Inspection of electrical installations

Inspection of electrical installations

Ensure your electrics are safe, compliant, and reliable

Electrical installations age, usage changes, and small faults can develop into serious hazards. A professional inspection helps you understand the real condition of your wiring, protective devices, and connected equipment so you can prevent outages, reduce fire risk, and keep people safe. Whether you are moving into a new property, renovating, or managing a workplace, a structured inspection provides clear answers and practical next steps.

What an electrical installation inspection includes

Our inspection covers the fixed electrical installation, focusing on safety, performance, and compliance with applicable standards. We combine visual checks with measured tests to verify that the system can operate safely under normal and fault conditions.

Visual assessment

  • Condition of distribution boards, breakers, fuses, and enclosures
  • Signs of overheating, burning, corrosion, moisture, or mechanical damage
  • Socket outlets, switches, light fittings, and connection points for damage or wear
  • Cable routing and protection, including exposed or unsupported wiring
  • Labelling, circuit identification, and accessibility for safe operation

Electrical testing and measurements

  • Continuity of protective conductors and bonding
  • Insulation resistance to detect breakdown in cable insulation
  • Earth fault loop impedance to confirm fault disconnection times
  • RCD operation tests for trip time and sensitivity
  • Polarity checks and verification of correct connections

Where appropriate, we also review load distribution and signs of overloading. If issues are found, we explain what they mean in plain language and outline suitable remedies using electrical safety services that match the risk level and your property needs.

When you should book an inspection

Some inspections are triggered by a specific event, while others are part of good property management. If any of the situations below apply, it is wise to schedule an assessment soon.

  • Buying or selling a home, especially older properties
  • After major renovation, extension, or rewiring work
  • Frequent tripping of breakers or RCDs, flickering lights, or buzzing sockets
  • Warm smells near outlets or visible discoloration on plates and panels
  • Adding high load equipment such as EV chargers, heat pumps, or workshop tools
  • Periodic checks for landlords, commercial units, and shared buildings

Even if nothing seems wrong, preventive inspections often uncover loose connections, incorrect protection, or deterioration that would otherwise remain hidden until a failure occurs.

Residential and commercial inspections

Homes and workplaces have different risk profiles. We tailor the scope and reporting to the property type, occupancy, and operational requirements.

For residential properties

We focus on circuit protection, earthing and bonding, safe use of sockets and lighting circuits, and any DIY alterations that may compromise safety. We also pay close attention to bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor circuits, and older fuse boards. If upgrades are recommended, we can coordinate electrical upgrades that improve safety without unnecessary disruption.

For commercial properties

We consider higher loads, three phase distribution where present, emergency lighting interfaces where applicable, and the condition of distribution equipment serving work areas. We aim to minimise downtime by planning access and, when possible, testing in stages. If urgent faults are identified, we can prioritise corrective actions through electrical maintenance services to restore compliance and reduce operational risk.

Your report and what happens next

After the inspection, you receive a clear written report outlining what was tested, what was observed, and any defects found. Each issue is typically categorised by urgency so you can make informed decisions. We include practical recommendations, from simple fixes such as replacing damaged accessories to more significant improvements like consumer unit upgrades or circuit corrections.

If remedial work is needed, we can provide a quotation and agree a schedule that fits your household or business operations. You stay in control of priorities and budget, and we remain available to answer questions about the findings, safety implications, and options for compliance.

How to prepare for an inspection

  • Make sure distribution boards and meters are accessible and not blocked
  • List any known issues, recent changes, or areas that have been problematic
  • Provide access to lofts, garages, outbuildings, and external sockets if applicable
  • Let us know about sensitive equipment or critical operations that cannot be interrupted

Some tests may require brief power interruptions. We will discuss this in advance and work to keep disruption to a minimum while ensuring the inspection remains thorough and reliable.

Booking an inspection of your electrical installation is a straightforward step that protects people, property, and equipment, and it provides the confidence that your electrics are operating as they should.

FAQ

How long does an electrical installation inspection take?

Most residential inspections take a few hours, depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Commercial sites can take longer, especially if testing must be phased to avoid downtime. We will confirm an estimated timeframe before we begin.

Will the power need to be turned off during testing?

Some tests require brief isolation of circuits to measure insulation resistance and verify protective devices. We plan these interruptions and keep them as short as possible. If you have critical equipment, tell us in advance so we can agree a safe approach.

What should I do if the inspection report lists urgent defects?

Urgent defects should be addressed quickly because they may present an immediate safety risk. We can explain the finding, isolate a dangerous circuit if needed, and provide a plan for repairs or upgrades. Once work is completed, we can retest to confirm the issue is resolved.