Inspection of photovoltaic installations in accordance with SCIOS scope 12

The Scope 12 inspection checks the safety of your photovoltaic installation. For example the risks of an electrical installation, such as the risk of contact and malfunctions, but the risk of fire may certainly also not be ruled out.

SCIOS

SCIOS is a foundation that manages a quality system for the inspection and maintenance of technical installations for the owners of installations and inspection and installation companies. The quality system has been incorporated in the SCIOS certification scheme. Amongst others the inspection company and inspector of the inspection company are audited under the scheme. This guarantees you a high-quality and certified inspection.

Scope 12

Photovoltaic installations convert sunlight into electric power. The main components of a photovoltaic installation are the solar panels and the inverter(s).

In addition, the photovoltaic installation comprises the mounts to which the panels are attached, the (main) control gear with a kWh meter to which the inverters are connected and all the cabling required between the elements.

Talk to our experts

Harold (A.H.G.P.) Janssen

Manager Enginering

hjanssen@proscan.nl +316 29567690

Ronald J. Dijkstra

Commerce & Innovation Manager

r.dijkstra@hanselman.nl +31 6 10073667

There are two types of SCIOS scope 12 inspections based on a technical document published by SCIOS.

EBI

The Scope 12 EBI is an initial inspection that is carried out when the photovoltaic installations are delivered or there is a substantial change to or expansion of the installations to verify whether they meet the technical regulations and safety standards. The regulations are implemented by applying, amongst other things, NEN 1010.

scios-scope-12

Periodical Inspection (PI)

The Scope 12 PI is an inspection that is carried out periodically to verify whether the photovoltaic installations comply with the principles of the ISI, the technical regulations and the safety standards. They are also implemented by applying, amongst other things, NEN 1010.

The role of electrical inspections

The Dutch Association of Insurers advises its members, the insurance companies, to prescribe this verification method in the conditions of their fire insurance policies, with the aim of obtaining clarity and transparency, both for the policyholder and the electrical engineering sector.

Naturally you can also have this inspection carried out if it is not demanded by your insurance company but you would like insight into the possible risks of your photovoltaic installation.

The aim of this (periodical) inspection is to assess whether the low-voltage electrical installations and photovoltaic installation meet the technical regulations and safety standards.

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.

Although your insurance company may demand this inspection, you should have this inspection carried out because prevention is better than cure. Naturally you are well-insured against fire, but if fire does break out, then a lot more is involved than just the damage to your property and compensation of the damages, especially if people are also injured.

Having this inspection carried out will considerably reduce your risk of fire!

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

The Scope 12 is carried out by means of visual checks, measurements and thermography using a predetermined inspection plan.
With just a few exceptions, the entire installation is inspected.
A Scope 12 inspection is logged in the SCIOS portal, regardless of whether or not observations were made during the inspection.
If observations were made, they must be remedied within a reasonable period of time (usually three months). The way in which this is done will be assessed in mutual consultation. It might be necessary to carry out another inspection afterwards.
If no observations were made or the observations have been remedied and the repair has been assessed and approved by us, you will receive a certificate from us.
The frequency of the inspections depends on a contract where applicable or your insurance policy. If these do not apply or no frequency is named, the Scope 12 must be carried out every five years.

Want more information about this inspection?

Want to know how much an inspection costs?