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6 October 2026

Medical Electrical Safety Checks: When to Request a NEN-IEC 62353 Inspection

Medical electrical equipment must work safely every time it is used. When devices are moved, maintained, or used over long periods, hidden defects can develop and safety risks can increase. A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection helps verify that medical electrical equipment remains safe to use throughout its service life.

For organisations that rely on medical devices, knowing when to request a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection is just as important as knowing what the inspection includes. This guide explains what the inspection is, when it should be scheduled, what is checked, and how to prepare.

What is a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection?

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection is a safety assessment for medical electrical equipment. Its purpose is to ensure that medical electrical devices continue to operate safely during use, including after maintenance or transport.

In practical terms, this inspection focuses on the electrical safety of medical devices. It is designed to help identify hidden defects, reduce the risk of electrical shock, and support safe operation for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Short definition

NEN-IEC 62353 is a standard used for the periodic testing and inspection of medical electrical equipment to confirm continued safe operation.

When should you request a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection?

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection is particularly relevant when medical electrical equipment must be shown to remain safe over time. In many environments, waiting until a problem becomes visible is too late. Safety issues may exist even when a device appears to function normally.

You should consider requesting a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection in the following situations:

1. During periodic safety checks

Medical electrical devices should be checked periodically to confirm that they still meet safety expectations during their operational life.

This is especially important where equipment is used frequently or where safety is mission-critical.

2. After maintenance or repair

After a device has been serviced, its safe electrical operation should be verified. Maintenance can affect connections, insulation, or protective measures, which is why post-maintenance inspection matters.

3. After transport or relocation

Transport damage is not always visible. If equipment has been moved between rooms, departments, buildings, or sites, a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection can help determine whether the device remains safe to use.

4. When there is concern about hidden defects

Some electrical faults are not obvious during normal operation. If there is any doubt about the condition of a device, a professional inspection can help uncover issues before they create risks.

5. As part of a broader maintenance and inspection plan

A structured inspection approach supports compliance, traceability, and safer long-term equipment management. If your organisation works with a formal maintenance schedule, NEN-IEC 62353 can form an important part of that process.

What is checked during a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection?

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection includes a combination of visual checks, measurements, and functional testing.

Wassenaar Inspecties carries out tests such as:

Detailed documentation of the inspection is also provided.

Visual inspection

The visual inspection checks whether:

Measurements and testing

During measurements and tests, the inspection checks compliance related to:

Additional points of attention

The inspection also considers:

Why these medical electrical safety checks matter

Medical environments demand a higher level of care because equipment performance can directly affect treatment and patient safety. Electrical faults in such settings may create risks not only for users, but also for patients connected to or dependent on the device.

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection supports safer use by helping organisations:

In many organisations, documented electrical safety checks also make internal oversight easier. When inspection reports are clear and consistent, decision-makers can prioritise repairs, retesting, or replacement more effectively.

NEN-IEC 62353 vs NEN 3140: what is the difference?

This question often comes up, especially in organisations that already schedule inspections for general electrical safety.

Direct answer

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection is focused on the electrical safety of medical devices.

A NEN 3140 inspection focuses on the safety of low-voltage electrical installations and work equipment in buildings to reduce general workplace risks.

Why the distinction matters

These inspections do not serve the same purpose. If you use medical electrical devices, a general workplace electrical inspection does not replace a device-specific medical electrical safety assessment.

That is why it is important to choose the inspection type that matches the equipment and risk profile involved. Organisations that manage both building installations and medical equipment may need multiple inspection categories as part of a complete safety strategy.

How to prepare for a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection

Good preparation makes the inspection process smoother and more efficient.

Practical preparation steps

Before the inspection:

  1. Make sure all equipment is accessible for inspection
  2. Document previous inspections and maintenance work
  3. Check that electrical parts are in good condition
  4. Review your maintenance and inspection records

If your organisation uses multiple locations, it can also help to organise equipment lists by site or department in advance.

What happens if equipment does not pass?

If equipment does not meet the required standard, the inspector prepares a report describing the identified defects and recommendations for improvement.

After that, the organisation has the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments and request a re-inspection.

Wassenaar Inspecties provides:

This approach helps organisations move from detection to corrective action in a structured way.

Why choose a certified inspection partner?

For medical electrical safety, expertise matters. A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection should be carried out by a party with the right certification and technical competence.

Wassenaar Inspecties states that it is officially certified for NEN-IEC 62353 inspections and performs these inspections using extensive testing and clear documentation.

Its inspectors assess medical electrical equipment according to detailed protocols and technical specifications to verify compliance with legal and technical requirements.

Practical takeaways: when to schedule your inspection

If you want a simple rule of thumb, request a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection when medical electrical equipment:

Quick checklist

Use this checklist to decide whether it is time to act:

If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection may be the right next step.

Service and support

Wassenaar Inspecties is open Monday to Friday, from 09:00-17:00 and is available to help with questions about its services and to guide clients through the inspection process.

For organisations planning inspections across multiple locations, Wassenaar Inspecties also has branches in:

If your organisation is reviewing electrical safety more broadly, it can also be useful to compare medical equipment checks with other inspection categories, such as:

This helps create a more complete view of how device safety and installation safety fit together.

Conclusion

A NEN-IEC 62353 inspection is the right choice when you need to verify the ongoing electrical safety of medical electrical equipment, especially during periodic checks and after maintenance or transport. It combines visual inspection, leakage current measurements, insulation resistance testing, and functional checks to confirm that equipment remains safe to use.

For organisations that depend on reliable medical devices, timely inspection is a practical way to reduce risk, identify hidden defects, and maintain clear documentation.

If you want expert guidance on when to request a NEN-IEC 62353 inspection or you are ready to schedule one, contact Wassenaar Inspecties to discuss your equipment, inspection needs, and next steps.