What Does the Inspector Check During an Electrical Inspection?
Documentation, visual inspection, measurements — learn point by point what the inspector actually checks and measures during an electrical inspection in Belgium.
Three areas: documentation, visual inspection, measurements
An approved control body assesses documents, the visible installation and the required tests or measurements. The exact sequence and conclusions belong to the control body; incomplete documentation is recorded against the applicable dossier requirements.
1. Documentation
The inspector requires the following documents:
- Single-line diagram — present, complete, and up to date?
- Situation plan — floor plan showing sockets, switches, and lights?
- Conformity declaration from the installer?
- Technical data sheets — distribution board, RCDs, circuit breakers?
Prepare the dossier first: a missing or outdated diagram can produce a negative finding. It does not justify guessing how a particular inspector will sequence the visit.
2. Visual inspection
Next, the inspector visually checks the installation:
- Correct cable cross-section per breaker? (e.g. min. 2.5 mm² at 16A for socket circuits; for lighting 1.5 mm² at 16A is sufficient)
- 30mA RCD present for all socket circuits?
- Bathroom zones respected? (Zone 0, 1, 2 per AREI Art. 7.1, zone definitions Art. 7.1.3.2)
- Earth connection present and accessible?
- All junction boxes closed?
- Cables properly secured and protected?
- Main switch present and freely accessible?
- Surge protection device (SPD) present? (Art. 4.5.1 requires general protection against overvoltages according to the rules of the trade — in practice, an SPD Type 2 is recommended)
3. Measurements
Finally, the inspector performs technical measurements:
| Measurement | Limit | Instrument |
|---|---|---|
| Earth resistance | < 100 Ohm (Art. 4.2.4.3 a/b); above > 30 Ohm at least two high-sensitivity RCDs required | Earth resistance tester |
| Insulation resistance | > 0.5 MOhm | Megger (insulation tester) |
| Loop impedance | Depends on MCB rated current | Loop impedance tester |
| RCD trip time | < 300 ms at rated residual current I∆n, < 40 ms at 5× I∆n (per IEC 61008) | RCD tester |
| Voltage measurement | 230V ±10% | Multimeter |
Result
After the inspection, you receive an inspection report. For new builds and major renovations, the inspection must be passed before the grid operator activates the electricity connection. If deficiencies are found, you are given a deadline for corrections and must schedule a re-inspection.
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Create your AREI-compliant single-line diagram now — free →
Prepare an auditable dossier
Before the appointment, compare the single-line diagram and situation plan with the installation as it actually exists. Use the same circuit letters and point numbers in both documents, label the board, keep covers accessible, and collect earlier reports and manufacturer documentation that belongs to the installation file. Do not open live equipment yourself merely to prepare the visit.
The official reference is the FPS Economy guidance on domestic electrical inspections. The control report, not this checklist or PlanElec's advisory self-check, determines the recorded findings and any follow-up deadline.