Electrical certificates are an important part of ensuring the safety of your tenants and being able to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to do so.
It is recommended that you should have a full electrical inspection carried out every three to five years dependent on previous inspection advise. This examination investigates the state of the electrical wiring throughout the property and thoroughly checks the safety of the electrical installation.
Once this is done and processed an 'Electrical Installation Condition Report ' will be than issued electronically. It will declare if the electrical installation is safe or if any remedial work is required to ensure it meets current safety standards.
Portable Appliance Testing is the electrical safety testing of portable electrical equipment. It consists of a visual inspection and various electrical tests carried out using test equipment. Appliances that have passed the equipment are deemed to be safe to use until the next test date. A sticker is attached to the equipment indicating Pass or fail and next test date. The intervals between test is normally 12 months but can be between 6 to 24 months dependent on the environment. We normally put a 12 month annual Re-Test Date.
Integrated appliances and hard wired appliances where the plug point is not accessible a visual inspection and an earth test (where appropriate) will be performed.
PAT Testing is normally carried out in shops, businesses, council and public sector organisations, rented property, care homes. Anywhere where there are employees or where people reside in rented or public sector accommodation.
Although not a legal requirement the Electricity at Work regulations 4(2) requires maintenance and regular testing of equipment. Regular records and certification of Portable appliance test is an integral part of ensuring safety. PAT Testing is part of a good health and safety regime. Some councils require PAT testing of furnished properties before letting to tenants, similarly many insurance companies will give a discount if equipment on the premises is PAT tested