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.
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.
Well, we are more than happy to help. PAT Testing a phone charger makes perfect sense as with any other portable electrical appliance, they can become damaged and faulty; which can result in damage, injury or worse! So first things first; carry out a full visual inspection.
PAT Testing Explained | What you do and what you don't need! Electrical Safety
Are kettles Class 1 or 2?
A Kettle is a class 1 item, not only that but it is two separate items due to it's detachable base or lead. The kettle relies on an earth connection for safety; the PAT machine checks that connection is functioning correctly. A formal visual inspection should be carried out first.
Examples of Class I appliances are refrigerators, microwaves, kettles, irons, and toasters. Appliances under Class I have two levels of protection: the basic insulation and the earth connection. Inside the appliance, there are three wires connected to three different pins.
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.
Do plug sockets and extension leads need testing? Extension leads and cables need to be PAT tested, as they plug into sockets. Sockets that are in the wall do not need PAT testing, but you do need to arrange for them to be inspected under EICR.
An easy way to solve this problem is to PAT test your Christmas lights before you put them up. Admittedly, there isn't a law requiring that you PAT test your Christmas lights annually, except in circumstances where they may be subjected to extreme stress such as those used in harsh outdoor/industrial settings.
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.
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).
Appliances that are intended to be moved whilst in operation or can be easily moved such as kettles, toasters, electric heaters, electric fans, microwaves, vacuum cleaners.
PAT testing requirements – what's the law? Whilst it's a requirement to make sure that any electrical equipment you use in your place of work is maintained and safe to use, there isn't a legal definition for how you test or how often. As a business owner, you'll know which of your appliances get used the most.
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.
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.
Which class of equipment is not acceptable in the UK?
Products that are Class 0 features a single level of insulation which unfortunately means that 1 fault could cause an electric shock to its user or at the very least cause a spark that can easily escalate to a fire. Such products were intended for use in very dry areas and have been banned in the UK since 1975.
So a cordless power tool would not need to be PAT tested but their battery chargers that plug into the wall for power do need to be tested. You should note that there are larger items that seem stationary but still require PAT testing.
There are several other reasons why appliances may fail PAT testing, such as: use of aged PAT testing equipment. equipment not regularly calibrated. use of wrong equipment for the appliance type.
What is an example of equipment that is not classed as portable?
Stationary - Equipment such as fridges, washing machines, vending machines etc., that are more than 18kg and not easily moved are classed as stationary.
PAT testing is the most effective way to do this. So to answer the question, 'do I have to get my microwave PAT tested? ' – it's not a legal requirement, but it's one of the best ways to make sure your microwave meets health and safety guidelines.
So essentially Class I equipment has an earth which will be visibly terminated in the plug top & has an earth incorporated in the supply cable. Class II equipment does not rely on an earth connection for safety therefor inside the plug you will only see 2 wires (L+N) & is supplied by a 2 core cable.
To PAT Test Class 1 Equipment an Earth Continuity test is required. These appliances do not require earth protection as these are protected by 2 layers of insulation ( Double Insulated ) . This makes the appliance safer and not require an earth. Most Class 2 equipment has a double box symbol on it.
