![[Translate to English:] Warnhinweis vor elektrischem Strom.](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/a/csm_1164_Pr%C3%BCfung_elektriche_Anlagen_20260528_4cedc571ce.jpg "[Translate to English:] Warnhinweis vor elektrischem Strom.")
Inspection of Electrical Systems and Equipment
DGUV Regulation 3/4
Electrical systems and equipment are subject to various stresses and aging processes during normal operation. Damage, wear and tear, or improper use can pose a hazard. Regular inspections are intended to detect defects early on in order to prevent accidents and damage.
Procedure for Requesting an Inspection of Portable Electrical Appliances
in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3/4 at RPTU
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate uses centralized framework agreements for the mandatory electrical inspections of its government agencies, ministries, and public properties. These contracts consolidate demand and spare individual institutions from having to conduct their own time-consuming bidding processes.
Regional Division (Lots): Since the state covers a large area, the tenders are generally divided into several regional lots. This allows specialized service providers to serve specific regions (e.g., the Palatinate) as a group.
The inspections under these framework agreements are conducted strictly in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3/4 and the relevant VDE standards (DIN EN 50699 / VDE 0702).
The framework agreement applies only to portable equipment.
Procedure for commissioning the inspection:
- Users must record (count) the number of devices to be inspected in their respective areas of responsibility.
- Fill out a request form (number of devices, total cost at 2.50 euros per device) and send it to zv-vergabeteam1@rptu.
- The request form will be returned as an Excel spreadsheet. The following information must be provided in the spreadsheet:
- Number of devices
- their locations
- Points of contact
- Timeframe during which the inspection can be conducted
- The Excel spreadsheet is sent back to the procurement department.
- The contracting company will contact the designated points of contact and schedule an appointment.
- If only a small number of devices (fewer than 300) are reported, inspection requests from multiple users will be combined.
Alternative procedure: Instead of using the framework agreement, it is also possible to award the contract to another provider. In this case, a corresponding quote must be attached to the request for services.
DGUV Regulations 3 and 4 govern the safe handling of electrical systems and equipment. Essentially, the difference between Regulations 3 and 4 lies in their scope of application. Regulation 3 applies to private-sector companies, and Regulation 4 applies to public institutions, although their content is largely identical.
These regulations require operators to conduct regular and timely inspections of all electrical systems and equipment. The purpose of this is to prevent hazards and accidents in the workplace.
The inspection consists of a visual inspection, an insulation resistance test, and a functional test. Defective devices must be taken out of service immediately. After repairs, the devices must be retested before they can be put back into service.
The inspection must be performed by qualified electrical professionals (EFK, electricians, electrical technicians, electrical engineers).
Exception: Under the constant guidance, supervision, and responsibility of an experienced qualified electrical professional, the inspections may also be performed by persons trained in electrical work (EuP). Courses for training EuP are offered by well-known, state-recognized inspection organizations.
Portable electrical equipment refers to devices that can be moved or easily transported from one location to another while in operation and while connected to the power supply. Stationary electrical equipment, on the other hand, refers to equipment that does not have a carrying device and is so large that it cannot be easily moved. This also includes electrical equipment that is temporarily fixed in place and operated via movable connection cables.
| Offices | every 24 months |
| Workshops | every 12 months |
| Laboratories | every 12 months |
| Classrooms | every 12months |
Fixed electrical equipment must be inspected every 4 years.
The inspection intervals specified in DGUV Regulation 4 are guidelines for normal operating and environmental conditions and are intended for general reference only. The actual inspection intervals are determined by the employer as part of a risk assessment, which may conclude that the intervals need to be shortened. Causes include exposure to dirt and dust, moisture and wetness, corrosion, oils, greases, acids, alkalis, harsh operating conditions, mechanical stress, and electrical, chemical, and thermal influences.
DGUV Regulations 3 and 4 apply in full to devices used while working from home as well. A mandatory inspection requirement may also apply to personal devices. This is the case, for example, if work devices are permanently powered through a personal power strip.
A DGUV inspection for power cords includes a visual inspection, a protective conductor test (including a bend test), insulation measurement, and a circuit test (continuity and polarity). It must be performed separately from the main appliance by a qualified electrician to ensure that the cord complies with standards and is safe.
The reason for this is that a “combined measurement” (with the cable connected to the device) is usually not reliable. Therefore, a separate inspection of the low-voltage device cable is strongly recommended.
Example: Computers and monitors with power cords: The cable and the device are considered two separate test items. Both must be tested individually. The cable is tested for continuity, insulation resistance, and protective conductor resistance. The main device must also be measured and subjected to a visual inspection.