Whether you're buying a property, taking on a new commercial premises, completing a new electrical installation, or simply want to know the condition of the electrics in a building you're responsible for, a professional electrical inspection and test is the only reliable way to get a clear and accurate picture. At LC Electrical Installations, we carry out electrical inspection and testing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients across London and surrounding areas, providing thorough, properly documented assessments carried out by qualified, NICEIC-approved electricians.
Electrical inspection and testing is the process by which a qualified electrician assesses the condition, safety, and compliance of an electrical installation. It involves a combination of visual inspection and physical testing of the installation's components, circuits, and protective devices to determine whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition and meets the requirements of BS 7671.
Inspection and testing are carried out in several different contexts. Periodic inspection and testing assesses the condition of an existing installation at regular intervals, identifying any deterioration, damage, or non-compliance that has developed over time. This is the basis of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which is covered in detail on our dedicated EICR page. New installation testing is carried out on completion of any new electrical installation or significant alteration, confirming that the work has been correctly installed and is safe to energise and use. Pre-purchase and pre-letting inspections give buyers, landlords, and letting agents a clear picture of the electrical condition of a property before a transaction completes or a tenancy begins. Commercial and industrial installation testing covers the more complex testing requirements of larger, higher-demand electrical systems, including distribution boards, three-phase supplies, and specialist equipment.
At LC Electrical Installations, we carry out all forms of electrical inspection and testing for residential, commercial, and industrial clients across London and the surrounding counties. Every inspection and test is carried out by our qualified electricians, fully documented, and reported in a clear and straightforward way.
A professional inspection and test gives you a factual, evidence-based picture of the condition of your electrical installation. Rather than guessing or assuming, you know exactly what you're dealing with and what, if anything, needs attention.
Electrical faults that develop gradually over time are often invisible to the untrained eye. Inspection and testing identifies issues with insulation, connections, protective devices, and earthing that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire if left undetected.
For new installations, testing confirms that the work has been carried out correctly and meets the requirements of BS 7671 before the installation is put into use. For existing installations, periodic inspection verifies ongoing compliance with current standards.
Pre-purchase and pre-letting electrical inspections give buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants clarity on the condition of the electrical installation, reducing the risk of disputes and unexpected costs arising after a transaction completes.
For commercial and industrial premises, documented inspection and testing records are an important part of demonstrating compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Many insurers also expect evidence of regular inspection and testing as part of their policy conditions.
The findings of an inspection and test give you the information you need to make informed decisions about whether remedial works are required, what those works should prioritise, and how urgently they need to be addressed.
LC Electrical Installations carries out a wide range of electrical inspection and testing services for different client types and situations. Here is an overview of the main types of inspection and testing work we undertake:
On completion of any new electrical installation or significant alteration, a full inspection and test is carried out to verify that the work has been correctly installed, is safe to use, and meets the requirements of BS 7671. This results in the issue of an Electrical Installation Certificate, which is an essential document for the client's records, their insurer, and any future sale or letting of the property. All LC Electrical installations are tested and certified as a matter of course on completion.
Periodic inspection and testing assesses the condition of an existing electrical installation at regular intervals, identifying any deterioration, damage, defects, or non-compliance. The outcome of a periodic inspection is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which classifies any observed issues and provides recommendations for remedial action. For further detail on EICRs specifically, see our dedicated EICR Condition Reports page.
Buying a property without knowing the condition of the electrical installation is a risk. A pre-purchase electrical inspection gives buyers an independent, professional assessment of the electrics before they commit to a purchase. If significant issues are identified, this information can inform negotiations on price or form the basis of a requirement for remedial works to be carried out before completion. It's a straightforward step that can prevent expensive surprises after the keys change hands.
For landlords preparing a property for a new tenancy, a pre-letting inspection confirms the condition of the electrical installation and provides the documentation needed to meet landlord electrical safety obligations. This is particularly important where a property has been vacant, has recently undergone works, or where it has been some time since the last formal inspection.
Commercial electrical installations are typically more complex than domestic ones, with larger distribution systems, more circuits, and higher electrical loads. We carry out thorough inspection and testing of commercial electrical installations for businesses, landlords, facilities managers, and property management companies across the region, providing clear reports and recommendations in straightforward language.
Industrial electrical installations present the most demanding inspection and testing requirements, with three-phase systems, complex distribution networks, high-load machinery supplies, and specialist equipment all requiring careful assessment. We carry out electrical inspection and testing for industrial facilities of all sizes, working around operational requirements where possible and producing full documentation on completion.
Where a full periodic inspection is not required but there are specific concerns about the condition of a consumer unit or distribution board, we carry out focused inspections of these critical components to assess their condition and identify any issues requiring attention.
Arranging an electrical inspection and test is a straightforward process, but there are a few things worth knowing before you proceed.
The time required for an inspection and test varies depending on the size and complexity of the installation. A typical domestic property takes a few hours. Larger commercial and industrial premises will take longer, and for larger sites we will agree a programme of works before starting.
For a thorough inspection and test to be carried out, access to all areas of the property is required, including the consumer unit or distribution board, all circuits, and accessible wiring. Where access is restricted, this will be noted in the report. It is also worth being aware that during testing, individual circuits will be isolated temporarily, which means that power to certain areas of the property will be briefly interrupted. For commercial and industrial clients, we discuss how to manage this with minimal disruption to operations before the inspection takes place.
The outcome of an inspection and test will be one of two things: either a clean bill of health confirming the installation is in satisfactory condition, or a report identifying observations, recommendations, or required remedial actions. Where issues are identified, they are classified according to their severity. We always explain findings clearly and in plain language, and we are happy to carry out any recommended remedial works.
At LC Electrical Installations, we aim to make the inspection and testing process as smooth and straightforward as possible, from booking through to the delivery of your report.
At LC Electrical Installations, we carry out every electrical inspection and test with the thoroughness and attention to detail the job demands. An inspection that misses something, or a report that is unclear and hard to act on, is of limited value to anyone. We take the time to do the job properly, document our findings accurately, and present the results in a way that is genuinely useful.
Our electricians are qualified, NICEIC-approved, and experienced across all types of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. We understand what we're looking for and know how to assess the significance of what we find. Every inspection and test we carry out is backed by clear, written documentation that you can rely on for compliance, insurance, and property transaction purposes.
We carry out electrical inspection and testing services across London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Middlesex. Whether you need a pre-purchase inspection, a new installation test, or a full periodic inspection of a commercial or industrial premises, LC Electrical Installations is ready to help.
1. Enquiry & Discussion of Inspection Requirements
2. Agreed Scope, Access Requirements & Scheduling
3. Visual Inspection of the Electrical Installation
4. Circuit Testing — Continuity, Insulation Resistance & Polarity
5. RCD & Protective Device Testing
6. Assessment of Consumer Unit / Distribution Board Condition
7. Review of Findings Against BS 7671 Requirements
8. Full Written Report Issued with Findings & Recommendations
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the document produced as the outcome of a periodic inspection and test of an existing installation. The inspection and test is the process; the EICR is the formal report that results from it. For new installations, the outcome is an Electrical Installation Certificate rather than an EICR. For more detail on EICRs specifically, see our dedicated EICR Condition Reports page.
For a typical domestic property, an inspection and test takes between two and four hours depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Larger commercial and industrial premises will take longer. We will give you a clear indication of the time required when you book.
During testing, individual circuits will need to be isolated temporarily, meaning power to certain areas of the property will be briefly interrupted. For domestic properties this is generally a short inconvenience. For commercial and industrial clients, we discuss how to manage the testing programme to minimise disruption to operations before the inspection takes place.
Any issues found during the inspection are classified according to their severity and recorded in the report. We explain all findings clearly and in plain language. Where remedial works are recommended or required, we are happy to provide a quotation to carry them out.
Yes. A pre-purchase electrical inspection gives buyers a clear, independent assessment of the condition of the electrical installation before they complete on a purchase. It is a straightforward and sensible step that can prevent costly surprises after the keys change hands.
Yes. We carry out electrical inspection and testing for commercial premises and industrial facilities of all sizes across London and the Home Counties, producing full documentation on completion and working around operational requirements where possible.
For domestic rental properties, an EICR is required at least every five years. For owner-occupied homes, every ten years is generally recommended as a minimum. For commercial premises, every five years is the standard recommendation, though higher-risk environments may require more frequent inspection. For industrial premises, every three years is commonly recommended. We will advise on the right interval for your specific installation.
Yes. For new installations, you will receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. For periodic inspections of existing installations, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report. Both documents are important records for your property and should be kept safely.
Whether you need a pre-purchase inspection, a test certificate for a new installation, or a full periodic inspection of a residential, commercial, or industrial premises, LC Electrical is ready to help. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for electrical inspection and testing services across London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Middlesex.
Our team is easy to deal with, thorough, and experienced across all types of electrical inspection and testing work. Get in touch today and tell us what you need and we'll take it from there.
