It’s not uncommon for us to put our electrics at the back of our minds until something goes wrong. We often don’t even think about having an electrical inspection until there is a problem – at which point a simple inspection is often too late.

Experts recommend that you hire an electrician to carry out an electrical inspection at least every 10 years. That is, if you live in the property. If you own a property that you rent out, you should have an inspection every 5 years.

As long as you hire a good electrician, you won’t have any problems with your inspection. But to get the most out of it, there are some simple tips you can follow to ensure you’re clued up about what condition your property is in.

Don’t be afraid to ask about safety

All good electricians will make sure that your electrical installation is safe. But don’t be afraid to ask questions about what they’re doing. They should check that all your panels and circuits are insulated to reduce the risk of shocks.

The electrical inspector should also make sure that your electric panelling isn’t installed near anywhere damp or wet.

Ask about Building Regulations

If you know that your wiring is old, ask your electrician if it complies with the current Building Regulations. If they don’t meet the current standards, selling your property might be difficult.

It might be worth looking into a full electrical rewire if your installation is very old, as it could begin to become unsafe.

Ask about the current and voltage

To keep you and your family safe, you should understand the current and voltage that travels through your circuitry. Ask your electrician what current and voltage you’re running on.

To stop your installation from suffering from short-circuits and fluctuations in voltage, you must make sure you connect appliances to the right circuitry. Appliances that use lots of electricity include washing machines and televisions, so take care to ensure you install these properly.

Check your electrician’s work before they leave

When your electrician has completed the electrical inspection, make sure all your panels are working properly. If they have carried out any repairs, make sure your electrician shows you what they have done.

The electrician should also give you an Electrical Condition Report (EICR), which outlines all the repairs and checks that the electrician made.

If you need an electrician to carry out an electrical inspection, we can help. Just fill in the form below and we’ll put you in touch