You can PAT test without a qualification. Guidance say you have to be competent to test electrical equipment, not that you have to be qualified. The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association say that you should undergo thorough training by a competent person in order to become competent yourself.
Even so, it's still important to test stationary equipment. A fridge that's been moved slightly, for example, could have sustained damage to its mains cord, deeming it unsafe for use until repaired. It's therefore essential that during your PAT testing you don't ignore equipment that's stationary.
You should note that there are larger items that seem stationary but still require PAT testing. For instance, a heated towel rail or built-in dishwasher may seem like a fixed appliance but for testing purposes, they still qualify as portable because they plug into a power source.
Is PAT testing required annually? PAT testing does not have specific frequency requirements and instead it is recommended based on factors including the location, frequency, and type of equipment. Portable equipment such as extension leads within Offices, Hotels, and Shops should be tested every 24 months.
On average, PAT testing costs between £1 and £3 per item. This is for 50 appliances or less. If you have between 50 and 100 items, you could save money with a bulk testing rate of between £1 and £2 per item.
There is currently no strict legal requirement for PAT testing. The Government however has put regulations into place that pertain to the maintenance of electrical appliances and the most effective way to ensure that these regulations are met is through PAT testing.
PAT Testing a phone charger makes perfect sense as with any other portable electrical appliance, they can become damaged and faulty; which can result in damage, injury or worse! So first things first; carry out a full visual inspection. (Phone chargers should not rattle!)
How to PAT Test a Television
- Check the owner's manual or specifications on your TV to find the fuse rating.
- Set the current to 100mA.
- Turn the lower switch so that it's on "Earth Bond" (typically number 1 on the list).
If you've bought brand new electrical equipment, it doesn't need PAT Testing for the first two years – unless, of course, your visual checks flag any concerns. A common misconception is that visual checks aren't needed if you're up-to-date with your PAT Testing – nope, that's not right.
This means that if there is an appliance that has a plug that is connected to a wall socket or generator, it should be PAT tested. Equipment that should be tested include items such as electric drills, PCs, monitors, printers, kettles and larger pieces of equipment such as photocopiers and vending machines.
PAT testing is not a legal requirement for landlords but it's a recommended way for them to keep your home safe. You can check the electrician is registered to carry out inspections and do repair work.
Another major difference is that EICRs are now a legal requirement for landlords. Any tenancies created after 1st July 2020 must have a valid EICR report. As of 1st April 2021, this will be a legal requirement for all tenancies – new and existing. Get £10 off when your book your PAT test with your EICR here.
The Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years.
It involves two parts: first visually inspecting the appliance for any damage, followed by electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester. Once tested, the item is placed with a tag to confirm that it has in fact been tested, along with showing who tested it, the test date and when the next test is due.
No, there is no legal obligation (at the moment) for private landlords to carry out PAT testing on electrical appliances in their properties. However, the regulations are different for HMO landlords. In your case, annual PAT tests are compulsory for all electrical appliances.
Areas Covered in London and Greater London for PAT Testing, EICR, Emergency Lighting Testing, Electrical Services and Fire Services include all areas within the M25.
Other businesses that should perform frequent PAT Testing include beauty salons, night clubs, hotels, doctors' offices, and health clubs. PAT Testing does not just apply to standard offices with computers and copiers, but any workplace that has portable electric appliances.
The Law around the EICR has now changed and will come into effect in July 2020. There will a legal onus on all landlords to have a electrical installation condition report in place. The government have also laid down the law that all existing tenancies will require a EICR report by April 2021.
