PAT & Fixed Appliance Testing - Pat Testing Edinburgh

PAT & Fixed Alliance Testing

Via the the changes to the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment also commonly known as “Pat Testing” in the 5th Edition Code of Practice there has been some changes.

As a result, under the CoP portable and fixed appliances have now to be tested . So, what is a fixed appliance ?

Image of a fixed appliance wall heater — Wall Heater

Cookers
Electric Ovens
Gas/Electric Hobs
Storage & Wall Heaters

As the duty holder the landlord /letting agent are required to assess the risk of their property . They can define the retest intervals via a risk assessment . So, if the property is in good condition and has good tenants then testing to 18 months or 2 yearly is acceptable . Also the testing company may no longer log a re-test date on the equipment label.

Documentation

Documentation is supplied via electronic format. This includes the following:-

PAT testing certificate. This records the equipment status and test results.
PAT equipment register. This records and lists the equipment within the property.
PAT faulty equipment register. This in addition helps to document any faulty equipment for audit purposes.
PAT repaired equipment register. This records any repairs for audit purposes.
PAT tester calibration certificate. This is to certify that the test instrument is within calibration.
City & Guilds. Qualification of the individual conducting the test This confirms the tester is qualified

Click on these links below for an example of documentation.

PAT equipment register This is a asset register

PAT testing certificate This records the test results

FAQ

How do I as the Landlord decide the testing frequency.

You need to assess the condition of the property and electrical equipment and what type of tenants you have. Having long term tenants who look after your property you may feel the test interval should be 18 months. But you may have a steady turnover of tenants and feels it should be every 12 months

As the landlord do I have to be present during the testing.

No just give me the tenants contact details and I will organise the access and report back to you.

As a landlord do I have to test the tenants electrical equipment.

The electrical equipment supplied by the landlord should be the only items tested. AEW creates an equipment asset register to ensure there is an audit trail for any third party.

What if an item needs repaired.

The likes of a damaged plug top does not mean an automatic fail. During testing, this can be replaced . Then I record it on the repaired equipment log for audit purposes.

What is the most common repair.

Fitting the correct fuse rating in a plug top.

Do you keep the documentation on a computer file.

USB memory sticks are used regularly to back up the files. I will email you a pdf copy of the documentation for your perusal and records.

A letting agent manages the property for us. is that a problem.

You can inform them that you want to use another contractor that suits you, and they will allow it.

Do you organise access with the letting agent or tenant.

Mainly I organise access with the tenant or utilise the keysafe box .But can inform the letting agent if required.

Do you also copy them in with documentation.

Yes I can do if you authorise it.

Exclusions to risk assessment PAT intervals

Short Term Lets (SLT) & House of multiple occupancy (HMO) are by City of Edinburgh Council requires annual testing for these properties.
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