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Defect library

Electrical defects in new builds

Electrical snags range from a socket that isn’t level to missing RCD protection or exposed wiring. A plug-in socket tester checks the outlets quickly, while anything beyond a visual check is work for an electrician.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 28 entries under electrical, and 8 of them are marked as safety or critical items. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 20 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 28 entries

  1. Smoke alarm not working

    Safety

    Smoke/heat alarm does not respond to test. Repair or replace immediately.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    Approved Document B

  2. Exposed wiring

    Safety

    Live wiring or terminals exposed. Make safe immediately.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  3. No RCD protection / RCD trips

    Safety

    RCD protection absent or trips repeatedly. Investigate and rectify.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  4. Faceplate loose / missing

    Safety

    Socket or switch faceplate loose or missing, exposing terminals. Fix immediately.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  5. Carbon monoxide alarm missing

    Safety

    CO alarm not fitted in room with a fixed combustion appliance. Fit alarm.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    Approved Document J

  6. Smoke alarms not interlinked

    Safety

    Smoke and heat alarms do not sound together. Interlink.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 5839-6

  7. Heat alarm missing in kitchen

    Safety

    No heat alarm in the kitchen. Fit.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 5839-6

  8. Earth bonding missing

    Safety

    Main or supplementary bonding missing or not labelled. Install and test.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  9. Socket not working

    Major

    Socket outlet has no power. Investigate and repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 8.1

  10. Outdated wiring / consumer unit

    Major

    Wiring or consumer unit is old and needs an EICR. Recommend inspection.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  11. Light fitting not working

    Moderate

    Light does not operate. Investigate and repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 8.1

  12. Extractor fan not working

    Moderate

    Extractor fan does not operate/run on. Repair or replace.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 8.1

  13. EV charger not working

    Moderate

    EV charge point not operating or not commissioned. Commission and provide certificate.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  14. Electrical certificate missing

    Moderate

    Electrical installation certificate not provided. Provide certificate.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  15. External socket not working / no cover

    Moderate

    Outside socket not working or weather cover missing. Repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  16. Downlight loose / not fire rated

    Moderate

    Downlight drops from ceiling or is not fire rated where needed. Re-fix or replace.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  17. Sockets too close to sink / hob

    Moderate

    Socket outlet within 300 mm of sink or hob. Relocate.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  18. Solar PV not working

    Moderate

    Solar PV inverter shows a fault or not generating. Investigate.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  19. Socket or switch not level

    Minor

    Accessory not level/flush with wall. Re-fix.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 8.1

  20. Consumer unit not labelled

    Minor

    Circuits not labelled at consumer unit. Label all circuits.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  21. Light fitting loose / not level

    Minor

    Light fitting loose or not aligned. Re-fix.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  22. External light / PIR not working

    Minor

    External light or sensor not working. Repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  23. TV / data point not working

    Minor

    TV, satellite or data outlet not working. Test and repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  24. Doorbell not working

    Minor

    Doorbell or chime not working. Repair.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  25. Switch controls wrong light

    Minor

    Switch operates the wrong light or two-way switching not working. Correct wiring.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    BS 7671

  26. Dimmer flickering / buzzing

    Minor

    Lights flicker or dimmer buzzes. Fit compatible dimmer or lamps.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  27. Loft light / socket missing

    Minor

    No light or power in the loft where specified. Provide.

    Trade
    Electrician
    Reference
    None listed

  28. Meter box damaged

    Minor

    Gas or electric meter box damaged or door missing. Replace.

    Trade
    Builder
    Reference
    None listed

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

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