What Is Checked During Electrical Inspections?
Electrical inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your property’s electrical systems. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, understanding what happens during an electrical inspection is essential. This comprehensive guide explores the key components and processes involved…
Tell us what you need and we will come back to you the same working day.
NAPIT ApprovedMember 66463
Competent PersonRegistered, electrical
Electrical inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your property’s electrical systems. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, understanding what happens during an electrical inspection is essential.
This comprehensive guide explores the key components and processes involved in a thorough electrical inspection, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate this critical assessment.
Key Components of an Electrical Inspection
During an electrical inspection, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), a qualified electrician will examine various aspects of your property’s electrical system. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Visual Inspection
The electrician begins with a thorough visual assessment of your electrical installation. This includes checking for:
- Visible damage to wiring, outlets, and switches
- Signs of overheating or burning
- Outdated components that may need replacement
- Proper labelling of circuits and consumer units
2. Wiring and Outlet Inspection
A detailed examination of the property’s wiring and outlets is conducted to ensure:
- Proper earthing and bonding
- Correct wiring connections
- Adequate insulation
- Appropriate placement of outlets, especially in wet areas
3. Electrical Panel and Circuit Breaker Assessment
The inspector will carefully evaluate your electrical panel and circuit breakers, checking for:
- Proper capacity to handle the property’s electrical load
- Functionality of circuit breakers and fuses
- Presence of RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for added protection
4. Testing Procedures
Various tests are performed to assess the safety and functionality of your electrical system:
Dead Tests
- Ring circuit loop impedance
- Insulation resistance
- Continuity testing
Live Tests
- Polarity testing
- Earth fault loop impedance testing
- RCD testing
5. Lighting Fixtures and Appliances Inspection
The electrician will examine:
- Proper installation of lighting fixtures
- Functionality of switches and dimmers
- RCD protection in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens
6. Electrical Service Entrance and Meter Base Evaluation
This includes checking:
- Condition of the service mast, weatherhead, and service cable
- Proper earthing and bonding of the service entrance
- Secure installation and accessibility of the metre base
The EICR Report
Upon completion of the inspection, you’ll receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This crucial document will:
- Classify the overall condition as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’
- Detail any observations affecting safety
- List any required improvements
- Provide fault codes for identified issues:
- C1: Danger present, immediate action required
- C2: Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action needed
- C3: Improvement recommended
- FI: Further investigation required
Legal Requirements and Frequency of Inspections
For landlords in England, it’s now a legal requirement to have an EICR conducted every five years for rental properties. While not legally mandated for homeowners, it’s highly recommended to have an EICR performed when purchasing a property and periodically thereafter.
Duration of an Electrical Inspection
The time required for an electrical inspection can vary depending on:
- Property size
- Number of circuits
- Complexity of the electrical installation
- Any issues discovered during the inspection
As a general guideline, allow approximately 30 minutes per circuit for a thorough inspection.
Preparing for an Electrical Inspection
To ensure a smooth inspection process:
- Ensure all electrical outlets and switches are accessible
- Clear areas around the consumer unit and metre
- Have any previous EICR reports available for the electrician
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is checked during an electrical inspection helps you appreciate the importance of this crucial safety measure. Regular electrical inspections not only ensure the safety of your property and its occupants but also help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
At DH Electrical, our team of experienced electricians in Liverpool is committed to providing thorough and professional electrical inspections. We ensure your property’s electrical systems meet all necessary safety standards and regulations. Contact DH Electrical today to schedule your comprehensive electrical inspection and enjoy peace of mind knowing your property’s electrical systems are in good hands.
Related Articles:
• A Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
• What is 5 Year Electrical Testing?
• What Happens if You Fail an Electrical Inspection?
What this guide is based on
The standards, rules and job records behind the figures above.
- BS 7671:2018+A2:2022. The wiring regulations every inspection is coded against, so C1, C2 and C3 mean the same thing whoever carries out the test.
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. The five year inspection duty and the 28 day rule for giving tenants a copy of the report.
- NAPIT scheme rules. What an approved contractor has to hold, record and report, including the certification we issue after every job.
- Our own job records across Liverpool and Merseyside. The figures above come from work we have actually priced and carried out, not from a national average.
Checked on 28 September 2024 by Dave Harvey, NAPIT approved contractor, member 66463. Rules change, so if you are reading this a long way after that date, give us a ring and we will tell you where it stands.
Related reading
Common EICR Failures and How to Prevent Them
Electrical safety stands as a cornerstone of property maintenance, with Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) serving as the primary health check for…
Inspection & Testing
Understanding the Different Types of Electrical Certificates in the UK
Navigating the world of electrical certificates in the UK can feel like wading through a complex maze of regulations and paperwork. For…
Inspection & Testing
How to Test Electrical Outlet with Digital Multimeter
Testing electrical outlets is a crucial aspect of home maintenance and safety. Whilst it may seem daunting at first, using a digital…
The work behind it
Electrical Inspection & Testing
Full Electrical Installation Condition Reports for landlords, homeowners and businesses, with the certificate issued within 24 hours and remedials priced up front.
Fuseboard Upgrades
Swapping out old rewireable fuses and tired boards for a modern RCBO unit, tested, certified and notified under Part P within 36 hours.
Landlord Electricians
EICRs, fire alarm testing and emergency lighting for rented property across Liverpool, booked around your tenants and certified the same week.
