FAQ

If the electrical installation dates from before 1 October 1981, no periodic inspection is required. However, safety remains a priority, and we therefore strongly recommend having the electrical installation checked by an approved inspection body.

I am selling my home: Was the property built before 1 October 1981? In that case, the electrical installation of the sold residential unit must be inspected. The inspection report must be available at the latest at the time the notarial deed is executed. The new owner is responsible, if necessary, for bringing the electrical installation into compliance with the Belgian Electrical Code (AREI) within 18 months after the date of the notarial deed.

New installation: When the electrical installation of a new building is completed, it must be thoroughly inspected by an approved inspection body. The positive inspection report will be requested by the grid operator before the dwelling can be connected to the electricity network.

Periodic inspection: Every domestic low-voltage installation that has previously been inspected must undergo a new inspection every 25 years. A positive inspection report is therefore valid for a maximum of 25 years.

Solar panels: Before commissioning your photovoltaic installation, it must first be inspected for safety by an approved inspection body. The positive inspection report determines the commissioning date and, for small installations, the start of certificate allocation. The report must be submitted to your grid operator.

Capacity upgrade: Increasing the connection capacity often involves modifications to residual current devices, overcurrent protection devices, and cable cross-sections in the distribution boards. The grid operator requires a compliant inspection report for the entire electrical installation before carrying out the upgrade.

Temporary construction site installation: An electricity supply during construction works is essential. A temporary site distribution board may be installed for a limited period. The grid operator requires a compliant inspection report before connecting the temporary site cabinet to the electricity network.

Whether a new electrical inspection is required mainly depends on the age of your installation.

If your installation was installed before 1 October 1981, there is a high chance it has never been inspected. In that case, an inspection is always mandatory, for example when selling the property or after modifications to the installation.

For installations placed from 1 October 1981 onwards, an inspection has usually already taken place. In that case, you should review the existing inspection report. If the report is no longer valid or if changes were made after the inspection, a new inspection is required.

In short:

• Building from before 1981? → Inspection always required.
• Building after 1981? → Check whether the inspection report is still valid. If not, re-inspection is mandatory.

An electrical inspection in Belgium is an official check of the electrical installation of a home or building. It is carried out by an approved inspection body and is mandatory when selling a property, after major modifications, or when commissioning a new installation. The purpose is to verify compliance with the Belgian Electrical Code (AREI).

During the inspection, the inspector checks the electrical diagrams, the condition of fuses, the type of wiring, the presence of residual current devices (RCDs), the earthing system, and whether all components are correctly and safely connected. After the inspection, a report is issued, which may be positive or negative. In case of a negative result, the installation must be brought into compliance within a specified timeframe and re-inspected.

An electrical inspection is essential to ensure the safety of occupants and users. Defective or outdated installations can cause fires or electric shocks. In addition, a valid inspection certificate is legally required when selling a property.

In short, an electrical inspection is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial safety measure for people and property.

The inspection follows three fixed steps:

1. Administrative review
At the start of the inspection, the available documents are compared with the actual installation. Make sure you have the single-line diagram and the site plan available. Without these documents, a positive inspection certificate cannot be issued.

2. Visual inspection
Our expert carries out a visual inspection of the installation, checking the accessibility and condition of the electrical panel, the correct connection of conductor cross-sections in relation to the protective devices, and the presence and accessibility of the earthing system, including the earth disconnecting link.

3. Technical measurements
Finally, several measurements are performed, including the earth resistance and the insulation resistance. We also test the continuity of protective conductors and the operation of residual current devices. Please note that the electricity may be temporarily switched off during this phase.

A gas installation inspection in Belgium is a mandatory check of an installation using natural gas or propane. It must be carried out by an approved inspection body and is legally required when commissioning a new installation, after major modifications or extensions, or when connecting to the gas network. In some cases, it may also be required when selling a property.

During the inspection, compliance with the applicable safety regulations is verified, such as those defined in the relevant standards (e.g. NBN D51-003). This includes checking the tightness of the pipes, the correct connection of gas appliances, ventilation provisions, and the evacuation of combustion gases.

After the inspection, you receive a certificate of conformity. This certificate is required before the gas supplier is allowed to supply gas to the property. Without it, the installation may not be put into service.

A gas inspection is essential to ensure the safety of occupants and property. Unsafe installations can lead to gas leaks, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

In short, a gas inspection is a vital step towards a safe, reliable, and legally compliant gas installation.

A private sewer inspection in Belgium is a mandatory check of the private drainage system of a home or building. It is carried out by an approved inspector and is legally required in several situations, such as new constructions, major renovations, or connections to the public sewer network.

The inspection verifies whether the private sewer system is correctly connected to the appropriate public sewer (separate wastewater and rainwater systems where applicable) and whether it complies with the technical requirements of the municipality or sewer operator.

A key part of the inspection is verifying the separation between wastewater and rainwater. In municipalities with separate sewer systems, this separation is mandatory. Incorrect connections can result in fines, overload of the sewer system, and water pollution.

After a positive inspection, you receive a certificate of conformity. Without this certificate, the sewer operator may refuse or delay the connection.

This inspection is necessary to limit environmental impact, ensure the proper functioning of the sewer system, and prevent odor or water-related problems.

In summary, a sewer inspection is a crucial step toward a correct, safe, and environmentally responsible management of wastewater and rainwater.

A fuel oil tank inspection in Belgium is a mandatory check of your heating oil tank to ensure it can be used safely and in an environmentally responsible manner. It must be carried out by an approved technician and is legally required when installing a new tank, after repairs, during decommissioning, and periodically depending on the tank type and location.

The inspection verifies compliance with regional environmental regulations (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels). It includes checking the condition of the tank, the presence of overfill protection, a leak detection system, and the tightness of the tank and piping.

After a successful inspection, a certificate of conformity is issued. In case of a negative result, the tank must be repaired, decommissioned, or removed, depending on the situation.

This inspection is essential to reduce environmental risks. A leaking tank can cause serious soil contamination, leading to very high remediation costs.

In short, a fuel oil tank inspection is both a legal obligation and a key step toward safe and environmentally friendly use of heating oil.

A water installation inspection in Belgium is a mandatory check of the internal drinking water installation in a home, building, or company. It is carried out by an approved inspection body and is legally required in several situations: new constructions, renovations or extensions, first connection to the public water network, or installation of a rainwater or well water system.

The inspection verifies compliance with the regulations of the water utility and applicable regional legislation. It focuses on correct separation between drinking water, rainwater, and other sources, the installation of backflow prevention devices, and the proper use of sanitary fittings. Installation plans are also checked against the actual situation.

After a successful inspection, a certificate of conformity is issued. This certificate is required for the official commissioning of the water supply. Without a positive report, the water utility may refuse or suspend the connection.

This inspection is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water. Incorrect connections can contaminate the public water network, posing serious health risks.

In short, a water installation inspection is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential measure to guarantee safe and clean drinking water for all users.

An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is an official document that assesses the energy efficiency of a home or building. In Belgium, it is mandatory when selling or renting out a property. The EPC is drawn up by an approved energy expert and provides an estimate of the annual energy consumption, expressed in kWh per square meter.

The EPC shows an energy score and a color label ranging from green (energy efficient) to red (energy inefficient). It also includes recommendations to improve the building’s energy performance, such as roof insulation, replacing windows, or installing a more efficient heating system.

Having a valid EPC is a legal requirement and must be available when a property is offered for sale or rent. Without a valid EPC, the owner risks an administrative fine.

Beyond the legal obligation, the EPC plays an important role in energy efficiency and sustainability. A good energy rating increases property value and lowers energy costs for occupants.

In summary, an EPC is more than an administrative document: it provides transparency about a building’s energy consumption and supports informed, sustainable decisions in the real estate market.