Shop Fit-Out Electrics in London: What to Plan Before You Open

Taking on a new shop or retail unit in London usually means a fit-out: new lighting, tills, display power, signage, perhaps a small kitchen or staff room. The electrics are one of the first things to plan, because they affect the layout, the opening date and the certificates your landlord and insurer will ask for. This guide covers what to think about. It is general information, not legal advice.

Start with the existing installation

Before designing anything, have the existing wiring inspected. A previous tenant may have left old circuits, unlabelled boards or damaged wiring. An EICR shows what can be kept and what needs replacing. Our guide to EICRs for commercial units and shops explains the process.

Check the lease and landlord consent

Most commercial leases need the landlord's consent for electrical alterations, and some set out who must carry out the work and what certificates must be provided. Agree this in writing before work starts, and check what you must remove or reinstate when you leave.

Plan power around the layout

• Mark where tills, card machines, display fridges, screens and shelf lighting will go.
• Use floor boxes or dado trunking rather than extension leads across the shop floor.
• Put heavier loads such as fridges, coffee machines or heaters on their own circuits.
• Plan data and network points at the same time as power.

Lighting and signage

Good lighting sells products. LED track and spotlights allow displays to be re-lit as stock changes. Window and fascia signs need a suitable supply, often on a timer, and outdoor signs need the right protection. See our guide to LED lighting upgrades for the basics.

Emergency lighting and fire alarms

Shops open to the public usually need emergency lighting on escape routes and a suitable fire alarm, set out in the fire risk assessment. A fit-out is the easiest time to install or update them. See our guide to emergency lighting testing.

Labelling and certificates

At the end of the fit-out, every board and circuit should be clearly labelled, and you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate for new work. Keep it with your lease documents. See our guide to board labelling.

Book a survey

Energy North Ltd inspects and wires shop fit-outs across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EICR service to have the unit checked before you sign or start work.