ESTI: Specialist Authority for Electrical Safety in Switzerland
As a supervisory and control authority, ESTI ensures the safety of electrical installations in Switzerland. Learn more about the inspectorate's tasks in the planning, construction, and maintenance of high-voltage and low-voltage systems, as well as market surveillance.
Safety for People, Animals, and the Environment
The Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations ESTI is the central supervisory and control authority for electrical installations in Switzerland, provided they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT). The primary goal of its activities is to ensure electrical safety for people, animals, and property, and to secure the high technical standards of electrical installations and products.
Comprehensive Supervisory Activity
ESTI's jurisdiction extends across the entire lifecycle of electrical installations. As the leading or specialist authority, the inspectorate ensures that installations are planned, operated, and professionally decommissioned, taking into account spatial and environmental planning as well as third-party interests.
The scope of control includes:
- High-voltage installations
- Low-voltage installations
- Low-current systems
Market Surveillance and Prevention
In addition to installation safety, market surveillance of electrical products plays a crucial role. ESTI monitors whether products made available in Switzerland comply with safety requirements. Furthermore, the inspectorate provides important resources, such as:
- Accident and damage reports
- Authorization directories for electrical products (S+)
- Directories for installation and inspection licenses
ESTI is managed as a special office on behalf of the Confederation and is subject to the supervision of the DETEC department. Through the consistent verification of safety certificates and technical inspections, ESTI contributes significantly to the safe handling of electricity in Switzerland.
