Around 30 facilities were inspected in the fall of 2017 and the results showed a number of deficiencies.

During the summer of 2017, the Swedish Electricity Safety Authority started a preliminary study to get an idea of the status of the electrical installations and whether the owner is aware of the laws and regulations that apply. The aim was also to see if there was a need to change the rules in the regulations (ELSÄK-FS-2008:3).

Common with flaws

During the inspection visits, a number of deficiencies were identified, including regarding the ongoing maintenance of the electrical installations and that the owners generally do not live up to the responsibility they have for their high-voltage installation. The inspection revealed poorer maintenance and more serious deficiencies in older buildings of approximately 20-80 rooms, often where the business operator and property owner were the same.

Here are some typical remarks found that affect electrical safety:

– Electrical installations lack ground fault circuit interrupters where regulations require them, for example for renovated bathrooms/showers.

– Engine heater sockets are worn and have broken contact guards or lack ground fault circuit interrupters where required.

– Plugs with inadequate strain reliefs are common, which in some cases means that parts that can cause electric shock can be accessed.

– Deficiencies in public areas are generally addressed, but minor faults are neglected due to poor routines for checking and maintaining the electrical system. In secondary spaces such as basements, storage rooms, etc., there are worn-out, flickering fluorescent lamps with a risk of overheating that can lead to fire.

– The deficiencies that we identified during the inspection have been addressed immediately. According to our information, the owners have shown a willingness to modernize older installations. The effect of the inspection has therefore been clear and the provision of information has likely resulted in an improvement in electrical safety for the facility owner and of course the guests, says Mikael Carlson, technical expert at the Swedish Electricity Safety Authority.

The review continues

The Swedish Electricity Safety Authority plans to continue the inspection of an additional 70 hotels and guesthouses, geographically distributed in Sweden, in 2018.

– We will primarily check whether those who run hotels and guesthouses have understood their responsibilities regarding the ongoing inspection, but also that other regulations are being complied with. Hotels and guesthouses are normally exposed to greater wear and tear than private homes, and therefore it may also be justified to have regular and documented special inspections of the electrical system, says Mikael Carlson.

The results of the entire survey will be published in a report in the fall of 2018.