Electrical visual inspections do not include testing, so the inspection is not likely to find any hidden damage to equipment (for example damage to cables and joints).  A visual inspection report is only suitable if the electrical installation has been tested in the last couple of years, and the results were reported (on an electrical installation certificate or an electrical installation condition report (EICR)) as being satisfactory.

The average residential property takes up to around 4 hours to be inspected. These inspection reports provide a satisfactory or unsatisfactory result.  Where there is an unsatisfactory result, details on category of issues will be provided with a supporting quotation for rectification.

 

Visual inspection consist of the following checks to ensure that:

•  there are no broken or missing electrical components and accessories;

•  there are no exposed live parts;

•  there are no signs of burning at any of the electrical equipment;

•  protective main bonding is in place to incoming extraneous services;

•  the condition of the meter tails, consumer unit(s) and suppliers equipment is satisfactory.

This is not an exhaustive list of checks but should be done as a minimum.  Durham Electrics will also remove the consumer unit cover for a visual inspection of connected circuits.  We recommend you carry out visual inspections on rented accommodation where there has been a change in tenants within the last 2 years and any recorded C1 and/or C2 findings from a EICR have been fully rectified.  If in doubt we recommend that you carry out a full EICR.