Electrical systems maintenance plan: how is it done?

Why an electrical systems maintenance plan is essential

An electrical systems maintenance plan is essential to ensure safety, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance in any building or facility. Planned management reduces the risk of unexpected failures, prevents accidents, and ensures that the system is always efficient and reliable. A well-structured plan makes it possible to optimize costs and avoid penalties resulting from legislative non-compliance.

Regulatory obligations and legal references

Electrical systems maintenance is governed by specific regulations. Legislative Decree 81/08 requires employers to ensure the safety of electrical systems and to carry out periodic inspections. Ministerial Decree 37/08 establishes that only qualified technicians are authorized to work on electrical systems. Presidential Decree 462/01 regulates mandatory inspections of grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and installations in explosive-risk environments, with two- or five-year intervals. Documenting every intervention is essential to demonstrate compliance to supervisory authorities.

Types of maintenance and levels of intervention

Electrical systems maintenance is divided into:

• Preventive maintenance: scheduled to prevent failures and extend the system’s lifespan.
• Corrective maintenance: carried out after a failure to restore functionality.
• Predictive maintenance: based on monitoring and data analysis to anticipate issues. According to UNI EN 13306, there are different levels of intervention, ranging from simple visual checks to specialized operations requiring highly qualified personnel. Planning maintenance reduces costs and risks compared to purely reactive interventions.

Structuring a maintenance plan: essential contents

An effective maintenance plan must include:

• System registry: detailed list of all components and their characteristics.
• Risk assessment: identification of critical issues and higher-risk areas.
• Operating procedures: clear instructions for each type of intervention, including required equipment and PPE.
• Inspection frequencies: definition of intervals for each inspection and maintenance activity.
• Intervention records: forms for recording completed activities, results, and any anomalies detected.
• Activity log: updated document collecting all operations performed on the system.
• Roles and responsibilities: clear assignment of duties among employer, maintenance manager, and qualified technicians.

A well-documented plan facilitates management, traceability, and compliance with regulations.

Frequency and methods of periodic inspections

Periodic inspections must comply with regulatory requirements and manufacturers’ instructions. In general, it is recommended to carry out:

• Annual inspections of residual current devices, sockets, and conductor continuity.
• Biennial or five-year inspections of grounding and lightning protection systems, as required by Presidential Decree 462/01.
• Visual inspections and instrumental tests to detect deterioration, anomalies, or malfunctions.

CEI standards (such as CEI 64-8) provide additional recommendations on inspection methods and frequencies.

Documentation and activity log

Maintaining an up-to-date maintenance activity log is both mandatory and strategic. The log must include:

• Date and type of intervention
• Components involved
• Inspection results
• Any anomalies and corrective actions
• Signature of the responsible technician

Comprehensive documentation facilitates inspections, audits, and deadline management.

Benefits of digital maintenance management

Digital management of the maintenance plan offers numerous advantages:

• Centralized data and quick access to system information.
• Complete traceability of all activities performed.
• Error reduction through automated notifications and digital checklists.
• Effective collaboration between technical teams and managers.
• Operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory deadlines.

Digitizing maintenance means improving safety, control, and productivity.

How UTwin supports electrical systems maintenance

The UTwin platform enables you to digitize the maintenance plan, centrally manage system data, schedule activities, and monitor asset status in real time. Thanks to integration with IoT data and automated reporting, it is possible to optimize management, reduce risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. UTwin facilitates collaboration between teams and ensures full traceability of every intervention, simplifying the work of those managing complex real estate assets.

Summary and useful resources

A well-structured electrical systems maintenance plan is the key to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Follow legal requirements and technical standards, document every activity, and choose digital tools to simplify management. Want to discover how to digitize the maintenance of your systems? Contact UTwin for a personalized demo and take your management to the next level.