Test and Inspection
Recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations.
No electrical system can be considered ‘Safe’ for use until it has been Tested & Inspected. Furthermore, all electrical systems deteriorate with age and use. Established systems should always be tested on a scheduled basis to ensure compliance with BS 7671.
Due to various changes within the building industry, insurance companies and the buy-to-let market, we have found an increase in the requirement for periodic testing and inspecting. For example, a rental domestic property should be tested every 5 years or at a change of tenancy, this ensures correct operation of the electrical system between tenants, making sure that no changes have been made without the landlord’s knowledge. This falls under duty of care from a landlord to a tenant.
General Installation
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Max Period Between Inspections and Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic accommodation - general | – | Change of occupancy / 10 years |
| Domestic accommodation - rented houses and flats | 1 Year | Change of occupancy / 5 years |
| Residential accommodation (Houses of Multiple Occupation) - halls of residence; nurses accommodation; etc | 1 Year | Change of occupancy / 5 years |
| Commercial | 1 Year | Change of occupancy / 5 years |
| Educational establishments | 6 Months | 5 years |
| Industrial | 1 year | 3 years |
| Offices | 1 year | 5 years |
| Shops | 1 year | 5 years |
| Laboratories | 1 year | 5 years |
Hospitals and Medical Clinics
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Max Period Between Inspections and Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals and medical clinics - general areas | 1 year | 5 years |
| Hospitals and medical clinics - medical locations | 6 months | 1 year |
Buildings Open To The Public
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Max Period Between Inspections and Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Cinemas | 1 year | 1-3 years |
| Church Installations | 1 year | 5 years |
| Leisure Complexes (excluding swimming pools) | 1 year | 3 years |
| Places of public entertainment | 1 year | 3 years |
| Restaurants and Hotels | 1 year | 5 years |
| Theatres | 1 year | 3 years |
| Public Houses | 1 year | 5 years |
| Village halls / community centres | 1 year | 5 years |
Special and specific installations (for medical locations see above)
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Max Period Between Inspections and Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and horticultural | 1 year | 3 years |
| Caravans | 1 year | 3 years |
| Caravan parks | 6 months | 1 year |
| Highway power supplies | As convenient | 6-8 years |
| Marinas | 4 months | 1 year |
| Fish farms | 4 months | 1 year |
| Swimming pools | 4 months | 1 year |
| Emergency lighting | Daily / monthly | 3 years |
| Fire alarms | Daily / weekly | 1 year |
| Laundrettes | Monthly | 1 year |
| Petrol filling stations | 1 year | 1 year |
| Construction site installations | 3 months | 3 months |
Please note: these tables should only be used as a guide. Your specific installation needs to be considered, along with the Electricity at Work Regulations, as it may require a shorter testing interval depending on the environment, usage and likely deterioration. You should always seek advice from a qualified electrician before establishing a suitable testing interval for your installation.