Portable Appliance Testing, also known as PAT, ensures the safety of electrical appliances in various settings. Read on to learn about what a PAT certificate typically includes, its validity and why compliance matters.
What is a PAT test certificate?
PAT involves a series of tests carried out on a routine basis to ensure all portable electrical appliances are safe to use in the workplace, rental properties and public spaces. Typically, the testing involves a visual inspection of the equipment and its cables, followed by electrical tests to check:
- Earth continuity – making sure that the earth connection is adequate
- Insulation resistance – testing the quality of the insulation around the conductors
- Polarity – verifying that the live, neutral and earth wires are correctly connected
- Functional checks – ensuring that the appliance works as intended, in its environment.
An electrical engineer or competent person needs to perform PAT testing and, once the testing has been carried out, they will issue an official certificate to confirm that an electrical appliance has been tested for safety and complies with all relevant safety standards.
What must a PAT Testing certificate include?
A PAT certificate must include several key pieces of information to ensure it is thorough and provides an accurate record of the appliance’s safety status. The certificate usually includes:
- Information about the appliance – such as the type, make, model and serial number
- Test results – detailed results of the tests performed
- Test date – the date on which the testing was carried out
- Next test date – a professional recommendation for when the next test should be conducted
- Tester’s details – the name, signature and qualifications of the electrician who performed the testing
- Pass/Fail status – indicating whether the appliance passed or failed the tests
How long does a PAT test certificate last?
The length of time that a PAT certificate remains valid depends on several factors, including the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. There is no universal standard for the validity period, but the following general guidelines provide a good rule of thumb:
- Office equipment – usually every 1 to 2 years
- Portable appliances in low-risk environments – every 2 to 4 years
- High-risk environments, such as construction sites – testing may be required more frequently, ranging from every 3 months to 1 year
- Hand-held equipment – every 6 months to 1 year owing to a higher risk of damage due to wear and tear
It is also worth noting that the recommendation for frequency of testing may differ by industry. For example, Class 1 equipment (e.g. appliances such refrigerators, washing machines, electric stoves and power tools etc.) should be tested every year in schools and colleges, while in offices and shops they should be tested every 2 years.
| According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 1,000 electricity-related accidents are reported in the workplace each year.
Find out more about electrical safety in the workplace here |
Do you need a PAT test certificate?
PAT testing itself is not legally mandated, for instance the 1989 Electricity at Work Regulations do not specify how electrical appliances must be tested, by whom and how frequently. However,
entrusting PAT testing to an experienced electrician is still the best course of action when it comes to ensuring the safety of your staff, tenants and the general public.
In addition, although it is not a legal requirement to keep records or label electrical appliances that have been tested, recording and labelling can be helpful when it comes to monitoring the effectiveness of routine maintenance programmes, and for proving maintenance has been carried out.
| Are you a landlord or tenant? Find out about gas and electrical safety compliance in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) here |
How to get a PAT test certificate?
After you have determined which electrical appliances require testing based on their equipment type, usage and environment, it is essential to find an experienced electrician or competent person to conduct the tests.
Next, make a list of all appliances that need testing and ensure they are easily accessible. If others are likely to be affected by the testing process, it is often a good idea to inform staff or tenants about the testing schedule to minimise disruptions.
Before the tester arrives, ensure that all appliances are turned off. The testing will begin with a visual inspection, followed by electrical tests. Those that pass the safety test will be labelled with a ‘pass’ sticker, while those that do not will be identified as needing repair or disposal.
You’ll then be issued with the official certificate, detailing the results and recommended next testing date. It is often good practice to maintain a record of the PAT certificates and schedule reminders for future testing.
Paine Manwaring is an established, professional and highly experienced supplier of plumbing, heating and electrical services to domestic and commercial customers throughout Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
For more information about the heating, plumbing and electrical services which we provide for both homes and businesses get in touch with a member of our expert and friendly team today on 01903 237522 or enquiries@painemanwaring.co.uk (Worthing) or 01243 784711 or info@painemanwaring.co.uk (Chichester).