Guides on electrical engineering at home

Clear signs are screw-type fuses in the distribution board instead of circuit breakers, black toggle switches, sockets without an earth contact, and fabric-covered cables. A distribution board without a residual current device (RCD) is another indicator: the RCD switches off when current flows through a person or a damp wall. Often the number of circuits is also too low — in buildings from the 1960s, a single circuit frequently supplies an entire floor. We assess this on site and record the condition in writing.

The E-Check is a standards-compliant inspection of fixed installations and portable devices. We start with a visual inspection of the distribution board, cable routes, sockets, and switches. We then measure: continuity of the protective conductor, insulation resistance of the circuits, loop impedance to assess disconnection conditions, as well as the trip current and trip time of each RCD. Finally, you receive a test report with all measured values and, if necessary, a list of defects with priority levels.

For private residential buildings there is no legally mandated interval; a repeat inspection is recommended roughly every four years, and always when ownership changes. Rented properties fall under the owner's duty of care — here we typically work with property management companies on a four-year cycle. In commercial settings, DGUV Regulation 3 applies: portable devices annually to every two years depending on conditions of use, fixed installations at longer intervals. The specific deadline is determined by the risk assessment.

Usually not. We work room by room and need about one meter of clear space along the walls, plus unobstructed access to the distribution board and meter cabinet. We cover sensitive furniture and electronics, and extract drilling dust directly at the router. It helps to take pictures and shelves down from the affected walls and let us know in advance which rooms need to remain usable, and when — for example a child's room or home office. We coordinate the schedule with you before starting.

The largest share is the effort involved in cable routing: surface-mounted installation in cable trunking is cheaper than chasing, chiseling, and replastering masonry. The number of new circuits, the size and layout of the distribution board, special items such as wallbox preparation or network sockets, and accessibility also play a role — old buildings with clay plaster take more time than drywall. We provide a quote with itemized positions and quantities rather than a flat rate, so any additions remain traceable.

First check whether only one circuit is affected or the whole apartment, and whether neighbors are also without power — in that case it's a grid issue. If the RCD has tripped, disconnect all loads on the affected circuit and switch it back on once. If it trips again, leave it off and call our emergency service. Do not open any covers and do not replace fuses with stronger ones. Have your address and meter number ready.