Electrical Safety for London Offices and Co-working Spaces

Offices and co-working spaces may look low risk compared with kitchens or workshops, but they are full of computers, chargers, screens, heaters and extension leads, and the layout often changes as teams grow. In older London buildings, the wiring may not have kept up. This guide covers the electrical checks for office managers, landlords and co-working operators. It is general information, not legal advice.

Who is responsible

Employers must keep the workplace and equipment safe for staff. In a shared or serviced building, the landlord or operator is usually responsible for the common parts and the main installation, and tenants for their own areas and equipment. Check your lease or membership terms so nothing falls between the gaps.

Fixed wiring: EICR

An EICR inspects the distribution boards, wiring, sockets and lighting. Offices are commonly inspected every five years, or sooner after major changes of layout or use. Our guide to EICRs for commercial units explains the process.

Too many extension leads

• Desks added over time often rely on chains of extension leads and adaptors.
• Overloaded leads run hot and are a fire risk, especially under desks or carpets.
• Cables across walkways are trip hazards.
• Floor boxes, desk power modules or extra socket circuits are safer long term answers.

Server rooms, kitchens and heaters

A small server or comms cupboard may need its own circuit and good ventilation. Office kitchens with kettles, microwaves, dishwashers and boiling water taps need suitable circuits. Portable heaters brought in during winter can overload circuits and should be checked.

Portable appliances

Laptops, chargers, monitors and kitchen appliances benefit from regular visual checks and periodic PAT testing based on risk. In co-working spaces, set a clear rule on what members can plug in. See our guide to PAT testing.

Emergency lighting, fire alarms and labelling

Offices usually need emergency lighting on escape routes and a fire alarm system, set out in the fire risk assessment. Clear labels on distribution boards help when a circuit trips. See our guides to emergency lighting testing and board labelling.

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects offices and co-working spaces across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can work evenings or weekends to avoid disruption. See our EICR service.