Pre-Christmas Electrical Checks for Businesses

As many businesses close their doors for the Christmas break, it’s important to think ahead. If your commercial premises will be empty over the festive period, taking time to complete a few electrical checks can help prevent damage, fire risks or costly disruption when you return.

We’ve put together a practical pre-shutdown electrical checklist to help ensure your building and everything inside it, stays safe and protected across the holiday shutdown.

Ensure your electrical installations are up to date

Check when your last Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) was completed.
Make sure any identified safety issues have been resolved. Leaving problems unaddressed can increase the risk of fire or system failure while the building is empty.

Inspect portable appliances and cables

Visually check all portable electrical appliances (kettles, heaters, computers/printers, power tools, extension leads, etc.) for damaged wires, cracked plugs, exposed wires, or burn marks.
Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads and ensure sockets are not overloaded.

Turn off and unplug non-essential equipment

Switch off all non-essential equipment and lighting before leaving.
Unplug devices where possible as this saves energy and reduces the risk of fires caused by unattended or faulty equipment.

Check fire alarms and emergency systems

Test fire alarms, emergency lighting and exit signage to ensure they are working correctly, particularly if your premises will be partially or fully unlit during the shutdown.
If you used festive lights, decorations or temporary wiring, unplug them.

Review security and monitoring equipment

Check that CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems are fully operational during the shutdown.
Ensure monitoring services or key-holders are aware of the extended closure so they can respond quickly in case of an alarm or emergency.

Stay Safe This Christmas with J Kirby Electrical

Shutting down for Christmas without carrying out basic electrical checks carries real risks. Faulty wiring, overloaded sockets, or overheating appliances can cause fires, especially when the building is empty.

At J Kirby Electrical, we can help ensure your premises are safe, compliant and fully shutdown-ready this Christmas. Contact us today for more information.