Inspection and Test

Full range of inspection and testing available

Working in close partnership to keep you running:

Domestic periodic inspection reports

Emergency lights periodic inspection reports

Portable appliance testing (PAT)

Commercial periodic inspection reports

Emergency lights monthly checks and repairs

Industrial periodic inspection reports

Fire alarm inspection and testing

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 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
Cinemas 4 months 1 year 2,6,7
Church installations 1 year 5 years (quinquenially) 2
Leisure complexes 4 months 1 year 1,2,6
Places of public entertainment 1 year 5 years 1,2,6
Restaurants and hotels 4 months 1 year 1,2,6
Theatres 4 months 1 year 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
Caravans 1 year 3 years 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 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
It is your responsibility to have your installation tested.
After a test we send out a free reminder, to non domestic clients, before each retest date.

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

Information taken from IEE guidance note 3