What Does the Inspector Check During an Electrical Inspection?
Documents, visual checks, tests, measurements: point by point, what the inspector checks and measures during an electrical inspection in Belgium – with limit values and AREI references.
AuthorStephan BehmWhat the inspector checks
When inspecting a domestic installation, the inspector from the approved inspection body checks four things: the documents, the visible condition of the installation, the operation of protective devices and two measured values – insulation resistance and earth electrode resistance. That is what AREI/RGIE Book 1 lays down in section 6.4.1; the inspection takes place with the installation de-energised.
| Area | What the inspector checks | Book 1 V06 reference |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Single-line diagram and situation plan present and matching the installation as built; connection data, main switch, earth electrode type | 3.1.2, 6.4.6.4 b.2 to b.4 |
| Visual check | Selection, mounting and installation of fixed equipment, covers, labelling, accessibility | 6.4.3, 6.4.6.4 b.4 |
| Tests | Continuity of protective conductors and equipotential bonding; operation of protective devices | 6.4.4, 6.4.6.4 b.4 |
| Insulation measurement | At least 500 kΩ per circuit at a 500 V DC test voltage, loads switched off | 6.4.5.1, table 6.1 |
| Earth resistance | Measurement of the earth electrode; below 100 Ω in homes, above 30 Ω a stricter RCD layout applies | 6.4.5.2, 4.2.3.2, 4.2.4.3 b |
| Coordination in the report | RCDs match the earth value, overcurrent protection matches the wiring, installation follows the plans | 6.4.6.4 b.4 |
If everything is in order, the inspector endorses the single-line diagram and situation plan, and the report states the date of the next control visit (6.4.6.4 b.6).
Prepare the documents for the inspection
This checklist is for electrical contractors preparing a domestic installation in Belgium for inspection. Establish the trigger, the age of the installation and the scope of work first; non-domestic installations have additional dossier requirements.
| Document / task | Responsible | Check before handover |
|---|---|---|
| Single-line diagram and situation plan | Designer / installation contractor | Compare references, actual installation and matching versions |
| Previous reports and alterations | Owner / contractor | Collect available reports and assign open findings |
| Manufacturer documentation | Installation contractor | Link documents to the installed equipment and protection concept |
| Inspection report | Approved inspection body | Add to the installation file after the inspection |
Complete each row: available, open, named owner and version date. The matrix allocates the work; the statutory contents of the installation file are set out in section 9.1.2. Only the approved body issues the inspection report – an installer's declaration does not take its place.
Prepare visual checks and measurements separately
On site, compare labels, covers, accessibility, conductor data, protective devices and the earth connection with the documents. The protection required depends on the circuit, its use and, where relevant, the part 8 rules for existing installations; a generic table of cross-sections, RCDs or surge protection is not enough. Assess your own preliminary measurements only with the right method and the applicable requirements.
RCD testing: mA is not a time
The rated residual current IΔn is a device characteristic; test current and trip time are separate quantities. Record device type, any time delay, test setting and result in the measurement log. "30 mA" or "300 mA" does not define a universal trip time – an equivalence such as "300 mA = 300 ms" is wrong. The test criteria depend on the device and the test method.
Organise the handover
Every open point gets a named owner and a deadline. After every change, compare both plans with the installation again. Record the document version actually handed over and add the inspection report to it. Deadlines and follow-up depend on the inspection trigger and the findings.
Assemble the documents in PlanElec
PlanElec generates the single-line diagram, situation plan and AREI/RGIE self-check report from one shared project model. The self-check report shows findings in the supported rules; the site visit, measurements and the official report are handled by the approved inspection body.
Official basis
FPS Economy – AREI/RGIE Book 1 V06, sections 3.1.2, 6.4, 6.5 and 9.1.2
From the guide to your own electrical plan
Create a project and document circuits, cables and protective devices. Check the result against the actual installation.
Fictitious sample dossier, available without sign-up.