High pass rate in equipment inspections
In?2025, systematic periodic equipment inspections (GeP) were carried out at ETH?Zurich. Over 96 percent of electrical equipment met all test criteria. Both GeP implementation models have proven their worth.
At ETH Zurich, tens of thousands of electrical devices are in use every day in offices, workshops and laboratories. To ensure safe operation, these devices are tested periodically. Are all electrical components double-insulated? Does the protective conductor function in the event of a fault? Are markings and type plates present and correct?
In 2025, periodic equipment inspections (GeP) were carried out systematically for the first time, with a total of over 70,000 devices tested for electrical safety. Over 96 percent of the devices met all test criteria. Around 2,600 devices were found to be non-compliant. However, most of these could be repaired or replaced on site.
“Periodic equipment inspections (GeP) ensure that electrical devices do not pose an electrical hazard.”Stefan Nüesch, Specialist Unit for Electricity, Engineering and Systems Department
Weak points: travel adapters and power strips
The majority of complaints concerned travel adapters and faulty power strips.
Devices with foreign plugs were frequently operated using travel adapters. However, these do not provide the protection required for continuous operation and were replaced with compliant models during the GeP.
Defective housings or broken covers on power strips, as well as torn-out cables, provided inadequate protection against electric shock and were also replaced on site.
Inspections can be carried out by internal or external experts
Both implementation models, which use either internal or external inspectors, have proven successful. Where external partners are used, synergies with periodic inspections of electrical installations (PK) are exploited wherever possible. ETH Zurich has concluded master agreements with four certified testing companies, which carry out both GeP and PK. Thanks to their experience, these inspectors test up to 15 devices per hour. Lessons learned from 2025 show that inspections are more efficient and cost-effective the closer the coordination is at building level.
“Working with the external partner to carry out the equipment inspection went smoothly.”Andrea Skriba-Makra, D-MATH staff member
Many technical managers in laboratory environments such as D-PHYS and D-CHAB have unparalleled knowledge of the equipment used and therefore carry out some inspections themselves. To this end, ETH Zurich has procured twelve specialised measuring instruments and trained the relevant staff to carry out equipment inspections.
“Thanks to our thorough understanding of researchers' needs, we can provide comprehensive advice and support on GeP.”Martin Kl?ckner, Laboratory Support Group, D-PHYS
As the heads of the respective organisational units are responsible for carrying out equipment inspections and ensuring safety in their areas, they also decide on implementation.
Two models for a pragmatic GeP implementation
Equipment owners are responsible for carrying out GeP. At ETH, this responsibility lies with the professors and other heads of organisational units. They can either commission internal staff or external inspection companies.
The SSHE (Safety, Security, Health and Environment), E&S (Engineering and Systems) and FS (Facility Services) departments offer advice on implementation and conduct random and visual inspections for quality assurance purposes. If the procedure complies with the ETH GeP concept and official external contractors are used, third-party costs can be reclaimed via the E&S department.
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