In Belgium, the RGIE (Règlement Général sur les Installations Electriques – General Regulations on Electrical Installations) determine the mandatory inspections. Even if no changes are made to the wiring diagram or the appliances, domestic installations have to be inspected every 25 years. For that, you have to contact an approved body which will issue you with an inspection certificate.

Gas installations also have to be inspected, in particular when a new meter is opened.

When should electrical installations be inspected?

For electrical installations, in addition to the periodic inspection to be carried out every 25 years, you should also call upon an inspection body in the following cases:

• connection of a new installation to the grid;
• major modification or extension of the existing installation (if you change a plug, this is not necessary, but if you replace your distribution panel then you must have an inspection);
• before commissioning solar panels (this will check whether it is safe to start up the panels).
• increase in the connection capacity;
• sale of the property, if the building has not undergone a conformity inspection for the past 25 years;
• after damage (fire, flood, etc.) to be able to reopen the meters sealed by Sibelga at the request of the emergency services.

View the list of recognised control bodies for electrical installations (in French)

When should gas installations be inspected?

For gas installations, you have to call upon an inspection body in the following cases:

• fitting a new indoor installation;
• installing a new boiler;
• maintenance visit (mandatory every three years in Brussels);
• boiler over 15 years old;
• first time the tank is filled (for propane installations).

View the list with recognised control bodies for gas installations (in French)

What if I sell my home?

If you sell your home, you will have to provide a valid electricity inspection certificate when the provisional sales agreement is signed. As of May 2011, you also have to provide an EPB certificate (Energy Performance of Building). This, too, is issued by an approved inspection body.