How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?

One of the most common questions about PAT testing is how frequently it should be carried out. The answer depends on the type of equipment, the environment, and who uses it.

The IET Code of Practice Guidelines

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) publishes the Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, which provides recommended testing frequencies. These are guidelines, not legal requirements, but following them is considered best practice and demonstrates due diligence.

Recommended Frequencies by Environment

Offices and shops: Equipment used by staff should be visually inspected every 2 years and formally PAT tested every 4 years. However, many businesses opt for annual testing as a simpler approach.

Schools: Visual inspection annually, formal testing every 2 years for mains-powered equipment.

Construction sites: These are high-risk environments. Visual inspection weekly, formal testing every 3 months for 110V equipment and monthly for 230V equipment.

Rental properties: Test between each change of tenancy. For long-term tenancies, annually.

Hotels and guest houses: Visual inspection by staff regularly, formal testing annually.

Risk-Based Approach

The key principle is a risk-based approach. Equipment that is used more frequently, moved around often, or operates in harsh environments should be tested more often. A computer sitting on a desk in an office is lower risk than a portable power tool used on a construction site.

Our Recommendation

For most businesses and landlords, annual PAT testing provides a good balance of safety and practicality. It is easy to schedule, straightforward to manage, and ensures that any developing faults are caught early.