School Electrical Safety: EICRs, Inspections and Wiring Explained

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Electrical safety in schools is a legal requirement and a practical necessity. With pupils, staff and visitors in the building daily, electrical systems must be safe, reliable and compliant. Regular inspections, testing and upgrades are not optional — they’re essential. That’s where experienced school electricians come in. Glenfield Electrical works with schools, academies and education trusts to carry out routine maintenance, electrical testing and major upgrades with minimal disruption.

Why Electrical Inspections in Schools Are Essential

Schools are considered commercial premises and must meet strict health and safety standards. This includes having their electrical systems inspected at regular intervals. These checks help spot faults early and ensure the school stays compliant with legal requirements.

If an electrical system fails and someone is injured or if an inspection hasn’t been carried out within the recommended time frame, there could be serious consequences for the school and its leadership.

What Is an EICR and Why Is It Important?

An EICR is a formal document produced after a detailed inspection of a property’s electrical systems. It confirms whether the installation is safe to use and flags any issues that need attention.

In a school setting, EICRs are a core part of maintaining safety. These reports:

  • Identify worn or damaged wiring
  • Check whether the system complies with current standards
  • Highlight urgent problems that could pose risks

Glenfield provides clear, easy-to-understand EICRs and follows up with prompt remedial work where needed. We make sure nothing is left to chance.

Routine Electrical Testing and Inspection

Electrical systems need to be tested regularly, not just when something goes wrong. Our school electricians carry out checks on lighting, power outlets, emergency systems and distribution boards to catch potential issues before they cause disruption.

Routine inspections also give site managers and leadership teams peace of mind. When you’ve had a professional electrical inspection and you’ve acted on the findings, you know you’ve done what’s necessary to keep the building safe.

Rewires and Wiring Upgrades in Schools

Some school buildings were never designed to support modern electrical loads. If the system is old, showing signs of strain or not compliant with current regulations, it may need rewiring.

We’ve worked with schools to carry out both partial and full rewires. Common reasons for rewiring include:

  • Frequent tripping of circuits
  • Overheating components
  • Incompatibility with new teaching technology
  • Installation of new buildings or portable units

All rewiring is done carefully, often during school holidays or in phases to avoid disruption.

What School Electricians Actually Do

The role of a school electrician goes well beyond fixing faults. At Glenfield Electrical, our electricians:

  • Carry out statutory inspections
  • Comply with insurance
  • Provide advice on system upgrades
  • Respond quickly to breakdowns or safety concerns

We work directly with schools, MATs and facilities teams to build trusted, long-term partnerships. Our commercial electrician team understands how to keep schools running safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities of Landlords or Academy Trusts

Where a school site is leased, the responsibility for electrical safety may fall to a landlord or academy trust. Either way, there must be a clear plan in place to maintain and inspect the electrical system. We regularly work with multi-site trusts and landlords to schedule inspections across sites, keeping all buildings in step with their obligations.

Minimising Disruption During Maintenance

Schools are busy places, and maintenance needs to fit around the timetable. We plan all work, whether a routine inspection or a major upgrade, around term time, after-hours access or holiday windows. Our electricians are DBS-checked, professional and used to working in education settings.

Supporting Safe and Compliant Schools

Keeping a school safe and compliant starts with getting the electrical systems right. Regular inspections, accurate reporting and reliable support help reduce risk and ensure your school meets its legal obligations.

Glenfield Electrical works with schools across the region to provide tailored, professional support, whether it’s a one-off EICR, ongoing commercial electrical maintenance or advice from experienced school electricians.

Get in touch with Glenfield Electrical to arrange an inspection or discuss your school’s specific needs. Our team is here to help you keep things running safely and smoothly.

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