Frequency of Inspection and Testing
The frequency of periodic inspection and testing must be determined taking into account:
- the type of installation
- its use and operation
- the frequency and quality of maintenance
- the external influences to which it is subjected
The table below provides guidance on the frequency of formal inspections of electrical installations as well as routine checks.
Type of Installation |
Routine Check |
Maximum Period between inspections and testing as necessary |
Reference (see notes below) |
Domestic |
N/A |
change of occupancy/10 years |
N/A |
Commercial |
1 year
|
change of occupancy/5 years |
1,2 |
Educational establishments |
4 months |
5 years |
1,2 |
Hospitals |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2 |
Industrial |
1 year |
3 years |
1,2 |
Residential accommodation |
at change of occupancy/ 1 year |
5 years |
1 |
Offices |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2 |
Shops |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2 |
Laboratories |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2 |
Cinemas |
4 months |
1 year |
2,6,7 |
Church installations |
1 year |
5 years (quinquenially) |
2 |
Leisure complexes |
4 months |
1 year |
1,2,6 |
Places of public entertainment |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2,6 |
Restaurants and hotels |
4 months |
1 year |
1,2,6 |
Theatres |
4 months |
1 year |
2,6,7 |
Public houses |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2,6 |
Village halls/Community centres |
1 year |
5 years |
1,2 |
Agricultural and horticultural |
1 year |
3 years |
1,2 |
Caravans |
1 year |
3 years |
N/A |
Caravan parks
|
6 months |
1 year |
1,2,6 |
Highway power supplies |
as convenient |
6 years |
N/A |
Marinas |
4 months |
1 year |
1,2 |
Fish farms |
4 months |
1 year |
1,2 |
Emergency lighting |
daily/monthly |
3 years |
2,3,4 |
Fire alarms |
daily/weekly/monthly |
1 year |
2,4,5 |
Laundrettes |
1 year |
1 year |
1,2,6 |
Petrol filling stations |
1 year |
1 year |
1,2,6 |
Construction site installations |
3 months |
3 months
|
1,2 |