Electrical Checklist Before Apartment Handover: 8 Must-Check Points
Many apartment owners accept their units without a real electrical inspection, then discover problems weeks or months later — missing earthing, undersized wires, malfunctioning breakers. This guide gives you a clear checklist of every point you must check before signing off.
Quick Answer
8 electrical checks before signing apartment handover — false earthing, undersized breakers, thin wires. Egyptian developers count on you missing these. A checklist that protects you.
8 Essential Electrical Inspection Points
Earthing — Request earthing resistance measurement with an Earth Tester. Resistance must not exceed 1 ohm. Missing or weak earthing is a direct danger and must be fixed before handover.
Distribution panel — Check that every breaker is clearly labeled, each circuit is independent, and there are spare slots. Test each breaker by switching off and on to verify function.
RCCB leakage breaker — Press the Test button. If it doesn't trip, the device is faulty and must be replaced immediately. This breaker is the first line of protection against electric shock.
Electrical outlets — Test every outlet with a simple Outlet Tester. Confirm earthing is present at every outlet, especially in bathrooms and the kitchen.
Lighting — Turn on every light point and confirm it works. Check that switches operate the correct circuits. Non-working lights may indicate a wiring issue, not just a bulb problem.
Wire insulation — Request an Insulation Resistance Test. A reading below 1 megaohm means weak or damaged wires that need replacement.
High-load circuits — Confirm dedicated circuits exist for AC units, water heater, and oven. Connect an AC unit and run it to check voltage and current under load.
Technical report — Request a signed technical report from the contractor confirming execution per the Egyptian Electrical Code. No report means no guarantee.
FAQ
Do I have the right to refuse apartment handover due to an electrical issue?
Yes. The apartment must be delivered compliant with contracted specifications. Any material electrical defect gives you the right to demand repair before formal handover.
How long does a thorough electrical inspection take?
Professionally inspecting a 150–200sqm apartment with a report takes 2–3 hours. Don't accept an inspection of less than one hour — quick checks miss underlying problems.
Do I need an engineer or a technician for the inspection?
Preferably a certified electrical engineer or senior technician with measurement equipment (Earth Tester, Insulation Tester, Outlet Tester). Visual inspection alone is insufficient.
What are the most common problems found in newly delivered apartments?
The most common issues: absent or weak earthing, outlets without earthing, non-functional RCCB, AC circuits shared with other loads, and wires that don't meet specifications.
What if I discover a problem after handover?
If the issue was hidden (not visible at handover), you may claim repair from the developer within the warranty period (typically one year for electrical systems). Document immediately with photos and a technical report.
What electrical shortcuts do Egyptian developers most commonly take?
The five shortcuts most uncovered in Egyptian handover inspections: (1) False earthing — N–PE bridge in the panel instead of a real earthing network, (2) RCCB present in the panel but not wired (sitting in the slot disconnected), (3) AC circuits shared with general lighting, (4) 1.5mm² wires in circuits that need 2.5mm², (5) no insulation resistance test performed after installation. These five shortcuts account for the vast majority of handover complaints.
What is the legal warranty period for electrical systems in Egyptian apartments?
Under Egyptian construction law, the developer is obligated to warrant hidden defects in the electrical system for one year from the formal handover date. Material structural defects (such as earthing system failure) may extend to 10 years. The critical requirement: document the defect with a certified technical report and a registered letter to the developer within 30 days of discovery.