Most people never do it. We tell you how often you should and why it's worth it
The electrical installation in a home is one of those things that cannot be seen, makes no noise and asks for no attention. As long as everything works, nobody thinks about it. And precisely for that reason it is so easy for the time to come when it is no longer in an ideal state without anyone having noticed.
The question of how often it needs to be checked doesn't have a single answer, but there are clear criteria to help you know if yours needs someone to take a look.
Is there a legal obligation to check it?
For private homes, there is no general obligation in Spain to carry out periodic inspections as there is with gas or lifts. That does not mean it is not advisable to do so, but rather that the responsibility lies with the owner and that it is often not done simply because no one remembers.
Where an obligation does exist is in commercial premises, residents' associations and certain types of special facilities, which must undergo technical inspections at a set frequency.
How often is it recommended in a normal home?
As a general rule, an inspection every ten years is a reasonable frequency for a home with a modern installation in good condition. But there are situations where it is not wise to wait that long.
If you have lived in the same home for over twenty years without touching the electrical installation, it is worth having an electrician check it even if there are no visible symptoms. Installations of that age typically have wiring with aged insulation, fuse boxes lacking current safety devices and circuits that are not rated for the power consumption found in any home nowadays.
If you've just bought a second-hand flat, the electrical inspection should be one of the first things you do before moving in. You can't always tell the real state of the wiring just by looking at the fuse box.
Signs that you shouldn't wait for the next scheduled service
There are situations that cannot wait. If the circuit breaker trips frequently without apparent cause, if there are sockets that give minor shocks when touched, if any area of the wall is warm, or if you notice a burning smell, even if slight, that is a sign that something is not right and it needs to be checked as soon as possible.
Also needing immediate attention are any sockets or switches with burn marks, visible wires with deteriorated insulation, or an electrical distribution board that has old-style fuses instead of modern circuit breakers.
When is a renovation the best time to check the installation?
If you are going to carry out home improvements, even a partial one, it is the ideal time to check the state of the electrical installation. With the walls open, the work is much simpler and more cost-effective. Taking advantage of a kitchen or bathroom renovation to update the wiring in that area can save many problems in the future.
At Iluminamos tu Vida we always recommend including the electrical inspection in the planning of any refurbishment, not as an extra expense but as an investment that makes sense to make while the opportunity is there.
What does an electrical inspection include?
A basic inspection covers the condition of the consumer unit and its protective devices, the earthing system, the visible state of the wiring, and the property's sockets and switches. It is neither a lengthy nor a costly intervention, and in the end it gives you a clear picture of whether the installation is in good condition or if there is anything that needs improving.
At Iluminamos tu Vida we carry out electrical inspections in Madrid. If you don't know when was the last time someone checked your home's installation, it's probably a good time to do so. Give us a call and we'll tell you how it works.