Electrical issues don’t always show up as sparks or power cuts. Often, the early signs are subtle strange noises, flickering lights or a breaker that keeps tripping for no clear reason. If you own or manage a building, whether commercial or residential, understanding when electrical maintenance is due can prevent costly repairs and improve overall safety.
This guide walks through the signs to watch for, legal requirements and the key benefits of staying ahead with professional electrical maintenance.
Why Regular Electrical Maintenance Matters?
Regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea — it’s a safety and legal necessity. Poorly maintained electrical systems can:
- Increase fire risk
- Lead to higher energy costs
- Cause damage to sensitive equipment
- Invalidate insurance
- Result in failed safety inspections
For commercial buildings, regular electrical maintenance is part of your duty of care. And for landlords, it’s required by law under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Signs Your Building Needs Electrical Maintenance
You don’t need to be an electrician to notice when something isn’t quite right. Here are common signs your building could benefit from a professional inspection:
1. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Frequent trips can point to an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring or a deeper issue that needs investigation.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
This often happens when too many devices are competing for power or when wiring is ageing or loose.
3. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Any odd sounds coming from switches, sockets or lighting fixtures are a red flag. This should be checked immediately.
4. Burning Smell or Discolouration
A persistent smell of burning or marks around sockets can indicate heat damage or arcing — a serious fire risk.
5. Old Wiring and Fixtures
If your building is more than 20 years old and hasn’t had a recent inspection, it’s likely overdue. Older wiring may not meet current safety standards.
6. Unexplained High Energy Bills
Damaged systems or outdated equipment can lead to inefficient power use. A qualified electrician can test for faults and recommend improvements.
7. No Record of Recent Testing
If you don’t have a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report, it’s time to schedule one. This is especially important for landlords and commercial property owners.
What’s Involved in Electrical Maintenance?
Professional electrical maintenance can include:
- Visual inspections of wiring, sockets and fittings
- Testing of RCDs (residual current devices) and circuit breakers
- Thermographic scanning (to detect hot spots)
- Load testing to assess capacity
- Upgrading outdated components
- A full EICR, where required
The aim is to ensure the electrical system is safe, compliant and running efficiently.
How Often Should Electrical Maintenance Be Carried Out?
The frequency depends on the type of building and its use.
- Commercial buildings – every 3 to 5 years or more often for high-use environments like restaurants or gyms
- Domestic properties – at least every 10 years or every 5 years for rentals
- Landlord-owned properties – legally required every 5 years or on tenant changeover
It’s also good practice to schedule an annual visual check, especially in environments where systems are under constant use.
Preventative vs Reactive Maintenance
It’s cheaper and safer to prevent an issue than to fix one after it’s caused damage.
Preventative maintenance includes scheduled inspections, testing and early intervention before faults develop. Reactive maintenance is responding to breakdowns and failures often at higher cost, with more disruption and sometimes regulatory consequences. If you find yourself frequently calling out electricians for faults or outages, that’s a clear sign it’s time to move towards a preventative plan.
Legal Requirements You Should Know
If you’re a landlord or commercial building manager, here’s what you need to know:
- EICR Requirements: Landlords in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years. This must be issued by a qualified electrician.
- Health & Safety Obligations: Commercial properties must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which requires electrical systems to be maintained in a safe condition.
- Insurance: Many policies require evidence of regular testing and maintenance. Failure to comply may invalidate claims.
Who Should You Call?
Only a qualified electrician should carry out inspections and maintenance. Look for electricians who are NICEIC-approved or registered with another competent person scheme. This ensures all work meets UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) and is properly certified.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Problem
Electrical maintenance isn’t something to leave until there’s a crisis. Whether you’re managing a busy commercial site or letting out a property, staying ahead of issues will save time, money and stress. If you’re unsure when your building was last inspected or you’re noticing signs of electrical wear and tear, book a professional inspection now.
Need a trusted local electrician?
Glenfield Electrical provides reliable, fully qualified electrical maintenance services across Leicestershire. From EICRs to routine safety checks and repairs, we help keep your building safe and compliant.