Most people don’t think much about their electrics — until something goes wrong. The lights flicker, a socket trips, or a fuse blows, and suddenly the wiring you never see becomes very important.
But electrical problems rarely happen overnight. They develop quietly over time — which is exactly why regular electrical inspections are so important.
Whether you own a home in Hartley Wintney, manage a rental property in Kingsclere, or run a business near Sherfield-on-Loddon, knowing when to get your electrics checked can save you money, stress, and in some cases, serious safety risks.
So, how often should you have them inspected? Let’s break it down.
The recommended inspection intervals
The official guidance comes from the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and the Electrical Safety Standards. Here’s what they say:
- Homeowners (domestic properties) – Every 10 years, or sooner if you notice signs of damage or have major work done.
- Rental properties (landlords) – Every 5 years, or at the start of each new tenancy if there’s a change in occupants.
- Commercial properties – Every 5 years as a minimum, but often more frequently depending on usage, risk, and insurance requirements.
- Industrial premises – Every 3 years, as heavy equipment and environmental factors can cause faster wear.
- Public buildings (schools, halls, offices, etc.) – Every 5 years, though some require more regular checks under their safety policies.
These intervals assume the installation is in good condition. If you’ve recently bought an older property, or if your wiring is more than 25 years old, it’s worth testing sooner.
What an electrical inspection involves
An inspection isn’t just a visual check. It’s a detailed test of your electrical installation, formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
During an EICR, a qualified electrician will:
- Test the condition of wiring, sockets, and switches
- Check consumer units, RCDs, and protective devices
- Inspect bonding and earthing arrangements
- Identify wear, damage, or unsafe alterations
- Record all results and classify any defects
You’ll then receive a report rating the installation as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
If issues are found, they’ll be coded according to severity — from C1 (danger present) to C3 (improvement recommended) — along with clear advice on what needs to be done next.
Signs your electrics may need checking sooner
Even if your last inspection was recent, there are certain signs that mean you shouldn’t wait until the next scheduled test:
- Lights flicker or dim for no reason
- Fuses blow regularly or breakers keep tripping
- Sockets feel warm or make buzzing noises
- There’s a burning smell near switches or outlets
- You’ve had building work or new high-demand appliances installed
If you notice any of these, it’s time to book a test — regardless of when your last inspection took place.
Why regular testing matters
Electrical inspections aren’t just about ticking a compliance box. They help you:
- Prevent fires and electrical accidents by spotting faults early
- Reduce repair costs by fixing small problems before they become major
- Stay compliant with landlord and insurance requirements
- Protect property value by maintaining a documented safety record
Many insurers now require proof of a recent EICR before renewing cover, particularly for commercial and rental properties.
Keeping on top of it
A good electrical contractor will remind you when your next inspection is due — and provide clear reports you can keep for your records.
At GU Solutions, we store digital copies for every customer, so whether you’re a homeowner in Alresford, a landlord in Tadley, or a business owner in Newbury, you’ll always have easy access to your safety documentation.
How GU Solutions helps
We’ve been inspecting, testing, and maintaining electrical installations across Basingstoke and surrounding areas for over 20 years.
As NICEIC Approved Contractors, we carry out EICRs for:
- Homes and rental properties
- Offices, warehouses, and retail units
- Schools, community centres, and public buildings
- Farms and light industrial premises
We test thoroughly, explain the results clearly, and handle any remedial work needed to bring your system up to standard — quickly and professionally.
Book your next inspection today
If it’s been more than five years since your last electrical inspection — or you’re not sure when it was — it’s time to book one.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or message us online to arrange your EICR or electrical safety check.
We’ll make sure your wiring is safe, compliant, and ready for whatever you plug in next.
Because in electrical safety, waiting too long often costs far more than checking on time.
