How often should the wiring in our building be tested?
The inspection intervals vary greatly depending upon the use of the electrical installation, and whether the premises are used by members of the general public. As a rough outline, the following information has been provided in Guidance Note 3, of BS 7671 The Requirements for Electrical Installations 2001 (as amended 2004) Our staff can provide advice on inspection intervals and the costs relating to inspection of your premises.
Suggested intervals between Periodic Tests and Inspections
|
| Type of installation |
Maximum period between inspections |
| Domestic premises |
10 years |
| Commercial premises |
5 years |
| Educational establishments |
5 years |
| Hospitals |
5 years |
| Industrial premises |
3 years |
| Cinemas |
1 year* |
| Churches |
5 years |
| Leisure complexes |
1 year |
| Places of public entertainment |
1 year |
| Theatres, etc. |
1 year* |
| Agricultural and horticultural |
3 years |
| Caravans |
3 years |
| Caravan sites |
1 year* |
| Emergency lighting |
3 years |
| Fire alarm systems |
1 year |
| Launderettes |
1 year* |
| Petrol filling stations |
1 year* |
| Public Houses |
5 years |
| Marinas |
1 Year |
| Highway power supplies |
6 years |
| Temporary installation |
3 months |
Where maximum periods are marked *
there is a legal requirement for retests at these intervals |
