In October 2020 the IET published the 5th Edition of the Code of Practice for the ‘In Service Inspection & Test of Electrical Equipment’ This also covers electrical PAT testing.
A number of updates have been introduced including a new ‘Class’ of appliance, Class 2 FE.
These items fulfill the requirements of Class 2 (Double Insulated) though use an earth for functional purposes. A good example of one of these items is a Laptop Power supply.
There are now 4 classes of appliance;
- Class 1
- Class II or Class 2
- Class 11 FE
- Class III or Class 3
What are the intervals for checking Portable Electrical Equipment or Electrical PAT testing?
Each item has a different construction and therefore following risk assessment may have a different frequency for the planned formal inspection and electrical PAT testing.
The Health and Safety Executive suggest the following electrical PAT testing intervals for checking portable electrical equipment dependant on the environment they are placed:
- Desktop computers, VDU screen every 2-4 years.
- Photocopiers and fax machines, not hand held and rarely moved 2-4 years.
- Double insulated Class 2 equipment, not hand-held and moved occasionally like fans table lamps 2-4 years.
- Double insulated Class 2 & 2FE equipment, hand-held like floor cleaners, kitchen equipment 6 months – 1 year.
- Earthed equipment Class I like electric kettles, irons 6 months – 1 year.
- Cables (leads and plugs connected to the above) and mains voltage extension leads and battery charging equipment. 6 months – 4 years depending on the equipment being used.
If you have a question or a concern about Class 2FE or electrical PAT testing for your appliances, please call 01543 225306, or fill out one of our contact forms to arrange a free assessment of your premises, with one of our fully trained electrical engineers.
Useful references:
IET 5th Edition of the Code of Practice for the ‘In Service Inspection & Test of Electrical Equipment’
