Guidelines on Frequency of Periodic Fixed Wire Testing & Inspection
The following table gives guidance on how often an Electrical Installation should have a Test & Inspection carried out.
The contents are industry recommendations and are based upon a number of different factors such as…
- The premises usage.
- The installations age and its subsequent wear and tear.
- The type of installation.
- The standard and frequency of maintenance carried out on the installation.
- The environment the installation resides in.
General Installations
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Maximum Period between inspections and testing as necessary | Reference (See notes bottom of page) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Buildings Open To The Public
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Maximum Period between inspections and testing as necessary | Reference (See notes bottom of page) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinemas | 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 2,6,7 |
| Church Installations | 1 year | 5 years | 2 |
| Leisure Complexes (excluding swimming pools) | 1 year | 3 years | 1,2,6 |
| Places of Public Entertainment | 1 year | 3 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
| Type of Installation | Routine Check | Maximum Period between inspections and testing as necessary | Reference (See notes bottom of page) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and Horticultural | 1 year | 3 years | 1,2 |
| Caravans | 1 year | 3 years | 8 |
| 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 |
| Swimming Pools | 4 months | 1 year | 1,2,6 |
| 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 |
Reference Key
- Particular attention must be taken to comply with S1 1988 No 1057 – Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended).
- S1 1989 No 635 – Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Regulations 4 & Memorandum).
- See BS5266: Part 1 : 2005 Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specific premises used for entertertainment.
- Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators.
- See BS 5839: Part 1: 2002 Code of practice for system design installation and servicing (Fire detection and alarms systems for buildings).
- Local Authority Conditions of Licence.
- S1 1995 No 1129 (Clause 27) – Cinematography (Safety) Regulations.
- It is recommended that a caravan is inspected and tested annually if it is used frequently.
(Information taken from IEE guidance note 3)