How often should an electrical installation be inspected?+
Polish Building Law requires a building inspection that includes electrical and lightning protection installations at least every five years. A shorter interval may be appropriate because of the installation's condition, use or previous inspection recommendations. The need for additional checks after a fault, flooding or a significant alteration is assessed separately.
Does the electrical inspection requirement also apply to a single-family house?+
Yes. A single-family house is subject to the five-year inspection, including the electrical installation and lightning protection where fitted. The electrical inspection forms part of the building assessment and does not replace other required checks.
Who organises electrical testing in a multi-family building?+
The building owner or manager is responsible for arranging periodic inspections. In a flat managed by an owners' association or housing cooperative, first check the date, access arrangements and scope of the building-wide inspection. A separate inspection of the flat can also be commissioned, for example after refurbishment or before purchase.
Which electrical tests are carried out in a house or flat?+
Depending on the installation, checks can include protective conductor continuity, insulation resistance, protection against electric shock, RCD operating parameters and earthing. Testing is accompanied by a visual inspection. The scope depends on the earthing arrangement, equipment and accessibility of the installation.
Does pressing an RCD's TEST button replace electrical testing?+
No. The TEST button checks the device's operation as described by the manufacturer. Instrument testing measures the RCD's operating parameters. An inspection also assesses other protective measures and the condition of the installation.
How much does electrical testing in a house or flat cost?+
The price depends on factors such as circuit numbers, access to distribution boards and sockets, the testing scope, location and required documentation. Tell us the approximate floor area and property type. If you know the number of circuits or have an earlier report, include that information to help us prepare a specific quotation.
How long does an electrical inspection take?+
It depends on the installation size, number of points and circuits, and access conditions. Time is also needed for preparation, testing and assessment of the results. We agree the work arrangements and any power interruptions before the appointment.
How should I prepare my flat for testing?+
Provide access to the distribution board and agreed installation points. Gather previous reports and information about refurbishment or supply problems. Agree how appliances will be disconnected, including sensitive electronics and equipment needing continuous power, with the contractor before the visit.
Does testing require the power to be turned off?+
Some checks are performed with the supply isolated; others require the installation to be energised. Protective devices may also operate during testing. The appointment plan should take account of household needs and equipment that cannot simply be switched off.
What should an electrical test report contain?+
The documentation should identify the property, test date, inspector, instruments and tested circuits and points. It should contain actual results, their assessment, defects found, inspection limitations and recommendations. The documentation scope depends on the purpose and type of inspection.
Does a missing inspection mean an insurance claim will be refused?+
There is no single rule for every policy. The effect of a missing inspection depends on the particular insurance terms and circumstances of the loss. Keep reports and evidence of completed repairs, and check the requirements in your policy terms.
What should I do if testing identifies defects?+
Read the assessment and recommendations in the report, agree the urgency and scope of repairs and appoint someone appropriately qualified to carry them out. The affected part of the installation may need retesting after repairs. If there is an immediate danger, follow the inspector's urgent recommendations.
Is it worth checking the installation before buying a flat?+
Testing can help assess the installation before you decide to buy and plan possible modernisation. Review available documents and the history of alterations, and agree access to the distribution board and test points with the seller. The assessment scope is agreed for the particular flat.
