Electrical inspections: what Czech law really requires

Updated 29 July 2026 · 5 min read

The short version: for a house you live in yourself, a periodic electrical inspection is not required by Czech law. Only the initial inspection on a new installation or after rewiring is mandatory. The five-year interval people quote applies to workplaces, common areas of apartment buildings and let property — not to your own home. It is still strongly advisable, especially with older wiring and before any sale.

This is the most common piece of misinformation about Czech property. You will be told confidently that electrics must be inspected every five years. For an owner-occupied house that is not what the rules say.

Initial versus periodic inspection

Initial inspection (výchozí revize) — mandatory for any new installation and after substantial changes such as rewiring or a new distribution board. Building completion requires it, and so does the network operator when connecting supply.
Periodic inspection (pravidelná revize) — not prescribed by law for a dwelling in personal use. The technical standard ČSN 33 1500 sets intervals according to the type of installation and its environment; for dwellings an interval of up to ten years is generally considered acceptable, with shorter intervals in bathrooms and damp spaces.

When you should have it done regardless

When buying or selling. A report is a straightforward way to establish the state of the installation.
With an old installation — aluminium conductors and pre-1990 distribution boards are a recognised fire risk.
After any significant work on the wiring.
If you let the property out. Whether it becomes strictly mandatory is disputed among Czech sources; what is not disputed is that you are responsible for equipment used by someone else and the report is your evidence of diligence.

After a fire caused by an electrical fault — particularly in an older installation — insurers routinely reduce payouts where no inspection has been carried out. An inspection also finds overheating connections and failing breakers before they become the fire.

The one thing you should do yourself

Every six months, press the TEST button on your RCD (proudový chránič) in the distribution board. It must trip immediately. Five seconds to confirm that the device protecting you from electric shock actually works. If nothing happens, call an electrician the same week.

Who may carry it out

Only a certified inspection technician (revizní technik) with a valid certificate for electrical installations. You can verify their registration yourself — see how to check a Czech tradesperson.

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General information about Czech rules as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your specific property and can change. Where it matters, follow the applicable regulations and consult a qualified professional.