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) |
tr>
| 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 |
