E-Befund in Austria – Everything You Need to Know

An E-Befund (electrical inspection certificate or safety report) documents the technical condition of an electrical installation and confirms that it is operated safely and in compliance with Austrian standards (ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001).

What Is an E-Befund & Why Is It Important?

An E-Befund is an official inspection report created after a thorough examination of an electrical system. It ensures that the system:

• can be operated safely

• complies with Austrian electrical standards (ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001)

• is fully documented in the system’s logbook (Anlagenbuch)

The goal is to prevent fire hazards, accidents, and damage caused by faulty or outdated installations.

Legal Framework in Austria

The legal basis includes:

• Electrical Engineering Act 1992 (Elektrotechnikgesetz 1992)

• Electrical Engineering Regulation (Elektrotechnikverordnung)

• Section 2 (1) of the Austrian Tenancy Act (MRG – Mietrechtsgesetz)

Since 2010, landlords are legally required to provide a valid E-Befund when renting out a property to ensure the electrical installation is safe and compliant.

Standards & Types of Inspection

Initial Inspection (ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001 Part 6-61):

• Mandatory for new installations

• Verifies safe operation and correct execution

Periodic Inspection (ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001 Part 6-62):

• Routine checks of existing systems

• Ensures long-term safety and functionality

When Is an E-Befund Required?

Common scenarios include:

• New installation of electrical systems

• Sale or rental of a property
  Example: “E-Befund for a newly rented 80 m² apartment”

• After renovations or modifications to the system

• Following damage (e.g. flooding or cable fire)

• If the system logbook is missing or incomplete

Recommended Inspection Intervals

IntervalTypical Use Cases

Every 1 yearConstruction sites, event venues

Every 2 yearsCommercial and industrial facilities

Every 5 yearsRental properties, shared residential installations

Every 10 yearsOffices, small commercial units

Note: For private homes (e.g. single-family residences), no legal obligation exists for periodic inspections. However, an interval of every 5 to 10 years is strongly recommended.

Inspection Process & What It Includes

The E-Befund inspection covers:

• Visual inspection: General condition of wiring, outlets, switches

• Measurements: Resistance, insulation, and grounding tests

• Function testing: RCD (FI) switches, circuit breakers, fault protection

Important: Every installation must include at least one 30 mA RCD for personal protection.
All results are documented in the official system logbook (Anlagenbuch).

Cost & Responsibility

At Wien Elektro, E-Befunds start from €275 for a standard apartment.
The cost is borne by the contracting party (landlord or property owner).

⚠️ Note: These costs may not be passed on to tenants.

Benefits of the E-Befund

A valid E-Befund offers several key advantages:

• Increased safety: Reduces risk of fire and electric shock

• Legal protection: Complies with regulatory requirements and reduces liability

• Preserves property value: Prevents long-term damage through timely maintenance

• Smoother property transactions: Simplifies rentals and sales with legal clarity

Who Should Get an E-Befund?

The E-Befund is especially relevant for:

• Property owners – to ensure safety and maintain property value

• Landlords – to fulfill legal obligations

• Tenants – to understand the safety standards of their living space