DGUV V3 Testing in Cosmetic Studios: What Operators Need to Know
Obligations, deadlines, and liability for electrical equipment testing in cosmetic and beauty studios
Why must cosmetic devices be tested according to DGUV V3?
DGUV Vorschrift 3 (formerly BGV A3) is an accident prevention regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). It obliges every employer to have all electrical installations and equipment regularly tested for proper condition. This explicitly applies to cosmetic studios as well — regardless of whether the devices are classified as medical devices or not.
A typical cosmetic studio contains numerous electrical devices that are in daily use and come into direct contact with clients. Defective insulation, damaged cables, or faulty protective conductors can lead to life-threatening electric shocks. The DGUV V3 test ensures that every single device is electrically safe.
Which devices in a cosmetic studio are tested?
In principle, every electrically operated device must be tested. In cosmetic studios, this includes among others:
- IPL devices (Intense Pulsed Light) for hair removal and skin rejuvenation
- Laser devices (diode laser, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, SHR)
- High-frequency / radiofrequency devices (RF lifting, Thermage)
- Ultrasound devices (cavitation, HIFU, phonophoresis)
- Microdermabrasion devices (diamond, crystal)
- Facial steamers and vapozone units
- Sterilizers and autoclaves
- UV lamps and UV nail dryers
- Wax heaters and paraffin baths
- EMS devices (electrical muscle stimulation)
- LED light therapy devices
- Cosmetic multi-function devices (combination systems)
- General equipment: hair dryers, air conditioners, computers, printers, extension cords, power strips
Legal basis: Applicable laws and regulations
The obligation for electrical equipment testing derives from several legal sources:
- ✓ DGUV Vorschrift 3: Accident prevention regulation "Electrical Installations and Equipment" — applies to all companies with at least one employee
- ✓ BetrSichV (Industrial Safety Regulation): Obliges the employer to maintain work equipment in proper condition and have it regularly tested
- ✓ ArbSchG (Occupational Health and Safety Act): General obligation for risk assessment and employee protection
- ✓ MPBetreibV §7: For devices classified as medical devices, additional obligations under the Medical Devices Operator Regulation apply
- ✓ NiSV: Devices with non-ionizing radiation (IPL, laser, RF) are additionally subject to the NiSV — technical functionality must also be demonstrated here
Testing intervals: How often must testing be performed?
The specific testing intervals depend on the operator's risk assessment. DGUV Vorschrift 3 provides guideline values:
| Device type | Recommended interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Portable devices (general) | 6–24 months | Depending on usage and environment |
| Devices with client contact (IPL, laser, RF) | 6–12 months | Increased risk due to skin contact |
| Power strips, extension cords | 12 months | High mechanical stress |
| Fixed installations | 48 months | E.g. permanently installed air conditioning |
| After repair or maintenance | Immediately | Required under §7 MPBetreibV / DGUV V3 |
Important: Manufacturer specifications always take precedence. If the manufacturer specifies a shorter testing interval, it must be adhered to. When in doubt, we recommend annual testing of all devices with client contact.
What happens during a DGUV V3 test?
The DGUV V3 test consists of three steps:
1. Visual inspection
The tester checks the device for externally visible defects: damaged housings, kinked cables, loose plugs, missing covers, corroded contacts, and correct labeling. The operating instructions and existing test labels are also checked.
2. Measurement-based testing
The electrical safety measures are tested with calibrated measuring instruments:
- ✓ Protective conductor resistance: Must be below 0.3 ohm — ensures the protective conductor functions in case of a fault
- ✓ Insulation resistance: Must be above 1 MOhm — measures the quality of electrical insulation
- ✓ Leakage current: Measured to ensure no dangerous current flows through the housing or to the patient
- ✓ Touch current: Particularly relevant for devices with direct skin contact
3. Functional test
The device is tested during operation: Do all safety features work? Do circuit breakers trip correctly? Is there any unusual heating or noise?
New standards: DIN EN 50678 and DIN EN 50699
Since 2021, the European standards DIN EN 50678 (testing after repair) and DIN EN 50699 (periodic testing) have been gradually replacing the previous national standard DIN VDE 0701-0702. For cosmetic studio practice, little changes in the procedure, but documentation and measurement values now follow the new European standards.
For devices classified as medical devices (e.g. certain IPL/laser devices), DIN EN 62353 continues to apply as the specific testing standard. Alexander Driller is certified for both families of standards.
Liability: What happens if testing is not performed?
The consequences of missing or late DGUV V3 testing can be severe:
- ✓ Fines: The professional association (Berufsgenossenschaft) can impose fines of up to 10,000 EUR
- ✓ Loss of insurance coverage: In case of an accident with an untested device, the professional association can reduce benefits or seek recourse against the operator
- ✓ Personal liability: The operator is personally liable for damages caused by untested devices — including criminal liability (negligent bodily harm)
- ✓ Prohibition of operation: In case of imminent danger, the supervisory authority can prohibit the operation of individual devices or the entire studio
- ✓ Competition law: Competitors can issue warnings for missing tests as a competition violation
Testing and repair from a single source
Elektrotechnik Driller offers not only the DGUV V3 test, but also repair and maintenance of your cosmetic devices. If a defect is found during testing, we can often fix it directly on-site — saving you a second appointment. After every repair, a new safety test is automatically performed.
Testing in the Pforzheim, Karlsruhe, and Stuttgart area
Alexander Driller is a TÜV Süd certified tester (DIN EN 62353, DIN VDE 0701-0702) and registered with the HWK Karlsruhe (Chamber of Skilled Crafts). We test your cosmetic devices directly on-site at your studio — throughout the Pforzheim, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart area and beyond.
After testing, you receive:
- ✓ Test report for each individual device
- ✓ Test label with next testing date
- ✓ Defect report with specific recommendations
- ✓ Digital documentation for your records
Schedule a test appointment now
Have your cosmetic devices professionally tested in compliance with standards. Contact us for a non-binding quote: