Electrical systems

Testing of fixed electrical installations in accordance with DGUV regulation 3.

1. Why do I need to have electrical systems checked?

Around 30 percent of all registered fires are due to faults or defects in electrical systems. In addition, electrical systems can be restricted by their functionality. As a result, production losses are usually accompanied by a loss of sales. Through initial tests prior to commissioning and repetitive tests, functionality and safety of the electrical systems are ensured at regular intervals. The safety tests are prescribed according to DGUV regulation 3 and are within the responsibility of the entrepreneur.

2. What must be tested in electrical systems?

Electrical systems are divided into stationary and non-stationary systems. Devices fixed to their environment, e.g. Installations in buildings or construction site wagons are understood as stationary installations. Non-stationary systems can be recognized by the fact that they are dismantled or dismantled according to their intended use after use. Examples are installations at construction and assembly sites as well as flying buildings.

Electrical installations are formed by combining electrical equipment. Therefore, all equipment must be tested.

According to §2 (1) of the German Ordinance on the Protection of Vehicles, "electrical equipment as defined in the accident prevention regulations means all objects which, as a whole or in individual parts, are subjected to the application of electrical energy or objects (eg objects for the generation, forwarding, distributing, storing, measuring and consuming) transmission, distribution and processing of information (eg objects of telecommunication and information technology). "

Usually the following three categories are divided:

  • Electrically variable electrical equipment
  • Stationary, electrical equipment
  • Electrical systems

Electrical systems:

Local electrical installations consist of a combination of local electrical equipment.

Examples of equipment in electrical installations are:

  • Sockets
  • Lamps
  • Cables
  • RCD circuit breaker
  • Fuse boxes
3. How is the test carried out?

All equipment is subjected to a single test. The test comprises the following three steps, which are also laid down in the DIN VDE regulations:

  • Inspection: Visual inspection for damage or improper use
  • Testing: Functional testing
  • Measure: Carry out the prescribed measurements

For the electrical check, calibrated measuring instruments are used which carry out the following measurements:

  • Insulation resistance of the protective conductor to neutral and outer conductor
  • Fault protection and outer conductor
  • Fault protection and neutralization
  • Main potential equalization and additional potential equalization
  • Correct assignment of the neutral conductor to the current circuits detected by the FI protection device
  • Conclusion between neutral conductors of different RCDs
4. Testing of electrical systems according to DIN VDE 0100-610 and DIN VDE 0105-100

In section 2 (2), the DGUV stipulates, according to which rules the test of electrical installations must be carried out: "Electrotechnical rules within the meaning of this accident prevention regulation are the generally recognized rules of electrical engineering, which are contained in the VDE regulations the Berufsgenossenschaft in its newsletter. "

For electrical systems, this corresponds to VDE 0100-610 for initial tests and VDE 0105-100 for repeat tests.

5. How often do electrical installations have to be tested?

Electrical systems must be checked by a qualified electrician prior to commissioning and after a change or repair before commissioning. In addition, the equipment shall be subjected to a re-examination every 4 years. Electrical installations in "workshops, premises and installations of a special kind" shall be inspected annually (for example, wet areas, construction sites, medically used areas).

According to the company safety regulations, the company has to ensure that the electrical installations and equipment are checked for their proper condition. The consequences of a lack of verification are serious in the event of damage. For this reason, the specified measuring and testing intervals for stationary electrical systems should be strictly adhered to.

6. Who is allowed to inspect electrical installations?

The test of electrical installations must be carried out by electricians.

Due to the harmonization of the EU, professional (basic) training is no longer sufficient to qualify as a skilled electrician. In addition to professional training, current knowledge and experience are also required. The electrician must therefore have actively exercised the activities even in recent years.

Annex A of VDE 1000-10 also indicates that there is no "skilled electrician trained and qualified for all electrotechnical workplaces" for areas other than electrotechnical lay persons.

It is therefore highly recommended to carry out maintenance, repair and inspection tasks by qualified electricians, who are trained on the relevant area and who are active in this area as well.

7. Testing by HCE Control

Allow your local electrical installations to be checked quickly, safely and easily by the HCE Control.

Look forward to:

  • A telephone consultation and, if required, a personal interview on the spot
  • A proven test concept that can be tailor-made to your requirements
  • Friendly professional staff, who carry out the prescribed examinations conscientiously
  • A court-specific documentation or a detailed error log

If required, we can also assist you with the following services:

  • Create a hazard assessment
  • Inventory of equipment
  • On-site repairs
  • Replacement of spare parts