Periodic Inspection - NEN1010 and NEN3140

If you want to keep your existing electrical installation safe to use, then you have a periodical inspection carried out. 

If you do so within the framework of employer – employee relations, then the inspection is carried out in accordance with NEN 3140. If you do not have it carried out for that reason, the inspection is carried out in accordance with NEN 1010. 

If you want to get your electric work equipment inspected, this is also possible in accordance with NEN 3140.

The aim of the (periodical) inspection is to check whether the low-voltage electrical installations or electric work equipment at least meet(s) the technical regulations and safety standards that applied when the (part of the) installation to be inspected was built or at least complies with the current NEN 3140 in as far as it applies to electric work equipment. 

Stock is taken of any deviations that could hinder the installation’s functioning or be a possible source of danger, so that they can be resolved and a safe installation can be achieved for the users and safe use of the electric work equipment. 

The Building Code prescribes NEN 1010 for newly built installations. So electrical installations in buildings must be implemented in accordance with this standard. Within the framework of the Dutch Occupational Health and Safety Act, you are obliged to ensure that your electrical installations are safe. NEN 3140 is not prescribed, but it is stipulated that if you meet the requirements of NEN 3140, you fulfil your obligation ensuing from the Occupational Health and Safety Act in this regard. 

For both standards, you have this inspection carried out to thoroughly check whether your electrical installation meets the safety regulations stipulated in NEN 1010 and can be used without any risk to people and the building. 

Having this inspection carried out by an employee of SOCOTEC means you are certain that it will be done professionally, expertly and with the regulations applied correctly. 

The inspection is carried out by means of visual checks and measurements. For this inspection, (most) installations are checked by means of spot checks. So it is a less extensive and intensive inspection of your electrical installations than an initial inspection in accordance with NEN 1010. 

Depending on a number of factors, electric work equipment may also be inspected using spot checks, but in general all the work equipment is subjected to an inspection. The frequency of the inspection depends on a number of factors. A risk inventory is carried out that looks at, for example, how old the installation is, what condition it has now, what the ambient influences are and whether it is used by amateurs or experts. The answers to these questions determine whether an inspection should be carried out every year or only once every 15 years. 

The same procedure applies for electric work equipment, where for example the frequency it is used, the expertise of the operators, the environmental influences  and the risk of damage are considered. The answers to these questions determine whether an inspection should be carried out every year or only once every 7 years.