OCA inspections
What is an OCA electrical inspection in Spain?
An OCA is an authorised control body that carries out independent statutory inspections of specified low-voltage installations. It does not replace the installation company's own verification; ITC-BT-05 treats them as separate controls.
OCA inspection, verification and maintenance are different
- Pre-service verification is the responsibility of the installation company that carried out the work.
- OCA inspection is mandatory only for the categories listed in ITC-BT-05.
- It may be initial, before registration, or periodic during service.
- The report classifies defects and determines the follow-up action.
Installations needing initial inspection
These include project-based industrial installations above 100 kW installed power, public-access premises, certain fire or explosion risk locations, wet locations above 25 kW, pools above 10 kW, operating theatres, outdoor lighting above 5 kW and EV charging installations requiring a project.
What the OCA checks
The body compares documents and work, performs or witnesses tests and records defects. Scope follows the category and inspection protocol; a coherent project, CIE and final drawings reduce documentary problems.
For the next part of the decision, see the guides to Periodic inspections and When a project is required.
A mandatory project does not always mean an initial OCA inspection
Electrical projects and OCA inspections have different triggers. A 30 kW industrial installation may need a project because it exceeds 20 kW, without reaching the industrial initial-inspection threshold of more than 100 kW. Other features of the premises could still trigger inspection. ITC-BT-04 and ITC-BT-05 must therefore be considered together.
Before the inspection body visits, the electrical contractor should have completed verification and the final documents should match the installation. The inspector needs access to identifiable circuits, protective devices and test points. Any interruption to equipment should be coordinated with the owner so checks can be performed safely.
The inspection outcome may be favourable, conditional or negative depending on the defects. These outcomes have different implications for commissioning or continued operation. Fixing a defect does not automatically close the inspection file: evidence of correction and any follow-up required by the inspection body must also be completed.
What to prepare for an OCA inspection visit
The approved inspection body (organismo de control, often called OCA) needs an accessible, identifiable installation. Gather the project or MTD, CIE where applicable, final drawings, verification results and any earlier reports. Arrange with the electrical contractor for tests or shutdowns that could interrupt a working business. A favourable inspection does not replace the contractor's prior verification or the need to keep records.
If the report lists defects, read their classification and the applicable deadlines, not merely its overall result. Defects must be corrected and the evidence required by the body supplied. Whether an initial or periodic OCA inspection is needed depends on the installation category under ITC-BT-05, not on the length of the project document.
Frequently asked questions
Is every electrical inspection an OCA?
No. OCA refers to the authorised body conducting a statutory inspection. Maintenance reviews and installer verification are different activities.
Do all business premises need one?
No. It depends on classification. Public-access premises do; other premises depend on use, power and risk.
Regulatory basis and official sources
Always check the current version of the rule and the administrative procedure that applies to the specific case.