How often must a fixed electrical installation be tested?

The employer sets the interval in the risk assessment so that the installation can be used safely until the next test (Section 3(6) BetrSichV). The regulation has its own rules for installations requiring monitoring and for the equipment listed in Annex 3.

Who may carry out the test?

A person qualified to carry out tests, who has the necessary knowledge through vocational training, professional experience and recent professional activity (Section 2(6) BetrSichV).

How long must the test report be kept?

At least until the next test; records may also be kept electronically (Section 14(7) BetrSichV).

DE · Expiry & renewal tracking

Fixed electrical installation tests (DGUV V3): never miss the next date

In Germany a qualified person tests fixed electrical installations at recurring intervals; the employer sets the interval in the risk assessment so the installation stays safe until the next test (Sections 3(6), 14(2) BetrSichV). It may not be used without a documented test (Section 4(4)).

Under the German Industrial Safety Regulation (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, BetrSichV), work equipment means tools, devices, machines or installations used for work (Section 2(1) BetrSichV). Work equipment exposed to influences that can cause damage must be tested at recurring intervals by a person qualified to carry out tests, arranged by the employer (Section 14(2)).

The employer determines the type and scope of the tests and the intervals for recurring tests, unless the regulation itself lays them down. Intervals must be set so that the equipment can be used safely until the next test (Section 3(6)) and are recorded in the risk assessment (Section 3(8)). If a test shows that the installation cannot be operated safely until the next date, the interval must be reset (Section 14(2)).

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At a glance

Legal basis	Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (BetrSichV), Sections 3 and 14
Test interval	Set by the employer in the risk assessment (Section 3(6) and (8))
Who tests	A person qualified to carry out tests (Section 2(6), Section 14(2))
Additional tests	After changes that require testing and after exceptional events such as accidents, long periods of non-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))

This page deliberately gives no standard test intervals. What counts is the interval set in your risk assessment.

Who is responsible?

The employer: it sets the type, scope and intervals of the tests, commissions the qualified person and ensures the result is recorded and kept (Section 3(6), Section 14(7)). When testing, the qualified person is not subject to the employer's technical instructions (Section 14(6)).

If the deadline passes

Work equipment for which tests are required under Section 14 may only be used if those tests have been carried out and documented (Section 4(4) BetrSichV). Breaching this intentionally or negligently is an administrative offence (Section 22(1) no. 8).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each building or site 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 test, for example 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 a fixed electrical installation be tested?: The employer sets the interval in the risk assessment so that the installation can be used safely until the next test (Section 3(6) BetrSichV). The regulation has its own rules for installations requiring monitoring and for the equipment listed in Annex 3.
Who may carry out the test?: A person qualified to carry out tests, who has the necessary knowledge through vocational training, professional experience and recent professional activity (Section 2(6) BetrSichV).
How long must the test report be kept?: At least until the next test; records may also be kept electronically (Section 14(7) BetrSichV).

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 fixed electrical installation test (DGUV V3) (Germany)

A ready template for fixed electrical installation 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 fixed electrical installation test (DGUV V3) (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each fixed electrical installation test (DGUV V3) (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.