DW Hargreaves Electrical Contractors
NICEIC Approved Contractors Since 1976
WP Remix

Frequency of Tests

This table provides guidance on the initial frequency of formal inspections of electrical installations as well as the routine checks. The ‘initial frequencies’ in the title of the table refers to the time interval between the issuing of the Electrical Installation Certificate on completion of the work and the first inspection

General Installation - Table 1

Type of Installation Routine Check Maximum Period between Inspections and testing as necessary Reference - see key below
Domestic - Change of occupancy /10 years
Commercial 1 Year Change of occupancy /10 years 1,2
Educational 4 Months 5 years 1,2
Hospitals 1 Year 5 years 1,2
Industrial 1 Year 5 years 1,2
Residential Change of occupancy /1 year 5 years 1,2
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 - Table 2

Type of Installation Routine Check Maximum Period between Inspections and testing as necessary Reference - see key below
Cinemas 1 Year 1 to 3 years 2,6,7
Church Installations 1 Year 5 Years 2
Leisure complexes (ex swimming pool) 1 Year 3 years 1,2,6
Places of public entertainment 1 Year 3 years 1,2,6
Restaurants/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 / Community 1 Year 5 years 1,2
Reference Key for table 1 & 2 above.
  1. Particular attention must be taken to comply with SI 1988 No.1057 - Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended)
  2. SI 1989 No 635 – Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Reg 4 & Memorandum)
  3. See BS 5266: Part 1: 2005 Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified premises used for entertainment
  4. Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators
  5. See BS 5839: Part 1: 2002 Code of practice for system design installation design and servicing (Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings).
  6. Local Authority Conditions of License
  7. SI 1995 No 1129 (clause 27) – Cinematograph (safety) regulations
  8. It is recommended that a caravan is inspected and tested annually if it is used Frequently (see 721.514.1 and Fig 721 – Instructions for electricity supply)

Special Installation - Table 3

Type of Installation Routine Check Maximum Period between Inspections and testing as necessary Reference - see key below
Agricultural 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 -
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
Launderettes 1 Year 1 Year 1,2,6
Petrol Filling 1 Year 1 Year 1,2,6
Construction Site Installations 3 Months 3 Months 1,2
Reference Key for Table 3
  1. Particular attention must be taken to comply with SI 1988 No.1057 – Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended)
  2. SI 1989 No 635 – Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Reg 4 & Memorandum)
  3. See BS 5266: Part 1: 2005 Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified premises used for entertainment
  4. Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators
  5. See BS 5839: Part 1: 2002 Code of practice for system design installation design and servicing (Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings).
  6. Local Authority Conditions of License
  7. SI 1995 No 1129 (clause 27) – Cinematograph (safety) regulations
  8. It is recommended that a caravan is inspected and tested annually if it is used Frequently (see 721.514.1 and Fig 721 – Instructions for electricity supply)