Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
What is PAT testing?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and
equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Portable appliances can be anything from power tools, office and kitchen electrical equipment, basically anything with a plug that is deemed as portable should be tested.
Why should I carry out PAT testing?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Ensuring that portable electrical equipment is properly maintained can significantly reduce the risk of fire and electrocution. Most insurers insist this is carried out.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?
The frequency of testing is determined mainly by the type of equipment you have and the risk of such
equipment becoming defective. For example, power tools should be tested more frequently than computers and equipment that rarely gets moved.
Below is a general guide to PAT testing frequencies, please contact us for more information.
Offices, Shops and Hotels – Class 1 equipment including stationary and IT equipment should be tested every 48 months. Moveable equipment such as extension leads and portable equipment should be tested every 24 months. Handheld equipment should be tested every 12 months.
Schools – All Class 1 equipment in schools should be PAT tested every 12 months. Class 2 equipment should be tested every 48 months.
Public Use Equipment – Stationary and IT equipment such as computers should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, Portable and Handheld equipment falling into Class 2 should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, portable and handheld equipment falling into Class 1 should be tested every 6 months.
Construction – All 110V equipment used on construction sites should be tested every 3 months.
Industrial – All industrial sites, including commercial kitchens should have Portable and Handheld equipment tested every 6 months. Stationary, IT and Moveable equipment should be tested every 12 months.
Service Agreements
M-Fire offer Service Agreements for Portable Appliance Testing to take the hassle away from you. Once the Service Agreement is in place, we will contact you each time the PAT testing is due to be carried out to arrange a convenient time to attend and re-test all of the equipment on the schedule.
