Portable appliance testing is carried out to check the safety of electrical appliances and equipment. Although most defects can be seen visually, some can only be found through testing. A brief check of the item by the user can be a useful part of the maintenance regime, however a more formal inspection and test is required using a competent person at appropriate intervals.
So, how often should testing be carried out on these? The law actually doesn’t state when or how often testing should be done. The law simply requires that employers ensure all electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. You should decide the level of maintenance needed according to the risk of the item becoming faulty, and how the equipment is constructed.
Suggested initial intervals for checking portable electrical equipment (Copyright HSE):
TWB Electrical provide services to the domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors. TWB Electricians provide EICR & Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Services in Lincolnshire covering: Market Rasen, Caistor, Louth, Horncastle, Brigg, Lincoln, Newark, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Stallingborough, Hull, Immingham, Barton-upon- Humber, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe and surrounding villages.