Just like your car needs an MOT, it’s important to get your electrics checked from time to time too. Over the years, wiring, sockets, and other parts of your electrical system can wear down — and without regular checks, problems can go unnoticed. At Lek-Trix, we often visit homes where the electrics haven’t been looked at in decades. Everything might seem to be working fine, but crucial safety features could be missing or outdated.
So, how do you know what kind of inspection you need — and when?
What Are Your Options? Visual Inspection vs. EICR
There are two main types of electrical checks available to homeowners:
🔎 Visual Inspection (Great for peace of mind)
This is a basic visual check of your home’s electrics. It’s ideal if you’ve not had your electrics looked at for a long time or you’re unsure about their condition.
There’s no testing involved, so the power stays on during the inspection. We’ll look for visible signs of damage, overheating, outdated fittings, and more — then we’ll provide you with a Domestic Visual Condition Report showing what we’ve found and any improvements we’d recommend.
We’ll check things like:
- Consumer unit (fuse box)
- Sockets and light switches
- Light fittings and cabling
- Signs of scorching or damage
- Bathroom and kitchen safety
- Use of RCD protection
It’s a great way to catch early signs of wear and get advice on bringing your electrics up to date — without any disruption.
According to the NICEIC, homeowners should get their electrics checked at least once a year with a visual inspection to spot any early signs of damage or deterioration. It’s a simple way to make sure your home remains safe — especially if your electrics are older or haven’t been looked at in a while. You can read more on the NICEIC’s official guidance for householders here.
📋 Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR is a more in-depth inspection that includes full testing of circuits. It’s required by law in rental properties and often recommended when buying or selling a home. During an EICR, the power will need to be turned off at various points so we can test safely.
The report will flag:
- Dangerous issues (Code C1)
- Urgent safety concerns (Code C2)
- Non-urgent improvements (Code C3)
- Anything that needs further investigation (FI)
We recommend homeowners to have an EICR carried out every 5 years. For landlords, it’s legally required every 5 years.
Want to know more about full electrical condition reports? We’ve written a helpful guide that explains what an EICR is, what it includes, and how to know when you need one. You can read this here.
Which One Do I Need?
If you just want to check on the condition of your electrics — especially if you haven’t had any work done in a while — a visual inspection is a simple, low-cost option. It’s also perfect if you’re not sure whether your consumer unit needs upgrading.
We can carry out a full visual check and let you know if anything stands out, whether it’s wear and tear, lack of RCD protection, or signs of heat damage.
✅ Peace of Mind Starts Here
We’re proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader with over 170 verified reviews from local customers. If you’d like to see what people say about our service, you can read them all on our profile here:
🔗 https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/lek-trix-ltd
We offer both visual inspections and EICRs, depending on your needs, and we’ll always give honest, pressure-free advice.
If you’re thinking about getting your electrics checked, or just want to know whether your fuse box is up to date — we’re happy to help.
📧 Email Frankie: info@lek-trix.co.uk
📲 Text or WhatsApp: 07707 138932
📞 Call Us: 0117 902 0171
🌐 Visit: www.lek-trix.co.uk
