An in-room electricals checklist for refurbishments

Electrical items are where hotel purchasing most often goes wrong, usually because certification and plug standards were assumed rather than specified.

Confirm voltage and frequency for the destination market, the plug type, and the certification your insurer requires: CE, UKCA, GS, ROHS or ETL depending on region.

For kettles, insist on cool touch double wall construction, boil dry protection and a food grade 304 stainless interior. For hair dryers, check wall mount options, thermal cut-out and noise level.

For safes, look at bolt-down points, override key management and audit trail. For minibars, absorption units are silent and suit guest rooms, while compressor units cool faster for suites and pantries.

Finally, agree spare part supply and warranty terms in writing. An in-room appliance is only as good as the service programme behind it.