What does the term "periodic testing" generally mean within electrical inspections?

The term "periodic testing" refers to ongoing assessments of operational installations to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. This concept emphasizes the importance of regularly evaluating electrical systems to identify potential issues, verify operational integrity, and ensure that installations continue to meet the appropriate standards over time. By implementing periodic testing, facility managers and electricians can proactively manage risks, maintain safety, and extend the lifespan of the electrical systems.

In contrast, testing conducted only during new installations does not embody the ongoing nature of periodic testing, as it focuses solely on the initial setup and does not provide for future evaluations. Similarly, testing performed exclusively on circuit breakers and tests done only when faults are detected do not align with the broader scope of periodic testing, which encompasses various types of equipment and installations across different intervals of time regardless of immediate faults. These distinctions illustrate why ongoing assessment is crucial in maintaining the safety and compliance of electrical systems.