As a specialist commercial emergency electrician working across Devon and the South West, I’ve seen my fair share of electrical nightmares. But few things cause more panic for a business than a sudden and unexplained power outage for a commercial kitchen — especially when it shuts down vital equipment and puts staff and customers at risk.
In this blog, I want to take you through a real emergency call-out we responded to recently. A commercial business called us in desperation after losing power to all of their sockets. It’s a story that perfectly highlights why regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are so important — and what can happen when hidden faults are left unchecked.
You’ll learn:
- What caused the power outage and the hidden dangers it revealed
- How we investigated and fixed the fault safely and quickly
- Why EICRs are essential for businesses — and how we can help
You can watch the full video here.
The Call-Out: “We’ve Lost Power to All the Sockets”
We got the call early in the morning from a commercial client in Devon. Their entire electrical system had gone down — all socket circuits were dead, and staff were unable to power up tills, servers, or even lights in parts of the building.
As an experienced emergency electrician, I knew we needed to act fast. Power loss like this doesn’t just interrupt business — it can put people at serious risk. Faulty circuits can lead to electric shock, damaged appliances, or even fire.
We packed up the van and headed straight to the site.
Diagnosing the Problem: A Fault Hidden Behind the Walls
When we arrived, it was clear that the business couldn’t operate. Staff were on-site but unable to work, and the property owner was understandably anxious about how long the issue might take to fix.
We began by carrying out a series of tests across the circuits using specialist diagnostic equipment. Straight away, we could see that something wasn’t right. We traced the issue back to a specific ring main — one that ran to a bank of sockets behind a commercial fridge freezer.
At this point, things got serious.
We isolated the fridge and began investigating the wiring behind it. Once we removed the back panel, we found the culprit: a badly damaged electrical cable that had melted and started to carbonise.
The insulation had burned through. The cable had become so hot it was starting to degrade, and the damage had extended along the wiring inside the wall. Not only had this caused the power loss, but it had the potential to spark a serious electrical fire.
What Caused It?
After examining the installation, it became clear that the wiring had not been adequately protected — and that previous electrical work hadn’t been carried out to the correct standard.
The client had no record of a recent EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), which meant no one had inspected the property’s electrical system for several years. If they had, this issue could have been identified before it ever reached this dangerous stage.
How We Fixed the Power Outage for a Commercial Kitchen
Our first priority was to make the system safe. We isolated the affected circuit and carefully removed the damaged cable. From there, we replaced the entire length of wiring and refitted the socket with appropriate shielding and containment.
We then carried out a full round of safety checks, re-tested the system, and got everything back up and running. The business was able to resume operations the same day.
But I didn’t just stop there.
Once we resolved the immediate fault, I spoke with the business owner about the wider risks and what they could do to prevent future emergencies like this one.
The Importance of EICRs for Commercial Businesses
I can’t stress this enough: if you run a commercial premises, you need to have regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) carried out by a qualified electrician.
Here’s why:
- Legal and insurance requirements: Many insurers and local authorities require businesses to have an up-to-date EICR to meet health and safety obligations.
- Early fault detection: EICRs identify overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and deterioration before they become dangerous — or expensive.
- Peace of mind: Regular inspections keep your staff, customers, and property safe from preventable electrical hazards.
- Compliance: For landlords and commercial property owners, EICRs are a legal requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
In this case, the business had unknowingly been operating with a serious fault. If we hadn’t responded when we did, the outcome could have been far worse.
Our Recommendations: Don’t Wait for an Emergency
After the repair, I advised the client to book a full EICR Condition Report as soon as possible. In fact, we carried one out for them a few days later.
During the report, we found several additional issues:
- Overloaded sockets
- Loose terminations
- Evidence of heat damage in other areas
All of these could have escalated into major faults if left unchecked. We corrected them quickly, and the client now has peace of mind knowing their electrics are up to standard.
Why Choose Heritage Electrical for Emergency Call-Outs and EICRs?
At Heritage Electrical, we specialise in rapid emergency call-out services for commercial and domestic clients across Devon and the South West. With years of experience and full NICEIC accreditation, we’re equipped to deal with all types of electrical emergencies — from blown fuse boards and tripping circuits to more complex faults like the one we’ve just discussed.
We pride ourselves on our friendly, honest, and professional service. No jargon, no hidden costs — just safe, efficient solutions.
And when it comes to EICRs? We offer detailed, no-nonsense reports with clear recommendations and same-day quotations for any remedial work required. Whether you’re a shop owner, office manager, landlord, or warehouse operator, we can help you stay compliant and protect your property.
Don’t Get Caught Out – Book Your Inspection Today
If you haven’t had an EICR carried out in the last 5 years — or the last 12 months for higher-risk environments — you could be putting your business at risk.
Don’t wait for an emergency to strike. Get in touch with us today and book a safety inspection or discuss your emergency call-out needs.
We’re available 24/7 for emergency electrical repairs — because when the power goes out, you need someone you can rely on.
