A commonly asked question is how often should you PAT test your electrical appliances?
It is required to be carried out by employers and landlords to ensure that the electrical appliances in their environments are safe to use. There is no strict requirement of how often you should PAT test, instead there are factors that should be taken into consideration which is then up to the individual to choose when a PAT test should be carried out. The different factors are:
– Electrical appliances that are used often should be tested more frequently as they can more likely to have internal damages
– The type of equipment should be considered as Class 1 appliances are the most dangerous and require a full PAT test. Class 1 appliances include desktop computers, photocopiers, industrial machinery, fridges, washing machines etc.
– Equipment that is regularly moved around should be considered for a PAT test as internal damages can occur.
As well as these recommendations there are also suggestions depending on the working environment you are in which can be used as a guide:
– Schools – Class 1 electrical appliances should be PAT tested every year as they are used often like desktop computers, photocopiers and floor standing printers. Class 2 electrical appliances like desktop printers, CD players and televisions should be PAT tested every 4 years.
– Offices, Shops and Hotels – Class 1 electrical appliances should be tested every 4 years, however if any are moved around more often a PAT test can be carried out every year. Moveable equipment like extension leads and portable equipment should be PAT tested every 2 years.
– Construction – all 110V equipment which are use on the construction site should be tested every 3 months because of the frequency of use.
This is only a recommendation and does not need to be followed, as it is up to you and how often you think that a PAT test should be carried out. The PAT testing association can provide further advice regarding PAT testing frequency.
If you would like to talk to us about having a PAT test done, please call us on 0207 1188 445 Or email cs@pattestingassociation.co.uk