Operation, maintenance and modifications
Electrical installations, like any other parts of buildings, do not remain safe and in good condition by themselves. The condition of electrical installations shall be monitored and any deficiencies discovered shall be remedied. Non-residential buildings shall undergo periodic inspections. Maintenance programmes shall be prepared in advance for electrical installations of categories 2 and 3 as specified in the electrical safety statutes (large facilities and certain special premises). For installations of categories 2c, 2d and 3c, a sufficiently qualified operating manager shall be appointed as Person in Charge.
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Installation category
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Installation
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Category 3
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· Premises requiring a chemicals license due to risk of explosion
· Medical premises in hospitals and health centres with surgical theatres
· Electricity networks of power supply companies
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Category 2
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· Electrical installations with high-voltage parts (over 1000 V) inside or outside buildings (high-voltage subscribers) and low-voltage subscribers with capacity of over 1600 kVA
· Medical premises in hospitals and health centres with no surgical theatres
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Category 1
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· Residential buildings of more than two residential apartments
· Electrical installations in non-residential buildings with main fuses and the like of over 35 A (e.g. public buildings, business premises, industrial and agricultural premises, outdoor areas)
· Premises subject to notification due to risk of explosion
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The main principles of the procedures applicable to the construction of new buildings shall be observed in the modification and extension of electrical installations as well.
Possessors of electrical installations (owners, leaseholders, etc.) shall attend to and are responsible for the maintenance and safe use of the installation. In housing companies, for example, the owner is represented by the Board of Directors and its Chairman.
Residents of buildings and those working in or visiting the building are users of the electrical installation.
The power distribution network company, i.e. the local electricity company supplies the electricity to service points in buildings or in other electrical installations.
The practical maintenance of larger buildings is handled by designated housing managers who may be management companies or private individuals.
An operating manager with sufficient qualifications shall be appointed as Person in Charge of larger electrical installations. An operating manager is required for high-voltage subscribers as well as for low-voltage subscribers of a connecting capacity of over 1600 kVA.
Repair and maintenance of electrical installations is often commissioned to external maintenance companies. The repair and maintenance of electrical installations constitutes electrical work, which may only be carried out by registered electrical contractors.
Updated
15/11/2010