The frequency of inspection & testing required will vary depending
on the following.
- The environment – Equipment in a benign environment is likely to suffer less damage than equipment in an arduous environment.
- The users – If users report damage promptly hazards will be avoided. Conversely, if equipment is likely to receive unreported abuse, more frequent inspection & testing is required.
- The equipment construction – The safety of Class 1 equipment is dependent upon a connection with earth. Class 2 equipment is not dependent upon a fixed earth.
- The equipment type – Appliances that are hand-held are more likely to be damaged than fixed appliances.
The following table provides
guidance on the initial frequencies of inspection & testing. However,
the frequency must depend upon the factors listed above and should be
kept under constant review.
| The
IEE Suggested Initial Frequency of Inspection & Testing (PAT Testing)
of Class 1 Equipment. |
| Type
of premises |
Type
of equipment |
Formal
visual inspection |
Combined
inspection & testing |
| Offices &
Shops |
Stationary equipment |
24 months |
48 months |
| IT
equipment |
24
months |
48
months |
| Movable
equipment |
12
months |
24
months |
| Portable
equipment |
12
months |
24
months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
6
months |
12
months |
| Hotels |
Stationary equipment |
24 months |
48 months |
| IT equipment |
24 months |
48 months |
| Movable
equipment |
12 months |
24 months |
| Portable
equipment |
12 months |
24 months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
6 months |
12 months |
| Equipment
used by the public |
Stationary equipment |
Monthly |
12 months |
| IT equipment |
Monthly |
12 months |
| Movable
equipment |
Weekly |
6 months |
| Portable
equipment |
Weekly |
6 months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
Weekly |
6 months |
| Industrial
including commercial kitchens |
Stationary equipment |
None |
12 months |
| IT equipment |
None |
12 months |
| Movable
equipment |
Monthly |
6 months |
| Portable
equipment |
Monthly |
6 months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
Monthly |
6 months |
| Schools |
Stationary equipment |
None
|
12 months |
| IT equipment |
None |
12 months |
| Movable
equipment |
4 months |
12 months |
| Portable
equipment |
4 months |
12 months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
4 months |
12 months |
| Construction
sites 110V equipment |
Stationary equipment |
Monthly |
3 months |
| IT equipment |
Monthly |
3 months |
| Movable
equipment |
Monthly |
3 months |
| Portable
equipment |
Monthly |
3 months |
| Hand-held
equipment |
Monthly |
3 months |
The information on this page
is provided by Plugtest Ltd - For further information on our UK
Portable Appliance Testing PAT service please visit our main page
at www.plugtest.co.uk
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