Why are inspection intervals important?
Compliance with inspection intervals for electrical equipment is not only a legal obligation but also protects your employees and your company from serious consequences. Electrical defects are one of the most common causes of fire in commercial operations.
In this article, you will find a complete overview of all inspection intervalsaccording to DGUV Vorschrift 3, practical reference tables, and tips for correctly determining the intervals for your business.
📋 Important to understand:
The intervals specified in DGUV V3 are guideline values. The actual inspection intervals must be determined individually for each business through arisk assessment. In cases of increased stress, shorter intervals may be required.
Inspection Intervals for Portable Equipment
Portable electrical equipment refers to devices that can be moved during operation or easily transported from one place to another. This includes computers, hand tools, extension cords, coffee machines, and much more.
Inspection Interval Table by Area of Use
| Area of Use / Facility | Inspection Interval | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Construction sites | 3 months | Drills, angle grinders, construction power distributors |
| Manufacturing plants, workshops | 6 months | Hand tools, welding equipment, testing devices |
| Operations with increased stress | 6–12 months | Warehouses, production, food service |
| Offices, administration | 24 months | Computers, monitors, printers, telephones |
| Laboratories | 6–12 months | Laboratory equipment, measuring instruments |
| Schools, kindergartens | 12 months | Teaching equipment, computers, kitchen appliances |
Detailed Inspection Intervals by Device Type
| Device Type | Office | Workshop | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension cords | 24 mo. | 6 mo. | 3 mo. |
| Power strips | 24 mo. | 6 mo. | 3 mo. |
| Computers, monitors | 24 mo. | 12 mo. | - |
| Hand drills | - | 6 mo. | 3 mo. |
| Angle grinders | - | 6 mo. | 3 mo. |
| Coffee machines | 24 mo. | 12 mo. | - |
| Welding equipment | - | 6 mo. | 3 mo. |
⚠️ Special case: Cables and leads
Connection leads with plugs (e.g., extension cords, appliance leads) often have shorter inspection intervals than the connected devices, as they are subject to greater stress. On construction sites: every 3 months!
Inspection Intervals for Fixed Electrical Installations
Fixed electrical installations are permanently installed systems such as switchboards, distribution panels, outlets, and the entire building electrical system. Inspection intervals are generally longer than for portable equipment.
Inspection Interval Table for Fixed Installations
| Installation Type / Environment | Inspection Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical installations (general) | 4 years | Standard case for offices, commercial |
| Damp/wet rooms | 1 year | Washrooms, kitchens, swimming pools |
| Outdoor installations | 1 year | Outdoor lighting, parking areas |
| Explosion-hazardous areas | per BetrSichV | ATEX zones, individual determination |
| Construction sites (power distributors) | 6 months | Increased stress |
| Medical facilities | 1–2 years | Depending on risk area |
What is inspected in fixed installations?
- ✓ Main distribution boards: Condition, labeling, fuse protection
- ✓ Sub-distribution boards: Function of protective devices
- ✓ Wiring systems: Insulation resistance, continuity
- ✓ Outlets: Function, grounding, mechanical condition
- ✓ Protective measures: RCD testing (residual current devices)
- ✓ Equipotential bonding: Continuity, resistance
💡 Practical tip:
Combine the inspection of fixed installations with the testing of portable equipment. This saves travel costs and gives you a unified inspection date for your entire company.
Inspection Intervals for Electrical Machines
Electrical machines in production are subject to special requirements. Inspection is carried out according to DIN EN 60204-1 and covers the entire electrical equipment of the machine.
Inspection Intervals for Machines
| Machine Type | Inspection Interval | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Production machines (general) | 1 year | DIN EN 60204-1 |
| CNC machines | 1 year | DIN EN 60204-1 |
| Presses, stamping machines | 6–12 months | DIN EN 60204-1 + BetrSichV |
| Welding robots | 1 year | DIN EN 60204-1 |
| Conveyor systems | 1 year | DIN EN 60204-1 |
Special Inspection Points for Machines
- • Emergency stop devices: Function and accessibility
- • Safety devices: Safety doors, light curtains, two-hand controls
- • Control cabinet: Condition, labeling, heat development
- • Cable routing: Cable chains, flexible leads
- • Grounding: Continuity of the protective conductor
Setting Inspection Intervals: Risk Assessment
The intervals listed in the tables are guideline values. The actual inspection intervals must be determined individually for your business through arisk assessment.
Factors for Shorter Inspection Intervals
Environmental Conditions
- • Moisture, wetness
- • Dust, dirt
- • Chemical exposure
- • Extreme temperatures
- • Vibrations
Usage Intensity
- • Continuous operation (24/7)
- • Frequent plugging/unplugging
- • High mechanical stress
- • Many different users
- • Mobile use
Factors for Longer Inspection Intervals
- ✓ Low frequency of use
- ✓ Protected, dry environment
- ✓ Fixed installation without movement
- ✓ Low mechanical stress
- ✓ Few, trained users
Documenting the Risk Assessment
The risk assessment must be documented in writing and include the following points:
- • Description of work equipment and areas of use
- • Identified hazards
- • Defined inspection intervals with justification
- • Responsible persons
- • Date and signature
📋 Tip:
We support you in creating the risk assessment and determining the optimal inspection intervals for your business. This ensures you are on the safe side legally.
FAQ: Inspection Intervals
How often must office equipment be inspected?
Office equipment such as computers, monitors, and printers must generally be inspectedevery 24 months. With increased stress (e.g., shift operations), shorter intervals may be required.
What inspection interval applies to extension cords?
Extension cords often have shorter inspection intervals than other devices, as they are subject to greater stress. In offices: 24 months, in workshops: 6 months, on construction sites: 3 months.
When must an initial inspection be carried out?
An initial inspection is required before the first commissioning of new equipment and installations, as well as after significant modifications or repairs. For new devices with CE marking, the initial inspection may be waived.
What happens if deadlines are exceeded?
Exceeding inspection deadlines can result in fines,loss of insurance coverage, and in the event of damage,personal liability of the business owner. Equipment without a valid inspection may not be operated.
Can I set the inspection intervals myself?
Yes, within the framework of the risk assessment, you can adjust the inspection intervals. The guideline values of DGUV V3 may only be exceeded if a demonstrably lower hazard level exists. Shortening intervals is always permitted.
Stay on top of inspection deadlines – we can help!
With our maintenance contract, you will never miss an inspection deadline again. We remind you in time and carry out inspections on schedule.
Contact us for a non-binding quote.
Standards & Regulatory References
The inspection intervals listed in this article are based on the following regulations:
- DGUV Regulation 3 – German accident prevention regulation for electrical systems and equipment
- TRBS 1201 – Technical rule on inspections and inspection intervals for work equipment
- TRBS 1203 – Requirements for qualified persons authorised to perform inspections
- BetrSichV – German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (basis for risk assessment under § 3)