Fixed electrical equipment 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).
Portable appliance testing is abbreviated as PAT. The correct term for the whole process is "In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment" (as defined by IET/IEE and City and Guilds). In Australia and New Zealand, the common name for PAT is simply 'Test and Tag.
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.
In September 2020 the IET released an updated set of guidance, the 5th Edition, replacing the 4th Edition document that has been used by the industry since 2012.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords 2023?
If you rent out accommodation across England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you do not have to get PAT testing carried out. PAT testing in holiday homes is a legal requirement in Scotland as from 2023. As a landlord, you do have a duty of care towards guests to keep your electrical equipment safe.
Under the new law, landlords would no longer be able to hand a section 21 notice to tenants at the end of a fixed term tenancy or during a periodic tenancy. This would mean that landlords can no longer remove tenants from their properties without cause unless their contract is finished.
For landlords, it's good practice to have all your appliances PAT tested before a new tenant moves in. After this, smaller appliances should be tested every two years and larger items like fridges and washing machines should be tested in four-year intervals.
Yes, your business can carry out its own PAT tests, as long as the person doing the testing is a 'competent' person. If you decide to do your own PAT testing we would strongly recommend taking a PAT testing course as it's important to perform the PAT tests correctly.
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.
Any appliance that uses a flexible cable or plug and socket qualifies as a portable appliance. In other words, if you have an appliance that has a plug that is intended to be connected to a wall socket, it qualifies as needing to be PAT tested. Some examples of portable appliances are as follows: Fridges.
As an organisation, there are actually a number of different options available to you. PAT testing, despite public opinion, doesn't have to be carried out by a qualified electrician. In fact, absolutely anybody who is deemed competent can carry out PAT testing.
Legally, in order to adhere to these regulations the person carrying out the PAT testing must have adequate training in how the process is carried out. Technically anyone can carry out PAT testing, but they must have the necessary training to deem them suitable for carrying out the work.
What electrical equipment doesn't need PAT testing? If you have electrical equipment that runs off batteries rather than the mains (for example a wireless keyboard or mouse), you don't need to test them.
As with Fixed Wire Testing, PAT is encompassed in the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) British Standard BS7671. The groupings for PAT as defined by the IET include 'moveable', 'stationary', 'portable', handheld' and 'IT'.
Portable appliances that need testing include any appliance that uses a flexible cable or plug and socket. This means that if there is an appliance that has a plug that is connected to a wall socket or generator, it should be PAT tested.
If the candidate should fail, the examination may be taken again at no further charge. Topics covered by the PAT Testing Training DVD Course: Introduction. The Test Card.
PC leads must be PAT tested separately as a matter of safety. Most IT equipment now comes with detachable IEC leads or “kettle” leads as they are commonly called. There has been some debate whether these should be tested as separate items.
Electrical equipment can fail a PAT test for several different reasons, including: The equipment won't power on. The casing is cracked or damaged. The equipment has exposed parts.
There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for the PAT, but remember, this is meant to be a challenge. Expect to be asked questions that are difficult! But, do not be put off by a tough paper! Embrace the challenge, and give it all your best thinking!
Our online PAT Testing training is purely a vocational course and does not qualify you to carry out PAT testing on other people's property. This course is for anyone who wishes to update their knowledge on this subject or is going to be carrying out PAT testing on their own premises.
How to PAT Test a Microwave, Fridge, or Washing Machine. Testing these appliances follows a similar process as they are all metal-cased Class I appliances. The first test is an earth continuity test. For mains-powered test instruments, select a high-current test.
Any appliances or electrical items that you provide as part of your property should be PAT tested. This generally applies to anything with a plug. Some common items that landlords should PAT test include: Kettles and coffee machines.
The duration of a single PAT test is usually around 2-5 minutes. However, the total timeframe for PAT testing depends on the size of the premises and the number of appliances that need to be tested.
