Electrical Safety for London Dental and Medical Practices

Dental surgeries, GP practices, physiotherapy clinics and other small medical premises rely on electrical equipment every day, from dental chairs and compressors to sterilisers, fridges for medicines and computer systems. Patients expect a safe environment, and a power failure can cancel a whole day of appointments. This guide covers the main electrical checks for practice owners and managers in London. It is general information, not legal or clinical advice.

Who is responsible

The practice owner or provider is usually responsible for the safety of the premises and equipment. If you lease the building, check which checks the landlord covers. Regulators and insurers may ask to see your electrical certificates and testing records during inspections.

Fixed wiring: EICR

An EICR inspects the distribution boards, wiring, sockets and lighting. Medical and dental premises are often inspected more frequently than standard offices because of the equipment in use and the people on site. Our guide to EICRs for commercial units explains the process.

Equipment that needs a reliable supply

• Dental chairs, compressors, suction units and sterilisers often need dedicated circuits.
• Vaccine and medicine fridges should be on clearly labelled circuits that cannot be switched off by mistake.
• Computer systems, X-ray units and phone systems may benefit from surge protection and backup power.
• Consider what happens in a power cut and which equipment must keep running.

Specialist medical locations

Some treatment rooms are classed as medical locations under the wiring regulations, with extra requirements depending on the procedures carried out. If you are fitting out a new treatment room or changing how a room is used, talk to an electrician early so the design suits the use.

Portable appliances

Portable equipment, chargers, kettles and reception equipment benefit from regular visual checks and PAT testing. Medical devices may also have their own servicing and testing requirements set by the manufacturer. See our guide to PAT testing.

Emergency lighting and fire alarms

Premises open to patients usually need emergency lighting on escape routes and a fire alarm suited to the building, set out in the fire risk assessment. See our guide to emergency lighting testing.

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects dental and medical practices across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can work outside surgery hours. See our EICR service.