PAT testing is an important part of keeping customers and employees safe in any business by ensuring that all electrical equipment is safe to use, but did you know that the frequency at which PAT testing is required differs by premises type? Here, we take a look at how often different businesses need PAT testing, including offices, shops, hotels, and construction sites.
PAT testing recommendation by premises
The frequency at which you should have PAT testing completed at your premises depends on the type of business you have. Although there are no specific regulations in place for how often PAT testing should be carried out, it’s important in ensuring that all electrical equipment is safe for your employees and customers to use.
Offices, retails, and accommodation
For offices, retail businesses, and accommodations, such as hotels, all handheld equipment should be tested every year, whereas moveable equipment can be tested every two years. Class 1 equipment, such as fridges, can be tested every four years.
Schools
In schools, all Class 1 equipment should be PAT tested every year and Class 2 equipment, such as computers, should be tested every two years.
Public use
For equipment in public use, any Class 2 moveable, portable, and handheld equipment should be tested every year, alongside all stationary and IT equipment. Moveable, portable, and handheld equipment recognised as Class 1 should be PAT tested every six months.
Construction
On construction sites, all 100V equipment should be tested every three months.
Industrial
All portable and handheld equipment should be tested every six months, whereas stationary, IT, and moveable equipment can be tested once a year.
What’s the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 equipment?
As above, you’ll see that PAT testing often depends on whether the equipment is Class 1 or Class 2. Class 1 equipment has basic insulation and an earth connection to keep the user safe. Equipment in this category includes typical kitchen appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Class 2 equipment offers two levels of insulation, and is also often referred to as being ‘double-insulated’. Equipment in this category includes televisions and power tools.
If you have a business and require PAT testing to be completed on your equipment, contact us today to arrange PAT testing by qualified professionals.
