DGUV V3 inspection: obligations, intervals and procedure for businesses

Whether it is an office in Cologne city centre, a workshop in Hürth or a production hall in the Rhein-Erft district: wherever people work with electrical installations and equipment, the employer is responsible for keeping them in a safe condition. In Germany, the most important basis for this is DGUV Regulation 3 (DGUV Vorschrift 3) issued by the German Social Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, DGUV). In this guide you will learn what the regulation requires, which inspection intervals are customary and how an inspection works in practice.

What is DGUV Regulation 3?

DGUV Regulation 3, “Electrical installations and equipment” (“Elektrische Anlagen und Betriebsmittel”), is an accident prevention regulation (Unfallverhütungsvorschrift) of the German statutory accident insurance – formerly known as BGV A3. It applies to all companies that have employees, regardless of sector and size. Its core principle: electrical installations and equipment may only be operated in proper condition. They must therefore be inspected by a qualified electrician (Elektrofachkraft) before being put into service for the first time and at regular intervals thereafter.

The regulation is supplemented by the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, BetrSichV) and the technical rule TRBS 1201. Under these, the employer determines the type, scope and intervals of inspections on the basis of a risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung). The intervals given in DGUV Regulation 3 serve as proven guideline values.

What exactly is inspected?

A distinction is made between two groups:

• Fixed installations and equipment (ortsfeste Anlagen und Betriebsmittel) – for example distribution boards, switchgear, permanently installed light fittings, sockets and permanently connected machines.
• Portable equipment (ortsveränderliche Betriebsmittel) – i.e. everything with a plug: drills, coffee machines, extension leads, multi-socket adaptors, PCs or monitors.

Inspections are carried out in accordance with the relevant standards: fixed installations usually to DIN VDE 0105-100, portable devices to DIN VDE 0701-0702 and new installations before commissioning to DIN VDE 0100-600.

Which inspection intervals apply?

The implementation instructions (Durchführungsanweisungen) for DGUV Regulation 3 give the following guideline values, among others:

For portable equipment, the intervals may be extended if the defect rate found during inspections is below 2% – to a maximum of one year in workshops, production facilities and on construction sites, and to two years in offices.

Who may carry out inspections?

Inspections of fixed installations are reserved for qualified electricians – people who, on the basis of their technical training, knowledge and experience, can recognise hazards and reliably assess results. Portable devices may also be tested by electrically instructed persons (elektrotechnisch unterwiesene Personen), provided they use suitable measuring and test equipment and work under the direction and supervision of a qualified electrician.

Many businesses commission an external electrical contractor (Elektrofachbetrieb). This way, expertise, calibrated measuring instruments and traceable documentation all come from a single source.

How a DGUV V3 inspection works

1. Inventory: Which installations, distribution boards and devices are there? Are earlier test reports (Prüfprotokolle) and circuit diagrams available?
2. Scheduling: Inspections of fixed installations sometimes require short shutdowns. We plan these so that your operations are disrupted as little as possible – outside working hours on request.
3. Visual inspection: Damaged cables, missing covers, incorrectly rated fuses or impermissible makeshift arrangements are often spotted at this stage.
4. Measurement: including protective conductor resistance, insulation resistance, loop impedance and the tripping time and tripping current of residual current devices.
5. Functional test: Protective and safety devices are tested for effectiveness.
6. Documentation: Every result is recorded; inspected devices receive an inspection label (Prüfplakette) showing the next inspection date.

What happens if defects are found?

Any defects found are described and assessed in the test report. Devices with dangerous defects must be taken out of service immediately. Minor defects – such as a damaged plug or a missing cover – can often be rectified on site straight away. For larger repairs, you receive a quotation.

Why the inspection is worthwhile

The inspection is not just an obligation – it also protects your company financially:

• Occupational safety: Faulty devices and installations are identified before anyone is harmed.
• Liability: In the event of damage, you can prove that you have fulfilled your inspection obligation. Without this proof, you face recourse claims from the accident insurance institution and discussions with your insurer.
• Fire protection: Many fires in businesses have electrical causes. Regular inspections significantly reduce this risk.
• Insurance cover: Property insurers may set their own inspection requirements in their contracts, for example based on VdS guidelines. It is worth checking your policy.

Tips for organising inspections

• Keep an equipment register and store test reports centrally.
• Schedule inspections as a recurring appointment – that way you keep track of all deadlines.
• Combine the inspection of fixed installations with upcoming maintenance of distribution boards and switchgear.
• Use the results as a basis for upgrades, such as retrofitting surge protection or residual current devices.

Would you like your inspections in Cologne, Hürth or the Rhein-Erft district organised for you? Find out more under Testing & maintenance – or contact us directly using the contact form.