Electrical safety in the UK is governed by a combination of legislation, Building Regulations and technical standards. There is no single regulation covering every home, rental property, workplace and electrical product.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are central to workplace electrical safety. BS 7671 sets the national technical standard for electrical installations. Part P applies to electrical work in and around dwellings in England, while separate regulations require electrical inspections in private and social rented homes.
The rules that apply depend on the property, how it is used, the electrical work being completed and who controls the installation.
Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team
Key Takeaways
- Key legislation like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and BS 7671 enforces electrical safety regulations.
- Landlords must inspect electrical systems every five years or upon tenant changeover.
- Compliance includes regular risk assessments, safety audits, and adherence to standards such as UKCA and product CE marking.
- Violation of these regulations can result in fines, corrective actions, or criminal charges from bodies like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
- Homeowners and employers must maintain electrical systems and equipment to minimise risks and ensure safety.
Table of Contents
UK Electrical Safety Regulations at a Glance
| Situation | Main legislation or standard | Principal responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical systems and equipment used at work | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 | Employers, self-employed people and workplace dutyholders |
| New or altered electrical work in dwellings in England | Part P of the Building Regulations | The person arranging and carrying out the work |
| Fixed electrical installations in rented homes in England | Electrical Safety Standards Regulations | Landlords |
| Design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations | BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations | Designers, installers and inspectors |
| Portable electrical equipment used at work | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 | The employer or person controlling the equipment |
These requirements often work together. For example, a landlord may need an EICR under rented-sector regulations, while the inspection and any remedial work are carried out according to BS 7671.
What Are Electrical Safety Regulations?
Electrical safety regulations establish duties intended to prevent electric shock, burns, fires, explosions and other dangers arising from electricity.
They can cover:
- the design and installation of electrical systems
- maintenance of wiring and equipment
- safe working procedures
- competence and supervision
- inspection and electrical testing
- certification of electrical work
- landlord inspection duties
- Building Regulations notification
- action required when electrical defects are identified
Some requirements are statutory laws. Others, such as BS 7671, are technical standards used to support safe design, installation and compliance.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to electrical systems and work activities in most workplaces.
They require electrical systems to be constructed, maintained and used in a way that prevents danger, so far as is reasonably practicable. They also address matters such as protective equipment, isolation, live working, suitable connections and the competence of people working on or near electrical systems.
The regulations can apply to:
- offices
- shops
- restaurants
- warehouses
- factories
- construction sites
- communal building areas
- schools
- healthcare premises
- workshops
- managed commercial properties
Compliance is not achieved by obtaining one certificate and taking no further action. The dutyholder must ensure that the electrical system remains safe, taking account of its condition, environment and use.
Who Is Responsible for Electrical Safety at Work?
Electrical safety responsibilities commonly rest with employers, self-employed people and anyone who controls electrical systems, equipment or work activities.
A responsible person should ensure that:
- electrical risks are identified and controlled
- installations and equipment are maintained to prevent danger
- damaged equipment is removed from use
- suitable inspection and testing arrangements are established
- employees receive appropriate information and instruction
- electrical work is carried out by competent people
- circuits are safely isolated before work where required
- relevant records and certificates are retained
A person who cannot demonstrate the required competence should not be permitted to carry out electrical work unless properly supervised by someone who is competent.
Employees also have responsibilities. They should follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report damage, defects or unsafe conditions promptly.
BS 7671: The IET Wiring Regulations
BS 7671 is the UK’s national standard for low-voltage electrical installations. It is commonly known as the IET Wiring Regulations or the 18th Edition.
It covers areas including:
- protection against electric shock
- protection against fire and thermal effects
- earthing and bonding
- circuit protection
- RCD and RCBO requirements
- cable selection and installation
- special locations
- inspection and testing
- electrical certification
BS 7671 is not itself an Act of Parliament. However, following the standard is an important way of demonstrating that electrical installation work has been designed and completed safely. It may also be referred to by legislation, contracts, Building Regulations guidance and property safety requirements.
Current BS 7671 Edition
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 has been published as the latest amendment.
The previous BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 version remains valid during the transition period until 15 October 2026. During this period, electrical installers may work to either edition. From 15 October 2026, Amendment 4 becomes the applicable edition.
Part P of the Building Regulations
Part P applies to electrical installation work in and around dwellings in England.
Its purpose is to ensure that reasonable provision is made in the design and installation of electrical work to protect people from fire and injury.
Certain domestic electrical work is notifiable under the Building Regulations. Examples can include:
- installing a new electrical circuit
- replacing a consumer unit
- installing a completely new electrical installation
- specified work in special locations
Notifiable work can usually be dealt with through a registered Competent Person Scheme installer or through the appropriate Building Control process.
The installer should also issue the correct electrical certification, such as an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Approved Document P explains the notification, inspection, testing and information requirements.
For more information about the documents issued following electrical work, read our guide to an electrical certificate of compliance.
Electrical Safety Regulations for Landlords
Landlords in England have specific responsibilities for the fixed electrical installations in their rented properties.
The applicable rented-sector regulations require covered installations to be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, or sooner where the previous report specifies an earlier date.
The landlord must obtain a report, usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report, and provide copies in accordance with the regulations. A new tenant must receive the current report before occupying the property. An existing tenant must normally receive it within 28 days of the inspection.
Where an EICR identifies necessary remedial work or further investigation, the landlord must complete it within 28 days or within any shorter period stated in the report.
The report and written confirmation of the completed work must then be supplied to the tenant and local council within the required period.
Is an EICR Required at Every Change of Tenancy?
A new EICR is not automatically required whenever a tenant changes.
Where a valid inspection was completed less than five years ago, the report remains current and does not require further investigative or remedial work, the landlord can normally provide the existing report to the new tenant.
An earlier inspection is required where the report specifies a shorter interval or the installation’s condition gives reason for further assessment.
Read our full guide to the EICR legal requirements for landlords for the inspection, document and remedial-work rules.
Electrical Testing Regulations for Workplaces
The Electricity at Work Regulations do not set one fixed inspection interval for every commercial property or workplace.
The required frequency should reflect factors such as:
- the type of installation
- the property’s use
- environmental conditions
- the age and condition of the equipment
- previous inspection results
- the likelihood of damage
- the consequences of electrical failure
A heavily used workshop, industrial installation or construction environment may require more frequent inspection than a low-risk office.
Periodic inspection and testing of the fixed installation is a recognised method of checking whether deterioration, damage or unsafe alterations have created a risk.
Is Annual PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
Annual PAT testing is not a universal legal requirement.
The law requires workplace electrical equipment that could cause injury to be maintained in a safe condition. It does not prescribe one testing method or require every appliance to receive a PAT test each year.
The inspection and testing programme should be risk-based. Equipment that is moved frequently, used outdoors or exposed to harsh conditions may need more frequent checks than stationary equipment in a clean, low-risk office.
A suitable maintenance programme may include:
- user checks
- formal visual inspections
- combined inspection and electrical testing
- prompt removal of damaged equipment
- repair or replacement
- records used to review the maintenance programme
Visual inspection remains important because some defects cannot be identified by electrical testing alone.
Electrical Safety Rules for Homeowners
Owner-occupiers are not subject to the same five-year EICR rule that applies to covered rented homes in England.
However, homeowners remain responsible for keeping their properties reasonably safe and ensuring electrical work complies with relevant Building Regulations.
A homeowner should consider an electrical inspection where:
- the installation is old or its condition is unknown
- there are signs of overheating or damage
- protective devices trip repeatedly
- substantial alterations are planned
- electrical records are missing
- the property is being purchased or sold
- unsafe DIY work is suspected
- the property has suffered flooding, fire or significant damage
Any new electrical work should be properly inspected, tested and certified.
What Electrical Safety Documents Should Be Kept?
The appropriate documents depend on the work and inspection completed.
Important electrical records can include:
- Electrical Installation Certificates
- Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificates
- remedial-work certificates
- appliance inspection and testing records
- commissioning documents
- maintenance and fault records
These documents can help future electricians understand the installation and provide evidence of completed inspections, alterations and safety work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Main Electrical Safety Law for Workplaces?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the principal regulations covering electrical systems and electrical work activities in most workplaces.
Is BS 7671 a Legal Requirement?
BS 7671 is a technical standard rather than an Act of Parliament. However, it is the UK’s national standard for electrical installations and is widely used to support compliance with legal and contractual safety duties.
Who Is Responsible for Electrical Safety at Work?
Responsibility normally rests with employers, self-employed people and anyone who controls the electrical system, equipment, premises or work activity.
How Often Should Workplace Electrics Be Tested?
There is no single statutory interval for every workplace. The frequency should be based on risk, use, environment, condition and previous inspection findings.
Does PAT Testing Have to Be Completed Every Year?
No. Annual PAT testing is not automatically required by law. The employer should establish a suitable risk-based inspection and maintenance programme.
How Often Does a Landlord Need an EICR?
Covered rented homes in England must normally be inspected at least every five years, or sooner where the previous report specifies an earlier inspection date.