Moving into a new shop, office, or restaurant is a big step. The lease is signed, the space is yours — but before you settle in, it’s vital to check whether the electrical setup is safe, suitable, and ready for your business needs.
Many tenants assume everything is fine because the lights turn on, but small problems can quickly turn into expensive delays once you’re operating. This checklist will help you spot issues early, budget for upgrades, and avoid surprises after you’ve moved in.
Why an Electrical Checklist Matters
- Safety first: Protect your staff, customers, and equipment.
- Avoid costly delays: Fix issues before opening, not after.
- Clear responsibilities: Know what’s on you and what’s on the landlord.
- Plan for growth: Ensure your setup can handle today and tomorrow.
The Commercial Tenant’s Electrical Checklist
- Condition of Existing Wiring
Look for signs of age — old fuse boxes, cracked sockets, or visible wear. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is often the best way to know where you stand. - Power Capacity
Check whether the current supply matches your needs. Offices with lots of computers or restaurants with heavy equipment often need more than what’s already there. - Socket and Outlet Placement
Are there enough sockets in the right places? Extension leads aren’t a long-term solution and may breach safety rules. - Lighting & Emergency Lighting
Good general lighting matters for productivity and customer experience, while emergency lighting is a legal requirement for most premises. - Heating, Hot Water & Ventilation Systems
If the premises rely on electric heating, hot water, or ventilation, make sure these systems are wired safely and have enough capacity. - Data & Connectivity
Check whether structured cabling or Wi-Fi setup is included, and plan upgrades if your business relies heavily on connectivity. - Testing & Certification
Ask for proof of recent electrical testing (like an EICR). If it’s missing or out of date, arrange one before moving in.
Common Pitfalls for Tenants
- Assuming the landlord has covered everything — in many cases, electrical safety is your responsibility once the lease begins.
- Skipping early checks — finding problems after fit-out costs more to fix.
- Underestimating demand — growth plans need power capacity built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Isn’t the landlord responsible for electrical safety?
Landlords must provide a safe installation, but tenants are usually responsible for ongoing safety once in occupation.
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Do I need to arrange testing before moving in?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended — it ensures you know the condition of the installation and avoids liability later.
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What if I discover major issues?
This should be raised before you sign or as part of lease negotiations. In some cases, landlords will contribute to upgrades.
Tenant’s Quick-Check List (Summary)
- Inspect wiring condition and fuse boards
- Confirm power supply is sufficient
- Ensure enough sockets in the right places
- Test lighting and emergency lighting
- Check heating and hot water wiring
- Review data cabling and Wi-Fi setup
- Request or arrange an EICR
Conclusion & Next Steps
Getting your electrical setup right before moving in saves time, money, and stress. By following this checklist, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure your business can operate smoothly from day one.
At Volta Spark, we work with commercial tenants across south-west London, carrying out safety checks, upgrades, and installations to make new premises move-in ready.