Commercial property owners and facilities managers will be well aware of PAT testing and EICR certificates. Both are essential for maintaining electrical safety, but serve different purposes. So let’s explore what they cover and how they work together to ensure regulatory compliance for your business.
Portable appliance testing, or PAT, evaluates the safety of electrical equipment that has a cable and can be plugged in and moved. It includes small items such as laptops, kettles, and desk lamps, but is also required for larger items, including fridges and washing machines, that have a cable and plug.
It’s a three-step process which makes sure there are no faults or defects and the appliances are safe to use:
PAT testing is recommended for any business that uses portable equipment, whether in a home or office setting.
As the ‘duty holder’, how often you decide to test your equipment depends on its type, usage, and the level of risk it presents. For instance, Class II power tools should be tested more frequently than a Class I appliance, such as a toaster.
High-risk PAT testing should always be undertaken by a professional with experience and qualifications. At phs Compliance, we’re the UK’s leading PAT testing company and the only one to hold UKAS 17020 accreditation.
Find out more about who can PAT test your equipment for regulatory compliance.
Legally, you’re not required to PAT test your equipment. However, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) state that all work equipment should be well-maintained and in good working order to minimise risks and ensure safety.
PAT testing is the best way to ensure compliance with your health and safety obligations. Contact us today to plan your Statutory Inspection and Testing.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) should be an essential component of your electrical maintenance plan. Achieving EICR certification ensures your installation is compliant and safe for use.
An EICR inspection checks all fixed electrical equipment supplied to your property through your electricity meter, including light switches, sockets, and fuse boxes. Your installation is checked for any existing or potential defects or risks.
Your inspection report uses the following classifications to assess risk:
C1 Immediate action. Issues that pose an immediate danger or risk of causing shocks or fires.
C2. Urgent action. Issues such as overheating components or loose connections that have the potential to become more serious.
C3. Improvement recommended. Changes that aren’t dangerous but would improve the safety and efficiency of your installation.
F1. Further Investigation. The findings include intermediate faults that require further investigation.
C1 or C2 faults require remediation within 28 days before an EICR certificate can be issued.
Read more on the key signs that indicate your office requires urgent electrical work.
As a facilities manager or commercial building owner, you have a duty to ensure that your electrical installation is safe and compliant.
EICR inspections are generally carried out every 3-5 years and apply to all commercial buildings to ensure your electric installation is functional and safe. Landlords also have a responsibility to renew their EICR certificate at least every 5 years.
If you don’t hold a current EICR certificate, you could face legal and insurance risks, reputational damage, and hefty legal penalties.
Like PAT testing, an EICR certificate is not a legal requirement. However, as a duty holder under the Electricity at Work Regulations, you must keep all electrical installations safe and well-maintained.
As the landlord of a commercial property, you have the following responsibilities:
The likelihood is that your business needs both an EIHR certificate and PAT testing for safety and compliance.
Regular electrical maintenance and statutory inspection and testing can save money, protect you against legal repercussions, minimise risk, and even reduce your carbon footprint.
Working with certified professionals, such as those at phs Compliance, is the best way to ensure peace of mind. Our nationwide team of qualified technicians can help you meet your regulatory duty and protect your investment.
Contact the team today, and we’ll be happy to advise on the right commercial services for your business.
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