Periodic Testing and Inspecting

Periodic Testing and Inspection of electrical installations is necessary for the prevention of damage from wear and tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, environmental influences and ageing.

Electrical installations must be maintained in a safe condition and periodical testing of equipment may be required by law.

Periodic testing and inspection may be necessary to assess compliance with current IEE electricity wiring regulations. The change of use of premises or following alterations to an original installation would make electrical safety testing essential, or if there are significant changes in the electrical loading of an installation, or if there is any suspicion of damage being caused. Electrical testing would be strongly recommended in the case of neglect of faulty electrical apparatus, which could cause injuries to employees, staff members or customers.

Periodic Inspection and Testing of electrical installations is subject to certain maximum periods between electrical periodic inspections which are:

Commercial Installations - 5 years.
Industrial Installations - 3 years.
Buildings open to the public - 1 year.
External Installations - 3 years.
Caravan Parks - 1 year.
Fire Alarms - 1 year.
Short term and site Installations - 3 months.