DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Portable electrical equipment in Germany (DGUV V3): never miss a test
German employers must have portable electrical equipment tested periodically by a qualified person; the interval is set in the risk assessment, and the ordinance fixes no number of months (Sections 3(6), 14(2) BetrSichV). Untested equipment may not be used (Section 4(4)).
Under the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), work equipment means tools, devices, machines or installations used for work (Section 2(1)). Equipment exposed to damaging influences that could endanger employees must be tested at recurring intervals by a person qualified to test (Section 14(2)).
The employer determines the type and scope of tests and the intervals for recurring tests, unless the ordinance itself sets them. Intervals must ensure the equipment can be used safely until the next test (Section 3(6)) and are documented in the risk assessment (Section 3(8) no. 4). If a test shows that a device cannot be operated safely until the next due date, the interval must be reset (Section 14(2)).
In addition, the employer ensures that equipment is checked for obvious defects before each use (Section 4(5)). If equipment is used at different sites, proof of the last test must be kept at the place of use (Section 14(7)).
At a glance
| Legal basis | Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), Sections 3, 4 and 14 |
|---|---|
| Test interval | Set by the employer and documented in the risk assessment (Section 3(6) and (8)) |
| Who tests | A person qualified to test (Section 2(6), Section 14(2)) |
| Before each use | Check for obvious defects (Section 4(5)) |
| Additional tests | After changes requiring a test and after exceptional events such as accidents, long periods out of use or natural events (Section 14(3)) |
| Records | Type, scope and result of the test, name and signature of the tester; keep at least until the next test (Section 14(7)) |
| Changing sites | Proof of the last test kept at the place of use (Section 14(7)) |
This page deliberately gives no typical test intervals. The interval that counts is the one set in your risk assessment.
Who is responsible?
The employer sets the type, scope and intervals of tests, decides what qualifications testers must have, and makes sure results are recorded and kept (Section 3(6), Section 14(7) BetrSichV). The tester is not subject to the employer's technical instructions when testing (Section 14(6)).
If the deadline passes
Equipment that must be tested under Section 14 may only be used if the tests have been carried out and documented (Section 4(4) BetrSichV). Failing to ensure this, intentionally or negligently, is an administrative offence (Section 22(1) no. 8).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add one record per site or equipment group and enter the next test date from your risk assessment as the expiry date.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself, leaving time to book the test.
- Assign a responsible person to each record, such as the qualified electrician or facilities staff; emails arrive in each recipient's language.
- The external tester can upload the test report through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- If the date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must portable electrical equipment be tested in Germany?
- The employer sets the interval in the risk assessment so that the equipment can be used safely until the next test (Section 3(6) BetrSichV). The ordinance sets no fixed interval in months for this equipment.
- Who may carry out the test?
- A person qualified to test, with the necessary knowledge from vocational training, professional experience and recent professional activity (Section 2(6) BetrSichV).
- What about equipment on construction sites or at changing locations?
- Proof that the last test was carried out must be kept at the place of use (Section 14(7) BetrSichV).
Sources
- Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) Section 2 Definitions
- BetrSichV Section 3 Risk assessment
- BetrSichV Section 4 Basic duties of the employer
- BetrSichV Section 14 Testing of work equipment
- BetrSichV Section 22 Administrative offences
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for portable electrical equipment test (DGUV V3) (Germany)
A ready template for portable electrical equipment test (DGUV V3) (Germany) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each portable electrical equipment test (DGUV V3) (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each portable electrical equipment test (DGUV V3) (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.