Do I need to do PAT testing?

Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory? No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often.

Is PAT testing legally required?

PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement. Technically, you don't have to PAT test any electrical equipment in the workplace. But you better have an equally effective method of ensuring appliances are safe because there's a range of electrical safety obligations on employers. The Health and Safety at Work etc.

What happens if you don't do the PAT test?

Claims that PAT testing is required by law and that the client is breaking the law by not having it done are simply not true. The law does require however that employers, including self-employed, ensure that all electrical equipment that they provide in their business is safe and properly maintained.

What items need to be PAT tested?

In other words, any appliance that runs off mains electricity and uses a cable or plug and socket is likely to require regular PAT testing. This includes much of the day-to-day equipment commonly used within many different types of organisations, from schools and offices to factories and hotels.

Can you sell electrical items without PAT test?

Product recalls and safety notices for electrical products, in particular, can be found on the Electrical Safety First website. It is good practice to advise all staff that no electrical goods are to be sold unless they have a UKCA / CE mark and a dated PAT test label is attached.

PAT Testing Explained | What you do and what you don't need! Electrical Safety

Do hard wired appliances require PAT testing?

Many people assume that only portable equipment or appliances with a plug need to be tested. In reality, the inspection and testing process includes all equipment that is connected to the fixed installation, regardless of its size or how it is connected.

Is it illegal to sell second-hand electrical goods?

If you sell second-hand electrical goods which are unsafe or incorrectly labelled and you haven't taken reasonable precautions to avoid this, you may be prosecuted.

What doesn't need to be PAT tested?

PAT testing is not required for equipment that doesn't run off the mains, such as things that use batteries. For example, a cordless drill or a wireless keyboard would not need to be PAT tested.

Is PAT testing mandatory in UK?

Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory? No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often.

What tools are exempt from PAT testing?

PAT testing is not suitable for equipment operating above 1,000 Vac. Additionally, extra low voltage equipment, operating at or below 50Vac or 120Vdc, typically doesn't require testing, though a visual inspection may be necessary in certain hazardous environments.

How often do you legally need to PAT test?

Class 1 equipment (general IT equipment) should be tested every 4 years. Portable equipment such as extension leads should be tested every 2 years. Handheld and more frequently used and transported equipment should be tested every 12 months due to the increased risk of damage.

Does PAT testing affect insurance?

Regular PAT testing can help you reduce insurance premiums, as it equates to a risk assessment of your electrical equipment, helping to determine the safety levels in your business, and the need for more or less frequent inspections.

Can an electrician carry out PAT testing?

Technically anyone can carry out PAT testing, but they must have the necessary training to deem them suitable for carrying out the work.

Who needs to do PAT testing UK?

Are Businesses Required to Have PAT Tests? Yes, businesses are typically required to have PAT Tests done in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This includes any business that uses portable electrical appliances that have the potential for risk of electric shock or fire.

How do I get a PAT testing certificate?

To get a PAT testing certificate you will need us to come to your place of work, or home, depending on what the equipment is used for, for us to inspect and test your electrical appliances to confirm they are safe. When we have done our inspections we will be able to provide you with a certificate.

What needs to be PAT tested in the workplace?

What office equipment needs to be PAT tested? The phrase 'PAT testing' can be misleading, as you need to test electrical items that aren't portable! As a general rule of thumb, anything that plugs into the mains should be PAT tested.

Is PAT testing being phased out?

But with the emphasis on inspection and testing all equipment, whether portable or otherwise, references to 'PAT' have been removed from the COP. The 5th Edition promotes greater application of 'User Checks' of electrical equipment. A Poster is included to help promote user checks in the workplace.

Can you fail a PAT testing course?

What if I fail the exam? If you fail the exam you can retake the exam as many times as you require at no extra cost. If you successfully complete the exam then you will be prompted to download your certificate. View the sample certificate here.

How long is a PAT test valid for?

How long is a PAT test certificate valid for? While there is no official expiry date on a PAT test certificate, it is recommended that you should re-test Class 1 electrical equipment every 48 months and Class 2 electrical appliances every 24 months.

How often is PAT testing required UK?

Class 1 equipment (or any general IT equipment) should be tested every 12 months. Portable equipment such as extension leads should be tested every 12 months. Any general equipment that is classed as handheld, transported or used more frequently should be tested every 12 months.

Can you PAT test without unplugging?

To PAT test the PC it needs to be disconnected from the mains and plugged into a PAT tester.

What is the new name for PAT testing?

This change removes the mobility requirement of previous versions of the Code of Practice – and hence changes the name of the activity from Portable Appliance testing (PAT) to Electrical Equipment testing (EET).

Can you sell a house with unsafe electrics?

Don't sell your home with questionable wiring and electrical issues in place. Learn what you need to upgrade or replace before the sale, from Punton Electrics. Considering putting off upgrading the electrical in your home because you plan to put it on the market? Hold up!

Is it legal to sell an electrical appliance without a UK plug?

Plugs and sockets

Distributors and retailers including second-hand dealers and auctions must only sell appliances which are correctly fitted with an approved plug with sleeved pins and the correct fuse. All plugs must carry the name and reference number of the approval body, normally BSI or ASTA.

Do electrical items have to be sold with a plug?

Plugs and sockets

Distributors and retailers, including second-hand dealers and auctions, must only sell appliances that are correctly fitted with an approved plug, which has sleeved neutral and live pins, and the correct fuse. An approved plug is one that complies with BS 1363.