Testing Frequency
The IEE Code of Practice which suggests the frequency of inspection and testing should take into account device usage as well as device type:
- Environment : e.g. equipment used in industry is probably more liable to damage than similar equipment used in an office
- Type : e.g. hand-held equipment is more likely to be damaged than fixed equipment
- Construction : e.g. Class 1 equipment is dependent on an earth connection (which can fail), Class 2 is not
- Users : e.g. if users are fully trained on equipment and can spot and report damage then testing can be less frequent
With this in mind, the following table outlines typical testing periods:
Type of Premises |
Type of Equipment Note (1) |
User Checks Note (2) |
Class 1 |
Class 2 |
||
Formal Visual Inspection Note (3) |
Combined Inspection And Testing Note (5) |
Formal Visual Inspection Note (3) |
Combined Inspection And Testing Note (5) |
|||
Construction Sites 110 V Equipment |
S |
None |
1 Month |
3 Months |
1 Month |
3 Months |
Industrial Including Commercial Kitchens |
S |
Weekly |
None |
12 Months |
None |
12 Months |
Equipment Used by the Public |
S |
Note (6) + |
Monthly |
12 Months |
3 Months |
12 Months |
Schools |
S |
Weekly + |
None |
12 Months |
12 Months |
48 Months |
Hotels |
S |
None |
24 Months |
48 Months |
24 Months |
48 Months |
Offices and Shops |
S |
None |
24 Months |
48 Months |
24 Months |
48 Months |
| 1 |
S = Stationary Equipment | |
| IT = Information Technology Equipment | ||
| M = Movable Equipment | ||
| P = Portable Equipment | ||
| H = Hand Held Equipment | ||
| 2 |
User checks are not recorded unless a fault is found. | |
| 3 |
The formal visual inspection may form part of combined inspection and tests when they coincide, and must be recorded | |
| 4 |
If the class of equipment is not known it must be tested as a Class 1 | |
| 5 |
The results of combined inspection and tests are recorded | |
| 6 |
For some equipment such as children’s rides a daily check may be necessary | |
| + |
By supervisor/teacher/member of staff | |
| # |
110V earthed centre tapped supply. 230V portable or hand-held equipment must be supplied via a 30mA RCD and inspections and tests carried out more frequently | |
