Who can carry out PAT testing UK?

Anybody





Anybody can carry out PAT testing as long as they have completed appropriate training which has given them enough knowledge and practical experience to be considered competent.

Who can conduct PAT testing?

PAT testing, despite public opinion, doesn’t have to be carried out by a qualified electrician. In fact, absolutely anybody who is deemed competent can carry out PAT testing.

What is PAT testing and who can carry it out?

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing.

Do you have to be qualified to use a PAT tester?

What qualifications do I need for PAT testing? No specific qualifications are required, the regulations require that the testing is done by a competent person.

Can you do your own PAT testing?





Yes, you can PAT test your own equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment and time.

How do I become a PAT tester UK?

To become a PAT Tester you have a number of possibilities:

  1. Take a PAT Testing Course with a commercial or FE College training provider. …
  2. Study on your own with the great value Electacourse Online PAT Testing Course – from only £40, together with the IET Code of Practice.

How do I get a PAT test certificate?

To get your certificate simply sit the online examination and on successful completion you will be awarded the certificate. The certificate will open on your screen and you can print it from your own computer.

How long do PAT testing qualifications last?

There is no law which says that you have to retrain after 3 years etc. We would normally suggest that as long as you carry out PAT Testing on a regular basis then the certificate does not ‘run out’ but you may want to think about doing the course again after 3 – 5 years just as a refresher or update.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in UK?



Is PAT testing a legal requirement? PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal requirement or obligation. However, current UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

What is a PAT test certificate?

A PAT testing certificate should be provided as a record of testing by the person(s) carrying out the tests. It forms a legal document that verifies all reasonable steps have been carried out to check for the electrical safety of all equipment, and can also detail the actual results for all tests carried out.

How long is a PAT testing course?

The PAT testing class lasts for one full day and runs from 9.00 to 16.00 and is suitable for anyone who would like to begin a career in the electrical industry, or those responsible for maintaining electrical appliances in a workplace.

What items do not need PAT testing?



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. Any cordless power tool would not need to be PAT tested.

Can I calibrate my own PAT tester?

Twenty times more accurate than the average PAT Tester, the plugs will never need to be calibrated themselves and mean users will be able to calibrate their own PAT Testers in three easy steps: All the user has to do is use the three plugs in turn on their Tester, run the tests and input the readings into a certificate …

Does a fridge need a PAT test?

Any appliance that uses a flexible cable or plug and socket qualifies as a portable appliance. In other words, if you have an appliance that has a plug that is intended to be connected to a wall socket, it qualifies as needing to be PAT tested. Some examples of portable appliances are as follows: Fridges.

How often should PAT testing be done UK?

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.

How often does landlord need PAT testing?



For landlords, it’s good practice to have all your appliances PAT tested before a new tenant moves in. After this, smaller appliances should be tested every two years and larger items like fridges and washing machines should be tested in four-year intervals.

What is PAT testing called now?

The name given to the testing of electrical equipment has changed. The previously known PAT testing will now be known as EET (Electrical Equipment Testing). The name ‘Electrical Equipment Testing’ has a broader understanding and covers more parameters within what items are included within the test.

How often should office PAT testing be done?

A general rule of thumb is that PAT testing should, at a minimum, be carried out every 2 years. But this is a general indication, and certain factors should be considered to determine the frequency of testing for your circumstances. These include: Location of the equipment.

Should PAT testing be done annually?

PAT testing should be carried out at least once a year. Devices that get tested will have the date of the test written on a label, and this can be used to check when the last test was and when the next test is scheduled for.