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Inspection intervals: How often must inspections be carried out?

inspection intervals

Electrical safety is not a matter of chance. It is the result of regular inspections and professional maintenance. As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and the integrity of your equipment. The DGUV V3 inspection (formerly BGV A3) provides the legal framework for this. But when exactly do you need to have inspections carried out? What deadlines apply to drills on construction sites and what deadlines apply to coffee machines in the office? We shed light on the jungle of regulations.

At Elektroprüfung Guru, we support you throughout Germany in meeting these requirements in a legally compliant and efficient manner. We ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines and are on the safe side in the event of damage.

Why are the DGUV V3 inspection intervals so important?

Electricity is invisible, odorless, and potentially deadly. A defective cable or an overheated power strip is enough to cause fires or endanger employees. Legislators and professional associations have therefore established clear rules. Anyone who ignores these deadlines risks more than just fines. In the worst case, you could lose your insurance coverage and be held personally liable.

The inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 serves as a preventive measure to identify defects at an early stage. It is not about harassment, but about protecting lives and property. However, the intervals for these checks are not static. They depend heavily on the type of device and the environment in which it is used.

Elektronisches Messgerät mit Kabeln und Anschlüssen, verwendet zur Überwachung und Prüfung elektrischer Schaltungen.
Kappsäge im Einsatz in einer Werkstatt, umgeben von Werkzeugen.

The risk assessment: the basis for your inspection intervals

The answer to the question “How often should inspections be carried out?” is often “It depends.” Although DGUV V3 specifies guidelines, the actual inspection interval is determined by the employer on the basis of a so-called risk assessment. A qualified electrician can assist you with this.

The principle is simple: the higher the risk and stress on a device, the shorter the inspection cycle must be. A computer in an air-conditioned office wears out more slowly than an angle grinder on a dusty construction site.

Bohrmaschine in einer Werkstatt mit unscharfem Hintergrund. Holzarbeiten, Handwerk und Industrieumgebung.

Table for portable equipment

Portable equipment refers to all devices that can be easily moved during operation as long as they are connected to the power supply. This includes coffee machines, printers, drills, and extension cords. In most companies, this group accounts for the majority of devices that need to be inspected.

The following table provides an overview of proven inspection intervals based on the recommendations of the DGUV:

Area of application / Type of operation Examples of devices Recommended inspection interval Maximum interval
Office & Administration PC, monitor, kettle, printer Every 12 – 24 months 24 months
Workshops & production Drill presses, soldering stations, hand tools Every 12 months 12 months
Construction sites Circular saws, cable reels, construction site power distributors Every 3–6 months 3 months (on construction sites)
Hospitals & nursing homes Nursing beds, small medical devices Every 12 months (often shorter) 12 months
Schools & kindergartens Overhead projectors, educational computers, kitchen appliances Every 12 months 12 months

Note: These values are guidelines. If your error rate was less than 2% during the last inspection, the deadline may be extended under certain circumstances. We would be happy to advise you individually on this matter.

Handwerker bearbeitet Holz mit Elektrowerkzeug, funkelnde Staubpartikel, präzise handwerkliche Arbeit in Werkstatt.

Inspection intervals for stationary electrical installations

Fixed installations are permanently connected to their surroundings. These include distribution systems, built-in lights, and permanently installed motors. Here too, DGUV V3 provides clear recommendations. Since these installations are usually exposed to less mechanical stress, the intervals between inspections are longer.

  • General electrical systems: Inspection every 4 years.
  • Systems in “special types of operating facilities” (e.g., damp rooms, hazardous areas): Inspection often necessary annually.
  • Residual current devices (RCDs): In stationary systems, a daily check by the user (pressing the test button) and a metrological test every 6 months (often monthly for mobile systems) is recommended.

We ensure that your electrical systems and equipment comply with the strict requirements of the professional associations. Whether in the office, on the construction site, or in your home office: we shed light on the jungle of regulations and guarantee you smooth operations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about DGUV V3

Put your trust in the electrical testing guru. We combine professional expertise with customer service. We carry out our tests honestly and transparently, causing as little disruption to your operations as possible. Request your no-obligation quote now and make your business safe.

The costs depend heavily on the number of devices and the environment. Providers usually charge a price per device tested. This price usually decreases the more devices are tested at a single location. We offer transparent flat-rate quotes with no hidden travel costs. Simply request a quick calculation.

Exceeding the inspection deadlines is an administrative offense. If an accident occurs during this period, the situation becomes critical. The employers’ liability insurance association may refuse to pay benefits, and insurance companies often do not pay for fire damage if the inspection has not been carried out. In the worst case, the managing director may face criminal consequences for negligence.

Basically, yes. “E-Check” is a registered trademark of the German Electrical Contractors’ Association. DGUV V3 testing is the legal term for mandatory testing. In terms of content, both are based on the same VDE standards and serve the same safety purpose.

Yes. As soon as an employee uses their private coffee machine or radio in the office, these become the responsibility of the employer. They must be included in the risk assessment and checked regularly. If the employer tolerates their use, they are also liable for them.

DGUV V3 Prüfungen in ganz Deutschlands

+49 (0) 211 2204320

office@elektropruefung.guru

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