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1.

Why periodic maintenance of fixed electrical installations is important?

  Regular maintenance of fixed electrical installations can help to ensure reliability of electricity supply, prevent electrical incidents and protect damage of properties.
 
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2.

What will happen if my fixed electrical installations are not properly maintained?

  If a fixed electrical installation is not properly maintained, electrical accidents may occur resulting in serious danger to yourself and others. Electricity supply interruption may disrupt daily life and subsequent repair can be costly. The owner of a fixed electrical installation may also face third party claims.
 
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3.

Who is responsible for arranging the periodic inspection and testing of a communal fixed electrical installation?

  The owner of a fixed electrical installation is responsible to ensure the safety of his fixed electrical installation, and rectify any defects. Installation owners including individual unit owners, property management companies and Incorporated Owners should be responsible for arranging the periodic inspection and testing works.
 
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4.

What is the frequency of the statutory required periodic inspection, testing and certification for fixed electrical installations in buildings?

  In accordance with the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, the interval for inspection, testing and certification should be at least once every 5 years if the approved loading of the fixed electrical installation exceeds 100A in a general building, or the approved loading exceeds 200A in a factory or industrial undertaking.
However, the interval is once yearly for the fixed electrical installation in the following premises:
  • place of public entertainment
  • premises for the manufacturing or storing of dangerous goods
  • high voltage fixed electrical installation.
The fixed electrical installation in the following special premises are required to have the periodic inspection and testing once every 5 years regardless of the approved loading:
  • hotel
  • hospital or maternity home
  • school
  • child care centre
  • any premises announced by EMSD which may cause great harm in the cause of an electrical accident.
 
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5.

What is the scope of the periodic inspection and testing for a communal fixed electrical installation?

  All fixed wiring and associated electrical equipment including main switchboards, main riser circuits, distribution boards, final circuits, fixed electrical equipment, etc. should be within the scope of periodic inspection, testing and certification.
 
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6.

Who can carry out periodic inspection and testing for electrical installations?

  Only registered electrical workers of appropriate grade are permitted to carry out electrical works. The registered electrical workers can be an employee of a registered electrical contractor or directly employed by the owner of the fixed electrical installation on a full time basis at a regular wage or salary.
 
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7.

How do I know whether an electrical contractor has been registered with EMSD?

  EMSD issues a registration certificate to every registered electrical contractor. The certificate shows the registration number, expiry date of the registration, company name and address of the registered electrical contractor. As stipulated in the Electricity Ordinance, they are required to display this registration certificate at their business address.
 
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8.

How can I find the list of registered electrical contractors?

  The list of registered electrical contractors can be obtained in the following ways:
  1. Browsing EMSD´s "Search for Registered Electrical Contractors" webpage (www.emsd.gov.hk -> Protecting Public Safety -> Electricity -> Registers -> Registered Electrical Contractors) - Specify the district you are interested in and enter.  The list of registered electrical contractors in the specified district will be displayed; or
  2. Viewing the hardcopies of the registered electrical contractor list in various districts at the public enquiry service centers of Home Affairs Department.
 
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9.

Are all workers sent by registered electrical contractors qualified to carry out electrical works for me?

  A registered electrical contractor should arrange registered electrical workers of appropriate grade to carry out electrical works. A non-registered electrical worker may carry out electrical works only if he is under the supervision of a registered electrical worker. As required by the Electricity Ordinance, registered electrical workers shall carry their registration certificate with them for identification.
 
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10.

How do I know the validity of the registration certificate shown by a registered electrical worker?

  EMSD issues a registration certificate to every registered electrical worker. The registration number, name, grade, permitted work and validity period of registration are shown on the registration certificate.
 
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11.

How do I verify the information shown on the registration certificate for a registered electrical worker?

  Most of the information shown on the registration certificate for a registered electrical worker could be verified on EMSD´s website.  After entering the registration number of a registered electrical worker at the "Search for Registered Electrical Workers" webpage (www.emsd.gov.hk -> Protecting Public Safety -> Electricity -> Registers -> Registered Electrical Workers), the information of a particular registered electrical worker could be found.
 
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12.

Can I directly employ a registered electrical worker to carry out the periodic inspection and testing of a fixed electrical installation?

  You may employ registered electrical workers on full-time and at regular wages basis to carry out electrical works including periodic inspection and testing for you. Other than that, registered electrical contractor shall be employed to carry out electrical works.
 
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13.

Who should submit the periodic test certificate (WR2) to EMSD for endorsement?

  The Electricity (Wiring) Regulations stipulates that the owner of a fixed electrical installation shall submit a WR2 to EMSD for endorsement within 2 weeks after the test. However, installation owners may request the responsible registered electrical contractor of the works to submit the WR2 to EMSD.
 
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14.

Where can I obtain a periodic test certificate (WR2) form?

  The WR2 form can be obtained in the Customer Services Office of EMSD at 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay during office hours or public enquiry service centers of the Home Affairs Department. Besides, the WR2 form can be downloaded from EMSD´s website Update EMSD/EL/46 (04/2019) [PDF format (462KB)].
 
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15.

What is the cost for endorsement of a periodic test certificate (WR2)?

  HK$695.00
 
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16.

What I should do if I receive an advisory/warning letter from EMSD?

  EMSD's staff conduct regular inspections to buildings and would take enforcement action if building owners fail to arrange periodic inspection and testing for their fixed electrical installations. Building owners should take immediate action to arrange a registered electrical contractor to carry out inspection and testing for their fixed electrical installation.