Frequency Of Testing

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Frequency Of Testing Frequency of testing depends on the type or class of equipment, and the environment in which it is used. Please find below more in-depth information regarding the frequency of testing. 8.1 Procedures 8.1.1 The basic requirement 8.1.2 Fixed installations 8.1.3 Equipment Frequency For Portable Appliance Testing Table PROCEDURES FOR IN-SERVICE INSPECTION AND TESTING 8.1 Procedures 8.1.1 The basic requirement There is no specific requirement in legislation concerned with in-service maintenance to inspect or test equipment but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Regulation (42) requires that: "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger". "Inspection and testing alone will not result in compliance with the law". The requirement is to maintain electrical equipment as necessary to prevent danger. This means that the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations are not met simply by carrying out tests on equipment - the aim is to ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition.  Back to top. 8.1.2 Fixed installations The procedures described here are for the inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Similar procedures must be followed for the fixed electrical installation. Those testing equipment must advise the responsible person of his/her responsibilities with respect to the fixed installation and, if the instructions do not include the inspection and testing of socket-outlets, the client must be advised in writing of the need to ensure, by periodic testing (see lEE Guidance Note 3), that the fixed installation is satisfactory. The reliance of Class I appliances on a good connection with earth for safety must be emphasised.  Back to top. 8.1.3 Equipment The following procedure is necessary: Inspection and testing as necessary of all electrical equipment including: fixed equipment portable equipment electrical tools electrical instruments etc. so that necessary maintenance and repair is identified. Following inspection and testing, necessary maintenance and repairs must be carried out or the equipment removed from use. Adequate records of all maintenance activities must be kept including: inspections testing repairs procurement of equipment. Frequency For Portable Appliance Testing Table SUGGESTED FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION AND TESTING OF EQUIPMENT Type of Premises Type of Equipment Note I User Checks Note Class I Class II Note 4 Formal Visual Inspection Note 3 Combined Inspection and Testing Note 5 Formal Visual Inspection Note 3 Combined Inspection and Testing Note 5 Industrial including Commercial Kitchens S IT M P H weekly weekly before use before use before use None None 1 month 1 month 1 month 12 months 12 months 12 months 6 months 6 months None None 3 months 3 months 3 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 6 months 6 months Equipment used by the public S IT M P H Note 6+ Note 6+ Note 6+ Note 6+ Note 6+ monthly monthly weekly weekly weekly 12 months 12 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 3 months 3 months 1 month 1 month 1 month 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months Schools S IT M P H weekly+ weekly+ weekly+ weekly+ before use+ None None 4 months 4 months 4 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months 4 months 4 months 4 months 48 months 48 months 48 months 48 months 48 months Hotels S IT M P H None None weekly weekly before use 24 months 24 months 12 months 12 months 6 months 48 months 48 months 24 months 24 months 12 months 24 months 24 months 24 months 24 months 6 months None None None None None Offices and Shops S IT M P H None None weekly weekly before use 24 months 24 months 12 months 12 months 6 months 48 months 48 months 24 months 24 months 12 months 24 months 24 months 24 months 24 months 6 months None None None None None Notes 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 the combined inspection and tests when they coincide, and must be recorded see 7.2b. 4 If class of equipment is not known, it must be tested as Class 1. 5 The results of the combined inspections and tests are recorded see 7.2c 6 For some equipment such as children's rides a daily check may be necessary. + supervisor/teacher/member  Back to top. Print this page This information has been taken from the Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment as published by The IEE 01932 873818 25 Tulk House Ottershaw Park Ottershaw Surrey KT16 0QG Company Registration No: 6541199

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