How Often Should I Get Pat Testing Done?

PAT Testing (Portable Appliance testing) is the process of visual inspection and testing of electrical products and appliances used in the working environment. The electricity at work regulations produced in 1989 state that all electrical equipment in the working environment capable of causing injury to both staff and members of the public is to be maintained accordingly.

One of the many misconceptions surrounding PAT Testing is that it needs to be done by an electrician annually.

The regulations do not state that you must get your appliances tested yearly, the person in charge of the health and safety for the working environment used by either staff or both staff and members of the public has full authority to determine the frequency of PAT testing as and when they see fit.

The inspection and testing does not even have to be conducted by an electrician. Having a competent member of staff carry out inspection is perfectly fine.

On a side note - It is worth consulting your insurance policy to see whether or not it has any stipulations for the inspection and testing of your commercial property. Although it is not law to get tested at a specific time, your insurer is within their rights to tell you to test yearly or face voiding your insurance policy.

Posted under Electrical – PAT Testing Information