Commercial & Retail Electrical Installations

Electrical Installations for Retail Outlets

All retail outlets need an electrical supply, and these electrical installations have to be safe. However, retail outlets are public places, so this makes electrical installations difficult to execute. Not only is there a steady flow of customers to work around, but you also have numerous regulations to deal with. Therefore, when it comes to electrical installations for retail outlets, you need to know what’s involved.

Safe and Efficient Electrical Installation for Retail Outlets

Our expertise in commercial and retail electrical installations is based on many years of experience.  Meticulous planning and managing projects, to ensure seamless supply distribution and compliance with safety standards. Our team collaborates with clients to deliver efficient systems, efficient work practices, and minimal disruption. We are well-versed in the specific needs of retail environments. We can help with a wide range of services, including lighting, power, security and access control.

Electricity is dangerous and has the potential to be fatal, so all electrical installations need to be safe and efficient. Poor installations can affect both staff and customers, with fire and injuries the most common risks associated with electrical faults. Accordingly, we prioritise safety and efficiency, delivering solutions that power businesses, compliance with safety standards and legal requirements is essential to protect lives and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards employees and customers.

Electrical Codes and Regulation Compliance for Retail

The UK government have set a number of regulated standards which electrical installations in commercial outlets have to meet. If these regulations are not met, there’s a risk that safety for those within the outlet will be compromised. The most common examples of electrical codes and regulations in the UK are:

• BS 7671: these regulations, part of the British Standard, apply to fixed electrical cabling and set out the national standards. They cover a wide range of testing procedures, which apply to both domestic and commercial electrical installations. Therefore, the BS 7671 needs to be adhered to when installing new circuits, minor repairs and fuse box replacements.
• EICR: an electrical installation condition report (EICR) is required to carry out comprehensive assessments of electrical devices. These tests will help uncover hidden faults in electrical equipment and, whilst not a legal necessity, ensure that your retail outlet can operate safely.

• EIC: if your retail outlet is a new build, it will require an electrical installation certificate (EIC) to confirm compliance with BS7671 regulations. An EIC, once awarded, will underline the safety of your electrical installations and confirm your retail outlets compliance with safety regulations.

Out of Hours Electrical Installations for Retail Outlets

Due to the potential hazards present during operating hours, such as the presence of staff and customers, it’s often easier for electrical installations to take place out of hours. This minimises the number of obstacles in place and makes the installation process much safer. However, out of hours installations require significant planning:

Tips for Planning and Executing Electrical Installations Outside of Business Hours

• Communicate with stakeholders: retail staff, property managers and any other stakeholders will need to be kept informed of any out of hours works. This will ensure that access to the retail outlet is provided and security measures will be put in place.
• Compliance with regulations: many retail outlets, particularly those in shopping centres, require risk and method statements to be submitted to undertake out of hours installations safely. This means that you need to have your paperwork in order before you commence any work.
• Consider lone working: there’s no specific law relating to lone working, but it’s important you comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Accordingly, you’ll need to review plans carefully and consider whether lone working is permissible for the installation. Also, bear in mind that many shopping centres will not allow lone working out of hours, and they may insist multiple team members are present.

Completing electrical installations in retail outlets can be complex, but the benefit of this complexity is that it enhances the safety of the installation. The best solution, of course, is to team up with professionals with a vast experience of completing electrical installations.

Testing and Inspection

Shop owners bear a legal obligation to conduct routine electrical tests and inspections, ensuring the safety of electrical wiring and installations. This responsibility underscores the need for regular assessments to verify that the electrical systems are secure and meet established safety standards.

We provide comprehensive testing services for both existing and new installations on an ongoing basis in line with the latest regulations along with EICR Testing to ensure that your electrical installation is up to standard and to safety requirements

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