ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep your high-voltage installation inspection from expiring
High-voltage installations in Spain not owned by utilities are inspected by an authorised inspection body at least every three years, before the previous one expires (Article 21.1 of Royal Decree 337/2014; ITC-RAT 23). The holder must ensure it is done on time; conditional defects must be fixed within six months.
Spain's high-voltage regulation applies to three-phase AC installations below 100 Hz with a nominal voltage between phases above 1 kV (Article 2.1 of Royal Decree 337/2014). These installations are inspected every three years by authorised inspection bodies, and the holder must make sure the inspections take place on time (Article 21.1). The inspection regime, as regards frequency and inspecting bodies, also applies to installations that existed before the regulation (Article 2.2.c).
For installations not owned by generation, transmission or distribution companies, ITC-RAT 23 requires a verification before commissioning and a periodic inspection at least every three years, carried out before the validity of the previous one ends. Installations above 30 kV also need an initial inspection before commissioning (ITC-RAT 23, section 3).
The periodic inspection includes at least the measurements of the periodic verifications, among them a check of the earthing with a visual inspection and resistance measurement; step and touch voltages are only measured if the original design conditions have changed (ITC-RAT 23, sections 2.1 and 3.2.2). The company responsible for maintenance assists the inspection body, which issues a certificate listing defects, their classification, the installation's rating and correction deadlines of no more than six months (section 3.3.1).
At a glance
| Frequency | At least every three years (Article 21.1; ITC-RAT 23, section 3) |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Before the validity of the previous inspection ends (ITC-RAT 23, section 3) |
| Who inspects | Authorised inspection body (Article 21.1) |
| Above 30 kV | Also an initial inspection before commissioning (ITC-RAT 23, section 3) |
| Conditional rating | Correction within six months at most (section 3.3.2.b) |
| Negative rating | Certificate sent to the authority immediately (section 3.3.2.c) |
Who is responsible?
The holder makes sure inspections take place on time (Article 21.1). Before start-up, the owner signs a maintenance contract with a high-voltage installation company, which must remain in force while the installation is in service, unless the authority exempts the owner for having its own resources (ITC-RAT 22, section 4). Inspection bodies give a copy of the report to the holder and to the authority (Article 21.2).
If the deadline passes
With a conditional rating, installations in service have at most six months to fix the defects; if they are not fixed, the inspection body sends the certificate with a negative rating to the authority. With a very serious defect, the negative certificate is sent immediately (ITC-RAT 23, section 3.3.2). Breaches are penalised under Title V of Industry Act 21/1992 and, where applicable, Title X of Electricity Sector Act 24/2013 (Article 10).
Utility-owned installations
Installations owned by generation, transmission and distribution companies follow a different regime: the owning company carries out periodic verifications at least once every three years and sends the report to the authority within one month (ITC-RAT 23, section 2.1). This page covers all other high-voltage installations.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each high-voltage installation with the validity date of its last periodic inspection.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself.
- The inspection body can upload the new certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the electrical maintenance manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- If the certificate sets a correction deadline, create a separate entry for that date.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is a high-voltage installation inspected in Spain?
- At least every three years, by an authorised inspection body, before the validity of the previous inspection ends (Article 21.1 of RD 337/2014 and ITC-RAT 23, section 3).
- Does it apply to older installations?
- Yes as regards frequency and inspecting bodies; the technical criteria are those of the rules under which they were approved (Article 2.2.c).
- What happens with a serious defect?
- The installation gets a conditional rating and up to six months to fix it; if it is not fixed, the negative certificate goes to the authority (ITC-RAT 23, section 3.3.2.b).
- Do I need a maintenance contract?
- Yes, with a high-voltage installation company, in force while the installation is in service, unless exempted for having its own resources (ITC-RAT 22, section 4).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 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 high-voltage installation inspection (Spain)
A ready template for high-voltage installation inspection (Spain) 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 high-voltage installation inspection (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each high-voltage installation inspection (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.