resist fire. Total Safe’s integrated audits can combine EICR findings with fire risk assessment recommendations to create a prioritised remediation schedule.

Funding, staged works and reasonable timescales

Large remedial projects can be phased. Start with immediate safety-critical fixes, followed by upgrades to consumer units and selected circuit replacements, then plan longer-term rewiring where required. Communicate clearly with stakeholders, insurers and tenants about timescales and temporary controls while work proceeds. This approach balances safety with operational continuity.

Summary and next steps

Outdated electrical installations are a common cause of workplace fires, but they are manageable. First, include electrical risks in your fire risk assessment and secure an EICR from a competent electrician. Second, prioritise and fix C1/C2 defects and modernise protective devices where needed. Third, keep clear records in a fire safety log and maintain detection, suppression and escape systems. Finally, use competent providers to carry out upgrades and consider a combined fire and electrical audit for complex sites.

If you would like a free consultation or a site visit to assess electrical fire risk, contact Total Safe to arrange a visit and get a remedial plan you can implement in phases.

FAQ

Q: How often should I have an electrical installation inspected to reduce fire risk?

A: Inspection frequency depends on premises type and use. Many commercial properties use a 3–5 year cycle for EICRs, but higher-risk sites or those with known faults will need more frequent checks. A competent electrician or assessor can recommend the correct interval.

Q: Can I do my own visual electrical checks?

A: You can perform routine visual checks and report damage, warmth at sockets, discolouration or burning smells. However, formal testing and remedial work must be carried out by a competent, qualified electrician. Visual checks are a useful first line of defence but do not replace periodic EICRs.

Q: What immediate actions should I take if an EICR highlights a C1 defect?

A: Treat C1 findings as urgent. Isolate affected circuits if advised and arrange immediate remedial work by a qualified electrician. Record the action and update your fire risk assessment and logbook to show compliance.

Q: Do wiring regulations require any new protection to prevent electrical fires?

A: BS 7671 and its amendments introduce protective measures where appropriate, including the selective use of devices such as AFDDs for circuits at increased fire risk. Follow the guidance in BS 7671 to determine which protections are needed for your premises.

Q: Who enforces fire safety where electrical faults are the cause of a fire?

A: Local fire and rescue authorities enforce fire safety under the Fire Safety Order and may issue notices where responsible persons fail to control risks. Enforcement action can include improvement notices and, in serious cases, prosecution. Keeping records and acting promptly on recommendations reduces the chance of enforcement.

External resources and further reading: GOV.UK guidance on fire risk assessments and the HSE pages on electrical safety and working near electricity provide authoritative detail on duties and safe working practices.

If you want tailored support, contact Total Safe for a combined fire and electrical compliance review and a pragmatic remediation plan.