How Often Should I Have Electrical Equipment PAT Tested?

PAT testing is the term used to describe the process of testing undertaken for all portable electrical appliances in order to determine whether or not they are safe to use. 

For most landlords and business owners, visual inspections will form the basis of the maintenance routine for electrical equipment, supported by formal PAT testing at appropriate intervals. 

The length of time you should leave between PAT tests will be dependent on several factors, including the type of equipment being used, the regularity of use, and how old the equipment is. 

There are no strict guidelines surrounding the frequency of which you should have your electrical appliances PAT tested, however we have outlined some best practices for PAT testing in various industries in the sections below. 

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 outline that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is properly maintained for safe usage. These regulations do not specify what needs to be done, by whom, or how frequently. These details are to be decided upon at the discretion of the landlord or employer. 

Whilst there are no formal guidelines for the regularity you should seek to have your electrical equipment PAT tested, there are a number of factors which should be taken into consideration when planning your testing schedule, including: 

• The type of equipment being used (portable, handheld or transportable) 
• The class of the equipment in use (Class I or Class II) 
• The frequency of use (continuous, infrequent, etc.) 
• How old the equipment is 
• How often the equipment is moved around 
• The professional competence of the people using the equipment 
• The environment the equipment is used in (outdoors, construction sites, hazardous atmospheres, etc.) 
• The result of previous PAT tests 
• The guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer 
• Whether or not the equipment has ever been modified or repaired  

Whether your electrical appliances fall under Class I or Class II classification, they will require PAT testing, however the testing method differs slightly between the two. 

Both types of appliance are mains powered, and as such are required to provide at least two levels of protection for the user. PAT testing is undertaken to ensure that both levels of protection are working properly, to allow for safe operation of the appliance. 

Class I appliances are those which see the user protected by a combination of basic insulation and an earth connection, such as fridges, microwaves, kettles, irons, toasters, etc. 

Class II appliances are those which are double insulated, such as hair dryers, computers, and plastic power tools. 

As a general guideline, Class I equipment should be tested every 48 months, whilst moveable equipment, such as extension leads and any portable electrical equipment, should be tested every 24 months. Handheld equipment should be tested every 12 months.

For schools and colleges, all Class I equipment should be PAT tested every 12 months, and Class II equipment every 48 months. 

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

Portable and handheld equipment used in industrial settings, including in commercial kitchens, should be tested every 6 months, while stationary, IT, and moveable equipment should be tested every 12 months. 

Stationary and IT equipment being used by the public should be PAT tested every 12 months. Portable and handheld equipment which falls under Class II should be tested every 6 months, and Class I equipment should be tested every 6 months.

You are not legally required to keep records of the PAT tests conducted for your electrical appliances, however doing so may be helpful in terms of managing and organising your testing schedule. 

There is no legal requirement for you to label the equipment that has been PAT tested, however, doing so may make things easier when it comes to managing and reviewing the effectiveness of your maintenance schedule. 

All new electrical equipment should be safe to use straight away as a result of the quality control practices put in place by the manufacturer. However, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of any new electrical equipment to ensure it isn’t damaged. 

When it comes to having your electrical equipment inspected and tested, it’s important that the person carrying out the test is competent. 

In low-risk environments, a competent person may be a member of staff who has the knowledge and training required to effectively conduct visual inspections of the equipment. 

In environments which pose a higher risk, or where combined inspection and testing is required, the person carrying out the work will require a greater level of knowledge and experience, along with the correct testing equipment and the ability to use it properly and understand the test results, therefore hiring a professional electrician is recommended.