Electrical Safety for London Care Homes and Supported Living

Care homes and supported living services look after people who may be less able to notice or escape from an electrical fault. Residents often depend on equipment such as hoists, profiling beds, call systems and pressure mattresses, so a power problem can affect care as well as safety. This guide covers the main electrical checks for providers and landlords in London. It is general information, not legal advice.

Who is responsible

The registered provider is usually responsible for the safety of the premises and equipment used in care. In supported living, where tenants hold their own tenancies, the landlord may also have landlord duties for the electrical installation. Agree in writing who arranges each check, and keep copies of every certificate where inspectors can see them.

Fixed wiring: EICR

A periodic inspection checks the wiring, distribution boards, sockets and lighting. Care settings are often inspected more frequently than ordinary homes because of the vulnerability of residents and the amount of equipment in use. Your insurer or regulator may set expectations, so check their guidance.

Equipment residents rely on

• Hoists, profiling beds and pressure relieving mattresses need suitable, reliable sockets close to where they are used.
• Nurse call and alarm systems should be on circuits that are clearly labelled and not shared with heavy loads.
• Consider what happens in a power cut, and whether critical equipment has battery backup.
• Avoid extension leads and adaptors in bedrooms where possible, and add sockets instead.

Portable appliances

Residents' own items such as lamps, radios, phone chargers and televisions should be checked when they arrive and regularly after that. Care equipment and kitchen appliances benefit from a planned PAT testing routine. See our guide to PAT testing.

Fire alarms and emergency lighting

Care homes usually need a comprehensive fire alarm system and emergency lighting, set out in the fire risk assessment, with regular testing and records. Supported living homes may need a higher grade of alarm than an ordinary house. Our guides to fire alarm grades and emergency lighting testing explain the basics.

RCD protection and nuisance tripping

RCDs protect people from electric shock, but a single trip should not cut power to a whole floor. Splitting circuits across several RCDs or using RCBOs reduces disruption. See our guide on why an RCD keeps tripping.

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects care homes and supported living properties across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and plans work carefully around residents. See our EICR service.