Posted By Dave Daniel "Fixed wiring" as per IEE wiring regs does NOT include process machinery whether wired in by plug and socket or busbars etc. The "Wiring Regulations" scope does not go beyond the electrical distribution system. I've come across this fallacy before as well as the one that it's a "legal requirement" that any plug and socket connected kit is "portable" and requires PAT testing whereas if you connect it via a fixed fused outlet, it doesn't. In fact there are NO legal requirements for electrical testing - the IEE "Regs" are a trade code, not a Statutory Instrument and PAT testing is a custom and practice arising from a misinterpretation of legislation, so you can choose to apply the guidance sensibly an responsibly. PUWER does have a general requirement for essentially basic mechanical inspection of plant and equipment whose scope has never been really clarified properly but this is entirely different.

Posted By TonyB Hi, Good to see that the myths have been clarified so early in a thread. In general, it is good practice to have the electrics on fixed machinery checked at the same frequency as the fixed wiring in the building. Therefore, 5 years is adequate in most circumstances. The only exception is where conditions are such that it is foreseeable that the damage in more likely to occur in specific sections, and therefore the risk of 'danger' is greater. Like all good things - its down to risk assessment and competence. All the best, Tony.