Electrical Inspection

Power that cuts out without warning, sockets that feel warm or circuits that keep tripping can all leave people feeling uneasy about their electrics. If you are searching for an electrical inspection in London, you are usually looking for two things at once. You want to know your home or business is safe, and you need the right paperwork to satisfy insurers, lenders or local authorities. First Action specialises in electrical safety checks for both houses and commercial property, combining over twenty years of experience with clear reporting and fair, transparent pricing.

When should I book an electrical inspection

Every installation benefits from regular electrical testing to confirm that it is safe for daily use. For owner occupied homes, engineers typically recommend a full inspection at least every ten years, or sooner if there are signs of damage, water leaks or unexplained faults. In rental property, landlords should arrange an inspection at least every five years, and often at each change of tenancy.

An electrical safety check is also strongly advised when a property is bought or sold, when it is first let out, or after events such as fire or flooding. Once the inspection is complete, the engineer will issue an electrical certificate confirming whether the installation is satisfactory or whether remedial work is needed.

What happens during an electrical inspection

During an inspection, a qualified NICEIC electrician carries out a structured series of visual checks and instrument tests on the fixed wiring. Consumer units, circuits, sockets, switches and protective devices are reviewed to see whether they are correctly installed and performing as intended. Test results and observations are then recorded in an electrical condition report, often referred to as an EICR report.

Each issue is coded so you can see which items require urgent attention and which can be scheduled for a later date. This approach helps owners and landlords plan maintenance realistically while keeping people and property safe.

How often should electrics be inspected in London

Legal requirements and best practice vary according to property type. In most rented homes, landlord electrical safety regulations require a full inspection at least every five years. Some higher risk buildings, such as HMOs or premises with heavy electrical loads, may be inspected more frequently.

For homeowners, a ten year interval is common, although older wiring or visible damage may justify shorter gaps. Commercial property often follows different time frames based on usage and industry standards. First Action discusses your specific building and recommends an interval that reflects both current rules and real world use.

Why choose First Action for electrical inspection

First Action provides fully qualified Part P 18th edition engineers who meet all legal requirements for carrying out electrical work safely and effectively. As an NICEIC approved contractor, the company operates under a Government Approved Scheme, which gives additional reassurance that testing methods, equipment and paperwork are regularly audited.

The team carries out inspections across houses, flats, HMOs, offices and shops, and can issue follow up certificates for landlords, business owners and anyone involved in property transactions. Where faults are discovered, you receive a clear explanation, a written quotation and support with any remedial work needed to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Choosing a qualified contractor for your next electrical inspection gives you confidence that your property is safe, compliant and properly documented. Whether you own a single flat or manage a wider portfolio, booking an inspection with an experienced London specialist helps protect people, meet legal duties and keep your electrics working as they should.

Which London areas are covered for electrical inspections

First Action carries out electrical inspection work across Greater London, including Barking, Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, the City of London, the City of Westminster, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and many nearby districts. This coverage makes it easier for landlords with multiple properties to coordinate inspections through one contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a formal document issued after testing the fixed wiring in a property. The certificate confirms whether the installation is safe for continued use or whether remedial work is required.

Inspections should be completed by a competent person, ideally an NICEIC electrician or similar registered contractor who has the training, equipment and insurance to test installations correctly.

Yes. In England, landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in every rented home is inspected and tested at least every five years, with a valid EICR report available for tenants and local authorities.

Most standard homes can be inspected within a few hours. Larger buildings or sites with many circuits may take longer because each board and circuit needs individual testing.

Yes. On request, First Action can provide portable appliance testing alongside fixed wiring inspections, which is particularly useful for furnished rentals and workplaces.

- We are fully qualified, licensed and insured -

Contact us today to enquire about or gas or electric services, or to get a free quote. Our team are ready and waiting to help.

Contact us today to enquire about or gas or electric services, or to get a free quote. Our team are ready and waiting to help.