Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United Kingdom. A thorough electrical safety inspection helps you identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with current regulations, and protect your family from the risks of faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated installations. This checklist provides a systematic approach to assessing the electrical safety of your home, whether you are a homeowner, buyer, or landlord.
Why Electrical Safety Inspections Matter
Electrical systems degrade over time. Wiring insulation deteriorates, connections loosen, and the demands placed on domestic electrical systems increase with every new appliance and device. The Institution of Engineering and Technology recommends that domestic electrical installations are inspected every ten years for owner-occupied properties and every five years for rental properties. An Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies deficiencies and prioritises them by risk level, giving you a clear action plan. Beyond safety, an up-to-date electrical inspection also supports property valuations, mortgage applications, and insurance claims.
The Home Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist
Consumer Unit and Main Switch
The consumer unit is the heart of your electrical system. It distributes power throughout the property and provides critical protection against electrical faults. Modern standards require specific safety features that older installations may lack.
- Check the consumer unit is accessible, clearly labelled, and mounted securely
- Verify RCD protection is fitted and test each RCD using the built-in test button
- Inspect for any signs of overheating such as discolouration, burnt smells, or melted plastic
- Confirm the consumer unit enclosure is made of non-combustible material as required by current regulations
- Check that all circuit breakers are correctly rated for their respective circuits
Wiring and Cable Routes
The condition of your wiring determines the overall safety of the installation. Older wiring systems, particularly those with rubber or lead-sheathed cables, present a significantly higher risk of faults and fires.
- Identify the wiring type and age — modern PVC twin-and-earth is the current standard
- Look for any exposed wiring in accessible areas including lofts, under floors, and behind appliances
- Check cable routes for damage from rodents, physical impact, or improper installation
- Verify that cables passing through walls or joists are protected with grommets or conduit
Power Sockets and Switches
Sockets and switches are the most frequently used components of your electrical system. Damaged or faulty units can cause electric shocks, arcing, and fire. Every socket and switch in the property should be inspected.
- Test every socket with a plug-in socket tester to verify correct wiring polarity and earth connection
- Check for cracked faceplates, loose fixings, scorch marks, or a burning smell at any socket
- Verify that sockets in kitchens and bathrooms are positioned at safe distances from water sources
- Ensure no sockets are overloaded with multiple adaptors or extension leads used permanently
- Inspect outdoor sockets for weatherproof enclosures and RCD protection
Lighting Circuits and Fittings
Lighting circuits typically carry lower current than power circuits but are no less important. Faulty light fittings, particularly recessed downlights, can generate excessive heat and become fire hazards.
- Test every light switch and verify that all fittings illuminate correctly without flickering
- Check recessed downlights for correct fire-rated enclosures and adequate clearance from insulation
- Inspect bathroom lighting to confirm it meets the IP rating requirements for wet zones
- Verify outdoor lighting is weatherproof and connected to a protected circuit
Earthing and Bonding
The earthing system provides a safe path for fault current to flow, enabling protective devices to disconnect the supply quickly. Bonding connects metal services to the earth system to prevent electric shock from indirect contact.
- Verify the main earthing conductor is securely connected and correctly sized
- Check main bonding connections to gas, water, and oil supply pipes at their entry points
- Inspect supplementary bonding in bathrooms connecting exposed metalwork to earth
- Look for evidence of broken or disconnected earth connections at any point in the system
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Electrically connected alarm systems provide more reliable protection than battery-only units. Current building regulations require specific alarm provision in all residential properties.
- Verify smoke alarms are fitted on every floor and test each unit using the test button
- Check carbon monoxide alarms are positioned near gas appliances and in sleeping areas
- Confirm alarms are interconnected so that activation of one triggers all units in the property
- Inspect alarm units for expiry dates and replace any that have exceeded their service life
External and Garden Electrics
External electrical installations face harsher conditions and require additional weatherproofing and protection. Garden lighting, external sockets, and outbuilding supplies all require specific attention.
- Check all external sockets are RCD protected and fitted with weatherproof enclosures
- Inspect garden lighting cables for damage from gardening tools, weather, or animal activity
- Verify any electric car charging points are properly installed with correct protection
- Check outbuilding electrical supplies for correct isolation and appropriate cable ratings
Appliance Safety
While individual appliances are the homeowner's responsibility rather than part of the fixed installation, a comprehensive safety inspection should include a visual check of major appliances.
- Check appliance flexes for damage, fraying, or improper repairs using tape
- Verify plugs are correctly fused and not cracked or damaged
- Ensure appliances that require earthing have three-pin plugs correctly wired
- Look for recalls or safety notices on older appliances from manufacturers
Best Practices for Electrical Safety
- Commission a full Electrical Installation Condition Report every ten years for owned homes
- Never attempt electrical repairs yourself unless you are a qualified electrician
- Keep a record of all electrical work carried out on the property with certificates
- Replace any electrical installation component that shows signs of damage immediately
- Avoid permanent use of extension leads — install additional sockets where needed
- Register all notifiable electrical work with your local building control department
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets provides a structured digital checklist for electrical safety inspections that guides you through every area of your property systematically. Use your phone or tablet to complete the checklist room by room, attaching photographs of any concerns you identify. Flag items by severity so you can prioritise which issues need immediate professional attention and which can be monitored. Store your inspection records alongside copies of your EICR and other certificates for a complete electrical safety file. For landlords managing multiple properties, Checksheets helps you track inspection schedules and compliance deadlines across your entire portfolio from a single dashboard.
Electrical safety is not something to overlook or delay. A regular inspection protects lives, prevents fires, and gives you peace of mind. Start your free checklist now and ensure your home meets the highest safety standards.