Electrical Safety for London Hotels and Guest Houses

Hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in London host guests who sleep on site, arrive at all hours and do not know the building. Many are converted terraced houses or older buildings with wiring that has been extended over decades. Keeping the electrics safe protects guests, staff and the business. This guide covers the main checks. It is general information, not legal advice.

Who is responsible

The owner or operator is usually responsible for electrical safety and fire safety for guests and staff. Hotels and guest houses are treated as sleeping accommodation for fire safety, which brings stricter expectations than an office or shop. If you run a smaller self-catering let, see our guide to short lets and holiday lets instead.

Fixed wiring: EICR

An EICR inspects the distribution boards, wiring, sockets and lighting in guest rooms, corridors, kitchens and plant areas. Hotels are commonly inspected every five years, and older or heavily used buildings may benefit from more frequent checks. Our guide to EICRs for commercial premises explains the process.

Guest rooms

• Provide enough sockets by the bed and desk so guests do not use adaptors and extension leads.
• USB sockets reduce the need for guests' own chargers.
• Check kettles, hairdryers and televisions regularly for damage.
• En-suite bathrooms need the right fittings and protection for wet areas.

Kitchens, laundry and plant

Breakfast kitchens, laundry rooms with washers and dryers, and boiler or plant rooms carry heavy loads. These need suitable dedicated circuits, clear isolation and regular checks. Dryers need clean filters and proper ventilation to reduce fire risk.

Fire alarms and emergency lighting

Sleeping accommodation usually needs a comprehensive fire alarm system and emergency lighting on all escape routes, set out in the fire risk assessment. Test them regularly and keep records. Our guides to fire alarm grades and emergency lighting testing explain the basics.

Portable appliances

With many rooms each holding several appliances, a planned PAT testing routine helps catch damaged items before they cause a problem. See our guide to PAT testing.

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects hotels and guest houses across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can work room by room around bookings. See our EICR service.