Welcome To Our PAT Testing FAQ

 As a general rule of thumb, PAT testing is conducted, at the very least, every 2 years. However, the recommended frequency could be much more frequently depending on other factors and circumstances such as the location of the equipment, type of equipment and more.  

Currently, there is no definitive legal requirement for the process of PAT testing. This said however, the government does have regulations that have been put into place to keep businesses and people safe. The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will require you to perform PAT tests in commercial settings to comply with various health and safety regulations, these include:

• Health and Safety at Work
• The Electricity at Work Regulations
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

By basic definition, any portable appliance or equipment needs to be tested. Essentially if the equipment uses a flexible wire or cable to connect to a power supply it qualifies as a portable appliance and needs to be checked.

This includes anything from extension leads to a vending machine. Wireless appliances such as cordless drills do not require a portable application test, however, their battery chargers that plug into the wall in order to charge the equipment does.

 A PAT test will result in a PAT certificate, this doesn’t have a specific expiration date but instead depends on other factors. Portable equipment within Hotels, Offices, and Shops should have a new test every 24 months. Class 1 equipment which includes IT and stationary equipment should have their certificates renewed every 48 months.  .

It is a requirement for all HMO landlords to conduct annual PAT tests on all electrical appliances within the property. Private landlords currently have no obligations to conduct PAT testing within the properties. 

 Regulations implemented by the Government require electrical appliances to be maintained to a certain degree. If you’re an employee, landlord or self-employed it is your legal obligation to meet these regulations, the most effective way to do this is through PAT testing 

PAT testing does not have specific frequency requirements and instead it is recommended based on factors including the location, frequency, and type of equipment. Portable equipment such as extension leads within Offices, Hotels, and Shops should be tested every 24 months. 

PAT Test costs are calculated per device and not for the entire testing service. The size of the business, and the amount of equipment that needs testing can alter the price, ultimately the more testing required the cheaper the cost will be per item.  

By law, a PAT test must be conducted by a competent person, you may wish to either take a PAT testing course yourself to achieve a PAT testing qualification of sorts, or employ a qualified safety engineer who can do it on your behalf. The IEE Code of Practice defines a competent person as having:

• Sufficient experience of electrical work
• An adequate understanding of the system
• Practical experience in that class system
• Appropriate electricity knowledge
• The capability to perceive whether or not it is safe for work to proceed
• An accurate perception of the hazards that could arise surrounding the equipment
• Knowledge of what precautions are required to avoid potential hazards occurring

Under the portable appliance testing (PAT) law all employees, landlords and even anyone who is self-employed is required to ensure their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for use