How often do you need to PAT test?
Except for landlords in Scotland (details below) there is no set schedule for PAT testing. Recommended schedules depend on the risk. Large appliances such as washing machines may only need to be tested every five years whereas something portable, used frequently, should be tested yearly.
How often appliances need to be tested depends on :
- The type of appliance – fixed or portable, and whether or not it has an earth lead.
- Who has access – you, staff, or the public.
- The environment it’s used in – building site or office – different use different dangers.
- How often it is used or moved.
There’s no easy answer – but if you get in touch and let me know what sort of business you have, I’ll be happy to give you my recommendation.
Testing for landlords in Scotland.
In Scotland, electrical testing in all long-term rental properties is a legal requirement under the 2014 Housing (Scotland) Act. This means that you need to have a full EICR check at least every five years, and check any portable appliances that you provide.
New laws coming into place in Scotland mean that short-term holiday lets will need to have PAT testing and landlord electrical safety certificates in place. Existing short-term let owners in Scotland will need a licence for each property they own by 1 April 2023.
Scotland is currently the only part of the UK where PAT testing and landlord electrical safety certificates are obligatory for short-term rentals.
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