PAT Testing

What is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?

PAT testing is short for Portable Appliance Testing and is the recognised way for companies and businesses to ensure that their electrical equipment is safe for use by their staff and members of the public who enter their premises.

Why should I get my electrical equipment PAT Tested?

There is currently no strict legal requirement for PAT testing. The Government however has put regulations into place that pertain to the maintenance of electrical appliances and the most effective way to ensure that these regulations are met is through PAT testing.

The UK Health and Safety Executive along with insurance companies will expect you to perform PAT testing to ensure that you are compliant with certain regulations including:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999

When should I get my electrical equipment Pat Tested?

In order to determine how often you should have your appliances tested, you should bear in mind a few different factors:

  1. Equipment that is used more should be tested more frequently. This equipment is likely to suffer less damage than that used regularly.
  2. If people using equipment report any damages as they become noticeable, there is less chance of a major hazard. If equipment regularly receives damage or abuse that is not reported then inspections and testing are required more frequently.
  3. The type of equipment in question is a major factor in determining PAT testing frequency. Hand held appliances are more likely to become damaged than those that are stationary. Class 1 appliances carry the greatest risk of danger and should be tested more often.

Although there are no requirements for PAT testing frequency, there are recommendations:

Offices, Shops and Hotels

Class 1 equipment including stationary and IT equipment should be tested every 48 months. Moveable equipment such as extension leads and portable equipment should be tested every 24 months. Handheld equipment should be tested every 12 months.

Schools

All Class 1 equipment in schools should be PAT tested every 12 months. Class 2 equipment should be tested every 48 months.

Public Use Equipment

Stationary and IT equipment such as computers should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, Portable and Handheld equipment falling into Class 2 should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, Portable and Handheld equipment falling into Class 1 should be tested every 6 months.

Construction

All 110V equipment used on construction sites should be tested every 3 months.

Industrial

All industrial sites, including commercial kitchens should have Portable and Handheld equipment tested every 6 months. Stationary, IT and Moveable equipment should be tested every 12 months.