While there’s no specific legal requirement for PAT testing, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 mandates that electrical equipment must be maintained in a safe condition. There is an obligation for businesses, schools and warehouses to conduct PAT testing on electrical appliances to ensure their safety. Known as Portable Appliance Testing, this process takes the form of visual inspections and various tests to protect the user and anyone around them.
Why Do Appliances Need Testing?
Electrical safety should never be taken lightly, and regular PAT testing plays a crucial role in preventing dangerous faults before they arise. As an employer or person in charge of a workplace, it’s your responsibility to protect your staff, visitors and anyone using electrical equipment. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 30 electrical fatalities are reported every year in the UK. Preventing accidents like these starts with regular PAT tests.
Process
Any competent person conducting PAT testing will always carry out a visual inspection of electrical appliances first. This also includes the plug and the lead. Depending on the type of equipment, there might be more steps, such as checking the integrity of cables and appliances for Class 1 equipment.
Generally, PAT testing includes:
- Earth continuity
- Lead polarity
- Insulation resistance
- Load
- Earth leakage
- Functionality
It is only a quick process, but PAT testing is crucial to understand the health of your appliances and devices.
Frequency
Depending on your industry, there are different recommended time frames for how often PAT testing should be conducted. It also depends on how often electrical equipment is in use. Sporadic usage is less pressing than everyday equipment, so you should also bear this in mind when thinking about PAT testing.
Class 1 appliances (such as fridges, toasters and microwaves) should be tested every year. These have basic insulation and need to be grounded to prevent electric shocks.
Class 2 appliances (such as computers, TVs and photocopiers) should also be tested every year. These have double insulation, making them safer to use.
Offices and Shops
Generally, offices will have a mixture of Class 1 and Class 2 equipment. This is recommended to have a PAT test every 12 months. Any other portable equipment, such as extension leads, should also be tested every 12 months.
Construction and Industrial Facilities
With heavier machinery and equipment in use more often, PAT testing is recommended to be conducted every 3 months. Sites with commercial kitchens should have portable devices tested every 6 months, while all other stationary, moveable or electrical equipment should be tested every 12 months.
What Happens Afterwards?
Once the competent professional has completed the PAT testing process, you will receive a detailed report. This will contain a list of all appliances, their type, location and description, and a full set of results. You will also be told if any items have failed and why. This is your opportunity to talk though any further action that might be necessary.
Finally, so everyone is on the same page and knows the state of each piece of electrical equipment, every appliance will feature a visible pass or fail label. This details when the inspection took place, the date of the next test and the inspector’s signature.