Well prepared for the electrical safety check
Making the distribution board, documents and equipment accessible before the appointment significantly shortens the inspection time. This page shows what's needed for that.
Most of the inspection time isn't spent on measurements, but on searching: for the key to the meter cabinet, for the old report, for someone who can say which circuit leads where. With a little preparation, this part can be avoided almost entirely — and the appointment stays focused on what you actually called us for.
Four steps before the appointment
Most customers take care of these four points the evening before in about fifteen minutes — and, by experience, save considerably more time on the day of the inspection.
- 1
Make the distribution board accessible
We need clear standing space in front of the meter cabinet and the sub-distribution board to remove the cover and work with the measuring device. Clear away cabinets, drying racks or boxes in front of it, and have the key ready in case the distribution board is locked or located in a basement room belonging to someone else.
- 2
Have documents ready
Anything that gives information about the system helps: the report from the last inspection, wiring diagrams, invoices for past renovations. A stack on the kitchen table is enough — we'll sort out ourselves what's relevant for the inspection.
- 3
Keep devices accessible
If portable devices are also to be inspected, gather them in one place — tools, extension cords, coffee machines, chargers. Permanently connected devices such as instant water heaters or stoves must be freely accessible, not hidden behind built-in units.
- 4
Name a contact person
During the inspection, individual circuits are briefly switched off. For this we need someone on site who can decide which areas may be without power, and when — for rental properties, the caretaker with access to all rooms is also a good option.
Documents that help
Paper doesn't replace measurement, but it saves us from re-measuring things that are already documented. If something is missing, we'll still carry out the inspection — it will just take longer.
Worth looking for
- Report from the last inspection — shows what was already flagged at that time and whether the defect has been fixed.
- Wiring diagram or circuit diagram — for older systems, often the only source showing how the distribution board was originally set up.
- Device list — a simple list of the devices to be inspected, with their location; this way, nothing is left over that no one can find.
- Circuit directory — the labelling of the fuses, in case it isn't stuck onto the distribution board itself.
- Invoices for renovations — additional sockets installed later, new wiring runs, or an expanded sub-distribution board.
- Information on usage — whether a workshop, outdoor area, bathroom or server room is involved; this changes the scope of the inspection.
From practice
Common findings and what they mean
During the E-Check, certain defects come up again and again, especially in buildings from the 1960s to 1980s. We record every finding with its measured value and exact location, so you can understand the condition of your system.
We also distinguish whether immediate action is required or whether later remediation is sufficient.
Documentation
The inspection report after the appointment
After completing the visual inspection, measurements and functional test, we prepare an inspection report.
It includes all inspected circuits, measured values such as loop impedance and the trip time of the residual current device, as well as the date, inspector and measuring device used. If defects are found, we add a list of defects ordered by urgency. Property management companies receive the reports bundled by residential unit.
What the report includes
- List of inspected circuits with designation in the distribution board
- Measured values for insulation resistance, loop resistance and protective conductor connection
- Tripping current and tripping time of the residual current devices
- Type and number of the measuring device used, including calibration date
- Inspection date, name of the inspector and site address
How to use it going forward
- As proof for your insurer or landlord regarding questions about the installation
- As the basis for our quote to fix the noted defects
- As a starting point for planning a future electrical renovation
- As a reminder: on request, we note the next inspection date
- As documentation of the condition on the inspection day in case of sale or handover
Ready for your E-Check?
We'll schedule an appointment and let you know in advance what should be ready.