20,157 Heavy current inspection hours

In 2020, the Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) was busy with 20,157 inspection hours for plan submissions. As summarized in the annual activity report, one focus was on the inspection of electrical installations of grid levels NE1-NE5 (extra-high to low-voltage levels). At the supervised parties, such as national grid operators and large distribution grid operators, it was checked whether the necessary inspections were carried out in accordance with the Heavy Current Ordinance and whether personal safety was guaranteed at all times during operation and maintenance.

No immediate and direct hazards were identified during the inspections carried out, but inaccurate access control was found at some installations, as well as unregulated and unearthed parts of the installation and a lack of climbing protection concepts (fall protection).

Precise instructions when using PPE

ESTI emphasizes that unambiguous instructions and knowledge are required when using PPE. PPE alone does not automatically and fully protect against electric currents and the effects of arcing. Of three planned professional development days, only one inspector's meeting was held. External speakers covered topics such as earthquake safety, EN 61439, standard terms and design, heating tests or transformer protection.

According to ESTI, on 98 examination days, more than 800 candidates for an installation license - including electricians or other specialists in the electrical field - were tested in a practical manner in accordance with the licensing requirements of Art. 12 of the Low-Voltage Installation Ordinance (NIV; SR 734.27). According to ESTI, 12 additional examination days offered at short notice were unfortunately not sufficient to accommodate all registrations and postponements. Therefore, 128 examination days will be held once in 2021.

To the complete ESTI Activity Report 2020 (PDF)

Source: ESTI