PAT Testing explained

What is PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing – also known as PAT testing – is the examination of portable electrical equipment and appliances to ensure they are safe to use in the working environment.

It generally includes three steps:

1. Regular, informal checks by the electrical equipment’s user/s
2. A formal visual inspection of the equipment
3. A manual examination of the equipment with a portable appliance tester device (the PAT test)

Do I need to do PAT testing?

PAT tests are recommended for all businesses that use portable electrical equipment. This includes office-based businesses, property owners, hotels and restaurants, healthcare settings and construction and manufacturing. Self-employed people should also conduct PAT tests on their business equipment, even in the home.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

No. The law does state that any electrical equipment in the workplace must be maintained to ensure it is safe and does not pose any danger, but it does not specify how the equipment should be maintained, or how often, nor who should carry out any maintenance. PAT testing is recommended by experts and professionals as the best way to meet these health and safety obligations and to protect your employees.

Why do I need a PAT test?

Poorly maintained or faulty electrical equipment can cause electric shocks, burns or fires. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is an employer’s duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees. This includes ensuring all equipment is safe to use. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 also place a legal responsibility on employers (or ‘duty holders’) to ensure electrical equipment does not pose any risk to users. Failure to comply with either of these could result in fines and legal action.

PAT tests are a simple, cost-effective way to meet your legal obligations, protect your business and keep your employees safe.

What is ‘portable electrical equipment’?

This refers to items that can be moved, connected and disconnected from an electrical supply. They generally have a cable lead and a plug. Common portable electrical equipment includes laptops, desktop computers, drills, kettles, heaters, fans, lamps, microwaves, toasters, radios, TVs, projectors, printers, hair dryers (including wired-in versions), extension leads, multi-way adaptors, connector leads and mobile phone charging equipment.

Larger equipment like fridges, photocopiers, water coolers, vending machines, washing machines and cookers are also included. Water boilers that are wired in, mobile phones and battery-operated equipment are not included.

“Electrical classes” are defined as the classification of electrical equipment. Class of any material or Appliance helps to identify which one needs to be PAT tested and to what degree. Electrical equipment is mainly considered for different classes such as Class 1, 2 or 3. The most dangerous equipment is classified as Class 1, and least harmful are classified as 3. devices from Class 1 need a full PAT test. In contrast, Class 2 appliances need a PAT insulation test, and no PAT test required for Class 3 devices.

• Class 1 appliances: Class 1 appliances of electrical appliances have only simple insulation and rely on an earth for protection purposes. These appliances are the most common.
• Class 2 appliances: Among three classes, this electrical equipment class has additional insulation, and as a result, they do not rely on an earth for protection.
• Class 3 appliances: These appliances are low voltage consuming items, and among these three classes, Class 3 is the safest class of electrical Appliance. Charging leads of class 3 appliances must be PAT tested.

How often do I need a PAT test?

PAT testing is required by employers, landlords and self-employed to ensure safety of portable appliances. The Health & Safety Executive provides no set rule on PAT testing frequency, only that testing should be done regularly to ensure preventative maintenance. The reason that there is no set frequency is because different situations arise that call for different measures. There are a number of factors that affect PAT testing frequency and it is up to each individual to determine when testing should be carried out.

In order to determine how often you should have your appliances tested, you should bear in mind a few different factors:

1. Equipment that is used more should be tested more frequently. This equipment is likely to suffer less damage than that used regularly.
2. If people using equipment report any damages as they become noticeable, there is less chance of a major hazard. If equipment regularly receives damage or abuse that is not reported then inspections and testing are required more frequently.
3. The type of equipment in question is a major factor in determining PAT testing frequency. Hand held appliances are more likely to become damaged than those that are stationary. Class 1 appliances carry the greatest risk of danger and should be tested more often.

Although there are no requirements for PAT testing frequency, there are recommendations:

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.