Electrical inspection on the sale of a property
When a residential property is sold, an inspection certificate for the electrical installation must be available when the sale agreement (the "compromis") is signed. The inspection must also be carried out again if the existing inspection certificate is more than 25 years old or if changes or extensions have been made. If the inspection is favourable, this is stated in the notarial deed. If the inspection is unfavourable, the buyer must remedy the defects within 18 months of the sale and request a re-inspection.
How we work
You can place your order online. An appointment for the site visit is made as soon as possible. Need help with the form, or would you rather order by phone? Call 053 430 430 every day between 8 am and 6 pm.
Once the appointment has been set, you will receive an e-mail confirming it, with the digital version of your invoice attached. The invoice can be paid by bank transfer, so there is no need to pay online through our website.
The report is delivered digitally (by e-mail) within 48 hours of the site visit.
If you are selling your home, you will probably also need an EPC (energy performance certificate). In that case, we recommend ordering a good-value combination package: EPC + electrical inspection.
Who must request this inspection?
The owner of the installation. In the case of a sale, the seller must have the inspection carried out at their own expense. Buyer and seller are of course free to agree otherwise between themselves.
When must the inspection report be available?
The inspection report must be available when the sale agreement (compromis) is signed.
What if the buyer decides the inspection is unnecessary because they are going to demolish the building or completely renovate the electrical installation?
The seller can have it stated in the authentic deed that the buyer must inform the authorities in writing of the demolition of the housing unit or the complete renovation of the electrical installation. The authorities will send the buyer a file number and ask them to submit a favourable inspection report as soon as the new installation is put into service. The address to which the buyer must send the notification is "Algemene Directie Energie, Afdeling Infrastructuur, North Gate III, Koning Albertlaan 16 te 1000 Brussel".
What if the installation fails the inspection?
The seller must then have it stated in the authentic deed that the buyer is required to notify, in writing, the accredited body that carried out the inspection of the electrical installation of their identity and the date of the official deed of sale.
Depending on the defect(s), the new owner then has 12 to (usually) 18 months to bring the installation into compliance. The date by which the new inspection must be carried out is shown on the inspection report. The re-inspection may be carried out by a different inspection body from the one that carried out the first inspection.
If the new inspection finds that defects still remain, the Federal Public Service for Energy is notified.
Can the sale go ahead if the installation has failed the inspection?
It makes no difference whether the installation passed or failed: the sale can simply go ahead.
How long is a favourable inspection report valid?
A favourable inspection report is valid for 25 years.
What do I need for the inspection?
For the inspection you must provide a single-line diagram and a layout plan (showing the exact location of distribution boards, junction, branch and wall sockets, light points and switches).
How is the inspection carried out?
1. Administrative check: the single-line diagram and layout plan are checked
2. Visual check: the diagrams are compared with the actual installation, and the correct use and installation of the electrical equipment are checked.
3. Functional testing: this involves testing the residual current device(s).
4. Measurement: earthing, insulation, fault loop impedance and continuity are measured.
Certilux is not on the list of accredited bodies – why is that?
Certilux Certification Group has cooperation agreements with a number of inspection bodies accredited by the federal government. These bodies are subject to specific legal, organisational and technical requirements and are also very thoroughly monitored. Certilux Certification Group has itself selected a number of bodies that can offer their services through the group. Internally, too, quality, speed of delivery and customer service are closely monitored. What's more, with us you always get the best price!
Naturally, the bodies included in our group appear on the list of accredited inspection bodies, which can be found on the website of the FOD Economie, K.M.O., Middenstand en Energie (FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy).