What is LEC?
LEC (Licensed Electrician Certification) is the official certificate issued by a licensed electrician or electrical engineer to certify that an electrical installation is safe and compliant with standards. In Greece, keeping this certificate valid is not merely good practice, but a legal requirement for both safety and compliance. For business owners, it is vital to know how often they must renew their LEC and what the consequences are of failing to do so. This article breaks down the renewal intervals for businesses (including special cases for premises that serve the public).
How often should a business renew its LEC?
Current Greek laws specify the time intervals for the periodic inspection and renewal of the Licensed Electrician’s Certificate (LEC/YΔΕ) for different types of installations. For businesses, the required renewal interval depends on the type of installation:
Typical workplaces, every 5 years:
- Most common workplaces (offices, stores, workshops, warehouses, etc.) are required by law to obtain a new LEC at least once every five years. This five-year interval applies to enclosed commercial spaces that do not pose specific hazards or not host large gatherings of people. For example, a typical retail store, a small office, or an industrial facility without flammable materials falls into this category. These regular inspections every five years ensure that the electrical installation remains safe despite wear and tear or minor modifications that occur over time.
Businesses serving the public or high-risk businesses, every 2 years:
Businesses that serve the public or involve higher risk must renew their LEC far more frequently. Greek law mandates a renewal at least every two years for such case. This category includes:
- venues of public assembly and entertainment.
- Ιnstallations with greater danger (e.g. flammable materials or outdoor environments).
- For instance, restaurants, cafés, or bars (especially those with capacity over 50 people), theaters, cinemas, shopping centers, schools, hospitals, event halls, gas stations, and other public gathering spaces all require a new electrical safety certificate every two years. Even outdoor commercial installations (like open-air sports facilities, camping sites, outdoor event venues) fall into this biennial inspection category. The more frequent interval reflects the higher safety stakes in places used by the general public or involving combustible materials.
Why the difference?
The law recognizes that installations with public visitors or special risks should be checked more often to prevent accidents. High-occupancy venues and those with flammable or outdoor conditions are more prone to wear or incidents, so a two-year checkup interval is considered the maximum safe period. In contrast, a low-traffic office or shop can go up to five years, as long as no major changes occur, without compromising safety. Always note that these are maximum intervals. An electrician might recommend even sooner re-inspections if needed for safety.
How to stay on track
The best way to stay compliant is to:
- Note the issue date of your LEC.
- Set a reminder a few months before expiry.
- Schedule your re-inspection in advance.
💡At ElecSafe, we keep track of our clients’ renewal dates and provide timely reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline.
Missed your last renewal? Learn what happens if your LEC is expired in this guide.
Ready to Renew?
Don’t expose your business at risk. By renewing your LEC on time, you ensure uninterrupted power, legal compliance, and above all, a safe environment for everyone on your premises. Contact our certified team to arrange your next inspection or simply ask us if you're unsure when your LEC is due. We're happy to help Contact us now.