Electrical Safety in London Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants

Pubs, cafes and restaurants run some of the hardest working electrical installations in London. Commercial kitchens, fridges, coffee machines, extraction fans, cellar coolers and beer garden lighting all run for long hours, often in hot, greasy or wet conditions. A fault can close the business for a night or start a fire. This guide covers the main checks. It is general information, not legal advice.

Who is responsible

The licence holder or business operator is usually responsible for electrical safety for staff and customers. If you lease the premises, check which checks your landlord covers. Licensing officers, fire officers and insurers may all ask to see your records.

Fixed wiring: EICR

An EICR inspects and tests the wiring, distribution boards, sockets and lighting. Pubs and restaurants are commonly inspected every five years, and older or busier premises may benefit from more frequent checks. Our guide to EICRs for commercial units explains the process.

Commercial kitchens

• Ovens, fryers, grills and dishwashers often need dedicated circuits, sometimes three-phase.
• Grease and heat damage cables and sockets near cooking areas.
• Extraction fans need a reliable supply and should be included in checks.
• Emergency stop or isolation switches for kitchen equipment should be easy to reach and clearly labelled.

Cellars, bars and outdoor areas

Cellar cooling, glass washers and ice machines work in damp conditions. Beer gardens and terraces need outdoor lighting and sockets with the right water protection and RCD protection. See our guide to outdoor sockets.

Portable appliances

Kettles, blenders, coffee grinders, heaters and till equipment all benefit from regular visual checks and periodic PAT testing. Our guide to PAT testing explains what is involved.

Emergency lighting and fire alarms

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

Book an inspection

Energy North Ltd inspects pubs, cafes and restaurants across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, and can work early mornings or after closing. See our EICR service.