What needs to be checked?

Information on DGUV Regulation 3 and its requirements

Electrical Engineering & Services Sahin is your competent partner for legally compliant and professional testing of electrical equipment. On this page, you'll learn everything you need to know about DGUV Regulation 3, the requirements for companies, and what to consider when conducting the testing.

Who has to be tested according to DGUV Regulation 3?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Section 3 (1) ArbSchG), every employer is obligated to take measures to protect their employees. This includes the regular inspection of electrical systems and equipment. This regulation applies to companies of all sizes as well as public institutions.

The goal is to prevent potential hazards such as electrical accidents or fires. The tests must be carried out at specific intervals and documented.

Who is allowed to carry out inspections according to DGUV Regulation 3?

Only qualified persons may conduct tests according to DGUV V3. According to TRBS 1203, the tester must:

• have completed an electrical engineering apprenticeship or equivalent studies,

• have at least one year of practical professional experience in the electrical engineering field,

• and complete regular training courses to stay up to date with the latest technology.

What must be checked according to DGUV Regulation 3?

In principle, all electrically operated systems and devices must be inspected. These are also referred to in technical jargon as "electrical systems and equipment." The inspection must be performed by a qualified electrician. The results must be documented.

Electrical devices:

• Portable devices: mobile, relocatable during operation or easily portable

  • Examples: printer, monitor, coffee machine, extension cable, drill

• Fixed devices: firmly mounted or too heavy for easy movement

  • Examples: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher

Electrical systems:

• Association of electrical equipment

  • Examples: main and sub-distribution boards, sockets, lighting, final circuits

  • Means of transport such as elevators, escalators, lifting platforms

  • Heating and ventilation technology, roller doors, barriers, fire alarm systems

Electrical machines:

• Have drives and protective measures (emergency stop, barriers)

  • Examples:

    • Production machines: robots, presses

    • Workshop machines: lathe, milling machine

    • Construction machinery: crane, saw

In cases of doubt (e.g. whether the device is to be classified as a system or a machine), the qualified electrician decides on the basis of the relevant DIN-VDE standards (e.g. DIN VDE 0105-100 or 0113-1).

Non-electrical equipment such as ladders, shelving, or protective equipment (e.g., climbing harnesses) must also be inspected. We would be happy to advise you on this.

Testing before first commissioning:

Mandatory testing prior to initial commissioning is not always clearly regulated, but it is recommended. According to Section 4, Paragraph 1 of the German Ordinance on Occupational Safety and Health (BetrSichV), a risk assessment must be conducted prior to use.

The CE marking replaces not automatically initiates an inspection. A visual inspection by a qualified person should always be carried out.

How often does it need to be checked?

The frequency of inspections depends on the risk assessment. Examples:

• Every 4 years for office installations (e.g. sockets, lights)

• Annually for devices in humid or hazardous environments

• Daily or before each use of certain construction site machines

TRBS 1201 provides concrete recommendations on this.

Test concept & documentation

A structured audit plan ensures that no deadline is missed. It includes:

• Inventory of all electrical equipment

• Risk assessment

• Determination of test cycles

• Documentation through test reports

A properly maintained record includes, among other things:

• Date of the exam

• Name of the examiner

• Identification and location of the device

• Scope of testing & results

• next test date

Our service: DGUV V3 testing by experts

With us you will receive a professional DGUV V3 test according to the latest standards:

• E-check by certified electricians

• legally compliant documentation & evidence

• Reminder of deadlines & retakes

• transparent cost models (with service contract on request)