Electrical Inspection - What Documents and Tests Are Required?

After laying kilometers of cables and installing all the sockets, the final stage arrives – the electrical inspection. Without it, you cannot legally occupy the house or sign a permanent agreement with the power supplier.

Who Performs the Inspection?

The inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician with valid certifications. This cannot be done by just anyone – proper qualifications and testing equipment are required.

Required Tests

To sign off the installation certificate, the electrician must perform a series of tests:

• Insulation resistance: Checking that cable insulation wasn't damaged during plastering.
• Protective conductor continuity: Ensuring the earth pin in sockets actually provides protection.
• Earth fault loop impedance: Checking that breakers will operate fast enough in case of a fault.
• RCD testing: Verifying that residual current devices trip when current leaks to earth.

As-Built Documentation

Besides the test certificate, the homeowner should receive as-built documentation. This should include floor plans marked with any changes from the original design, plus the distribution board schematic.

With Electro Planner, you can generate a professional, clear installation schematic and distribution board layout that can form part of the as-built documentation. This makes the inspector's job easier and gives you peace of mind for years.