Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What an electrical installation test register is
An electrical installation test register records the periodic inspection and testing of a building’s fixed wiring — distribution boards, circuits and protective devices — and any remedial work, so the installation is known to be in a safe condition.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a register usually contains. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their fixed-wiring records must cover, and the testing is a competent-person task.
Purpose
- Record periodic inspection and testing of the fixed installation.
- Track circuits, results and any observations or codes.
- Capture remedial work needed and when it is done.
- Provide a record that the installation has been assessed.
Who completes it
- A competent person carries out the inspection and testing.
- A facilities or maintenance lead usually keeps the register.
- Remedial work is recorded against the relevant observations.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the work is by a competent person.
When it is used
- At the periodic inspection intervals set for the installation.
- After significant alteration or addition to the installation.
- When a report identifies remedial work to track.
- On a review cycle to confirm the next inspection is not overdue.
Typical fields
- Installation or area and report reference.
- Date of inspection and the competent person.
- Circuits covered and overall result.
- Observations, classification codes and remedial action.
- Next inspection due date and sign-off.
- These are example fields only — adapt them to your installation and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Remedial observations recorded but never acted on.
- No clear next-inspection date, so the installation drifts overdue.
- Alterations made without updating the records.
- A register that does not match the installation as built.
Document workflow
An electrical installation test register works with the PAT testing register for portable appliances (a separate matter) and the maintenance log for remedial work. Observations from a report should raise defects for remedial action; the register tracks them to completion and sets the next inspection.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used before, alongside and after an electrical installation test register.
Retention (high level)
Employers generally keep electrical inspection and test reports for a period set by their obligations and risk management, often retaining the previous report for comparison. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Installation test reports and registers are commonly stored and shared as PDFs for premises records and audit. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the register official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Arrange periodic inspection and testing by a competent person.
- Track and complete remedial observations.
- Update records after alterations and additions.
- Keep the register aligned with the maintenance records.
Worker notes
- Report electrical faults such as tripping, scorching or shocks.
- Do not interfere with or alter the fixed installation.
- Know who to tell about an electrical concern.
Country considerations
Requirements for inspecting and testing fixed installations vary by country, including intervals and competence, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a register is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for ensuring the electrical installation is maintained in a safe condition, inspected and tested where needed, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your register must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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