Visual Electrical Survey London — What It Is & When You Need One

What Is a Visual Electrical Survey?

A visual electrical survey (sometimes called a visual inspection or periodic inspection without testing) is a non-destructive assessment of the accessible elements of a property's electrical installation. Unlike a full EICR, it does not include the electrical testing phase — no circuits are isolated, no test instruments are connected, and no disruptive testing is carried out. The surveyor relies entirely on what can be seen without removing fixtures, opening conduit, or disturbing the installation.

Visual Survey vs Full EICR — Key Differences

When Is a Visual Survey Appropriate?

A visual electrical survey may be appropriate in limited circumstances, such as:

• As a preliminary assessment before purchasing a property, to identify obvious visible defects before commissioning a full EICR
• For a very new property with recent electrical work, where a full EICR may not yet be required
• As part of a general property condition report

Our Recommendation

For the vast majority of and homeowners, we strongly recommend a full EICR over a visual survey. Here is why:

• A visual survey cannot satisfy the requirements of the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020
• Many dangerous electrical faults — including deteriorated insulation, high earth loop impedance and faulty RCDs — are invisible and can only be detected by electrical testing
• The cost difference between a visual survey and a full EICR is modest, especially given the protection a full EICR provides
• Only a full EICR will satisfy mortgage lenders, insurance companies and local authority requirements

Our EICR prices start from just £99 for a studio flat — competitive pricing with no hidden costs. View our full EICR price list →