A visual electrical inspection is a survey of your electrical wiring system. It is used to identify defects, damage or deterioration of the electrical installation and to determine whether it complies with the current BS7671 electrical safety standard. This type of inspection does not involve any circuit testing, therefore, on is own, it cannot whether the installation is completely safe for continued use.

An annual visual inspection is designed to ensure that:

  • Electrical leads are checked for damage and repairs and also that they are not in a position where they can be damaged
  • All electrical appliances are working
  • Extension leads are being used correctly.
  • Plugs and sockets are intact i.e. not cracked or damaged, with no discolouration or burn marks.
  • Socket outlets are not over loaded.
  • Light sockets and switches are securely fitted with no discolouration or burn marks.
  • Bathroom electrical outlets are at least 3 metres from the edge of a bath or shower cubicle and those electric heaters and boilers are permanently wired. They should not be free standing or portable.

Visual electrical checks are best used during the interim period between testing regimes to ensure that an installation remains in a ‘safe to use’ state. They are not to be used as a replacement for the formal periodic inspection tests as advised by the institute of Engineering and Technology. Here is an example of our visual electrical safety report.