Testing Intervals

Testing Intervals

The frequency of periodic inspection and testing must be determined taking into account:

  1. the type of installation
  2. its use and operation
  3. the frequency and quality of maintenance
  4. 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)
General installation
Domestic N/A change of occupancy/10 years N/A
Commercial 1 year change of occupancy/5 years 1,2
Educational establishments 6 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
Buildings open to the public
Cinemas 1 year 1-3 years 2,6,7
Church installations 1 year 5 years (quinquenially) 2
Leisure complexes 4 months 3 years 1,2,6
Places of public entertainment 1 year 5 years 1,2,6
Restaurants and hotels 1 year 5 years 1,2,6
Theatres 1 year 3 years 2,6,7
Public houses 1 year 5 years 1,2,6
Village halls/Community centres 1 year 5 years 1,2
External installations
Agricultural and horticultural 1 year 3 years 1,2
Swimming pools 4 months 1 year 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 month 1 year 1,2,6
Petrol filling stations 1 year 1 year 1,2,6
Construction site installations 3 months 3 months 1,2

Reference Key

  1. Particular attention must be taken to comply with S1 1988 No 1057. The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988.
  2. S1 1988 N0 635 The Electricity at Work Regulations.
  3. See BS5266: Part : 1988 Code of practice for the emergency lighting.
  4. Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators.
  5. See BS 5839: Part 1: 1988 Code of practice for system design installation and servicing.
  6. Local Authority Conditions of Licence.
  7. S1 1995 No 1129 (Clause 27) The Cinematography (Safety) Regulations

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