Electrical Safety for London Warehouses and Storage Units

Warehouses, distribution units and self-storage sites across London's industrial estates have their own electrical needs: high-bay lighting, roller shutters, forklift charging, cold rooms and security systems. They are often large buildings with long cable runs, used around the clock. This guide covers the main checks for owners, tenants and operators. It is general information, not legal advice.

Who is responsible

Employers and operators must keep electrical systems and equipment safe for staff and visitors. In a leased unit, the lease usually sets out who maintains the fixed installation. If you run a self-storage site, you are also responsible for common areas used by customers. For units with machinery, see our guide to workshops and light industrial units.

Fixed wiring: EICR

An EICR inspects distribution boards, sub-mains, lighting circuits and sockets. Warehouses with heavy use or harsh conditions may need more frequent inspection than offices. Our guide to EICRs for commercial units explains the process.

High-bay lighting

Old high-bay lamps use a lot of power and are hard to maintain at height. LED high-bay fittings with motion sensors can cut lighting costs and reduce the need for access equipment. Plan lighting around racking layouts so aisles are evenly lit.

Forklift and equipment charging

• Battery charging areas need suitable dedicated circuits and good ventilation.
• Keep chargers away from stored goods and clear of traffic routes.
• Label each charging point and its isolator clearly.
• Inspect charging leads regularly for damage from vehicles and trolleys.

Roller shutters, cold rooms and security

Electric roller shutters, cold rooms and freezers, CCTV and access control all depend on a reliable supply. Make sure each has its own labelled circuit, and think about which systems must stay on during a fault elsewhere in the building.

Emergency lighting and fire alarms

Large open buildings need emergency lighting along escape routes and aisles, 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 warehouses and storage units across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can plan testing around deliveries and shifts. See our EICR service.