The time an electrical safety check depends on the size of the fixed electrical installation. There are many factors that determine the time a test will take. If urgent repairs are also required then the test will take longer.

Although there are no requirements for PAT testing frequency, there are recommendations: Offices, Shops and Hotels – Class 1 equipment including stationary and IT equipment should be tested every 24 months. Moveable equipment such as extension leads and portable equipment should be tested every 12 months.

The environment in which an electrical installation is being used has a significant impact on the frequency it should be tested. For instance the maximum period between inspections and testing in an industrial environment is 3 years whereas for shops and other commercial buildings it's every 5 years.

Claims that PAT testing is required by law and that the client is breaking the law by not having it done are simply not true. The law does require however that employers, including self-employed, ensure that all electrical equipment that they provide in their business is safe and properly maintained.

The terms 'Fixed Wiring Testing' and 'Periodic Inspection Reports' are used interchangeably but, to add confusion to the mix, these aforementioned terms are being replaced by the new term 'Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)' but all three terms essentially mean the same thing.

Portable appliance testing (commonly known as "PAT", "PAT Inspection" or (redundantly) as "PAT testing") is the name of a process in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand and Australia by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety

Fixed Wire Testing involves testing the systems that conduct electricity around a building. After a fixed wire inspection, you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as an EICR (electrical installation condition report).

In other words, if you have an appliance that has a plug that is intended to be connected to a wall socket or generator, it qualifies as needing to be PAT tested. This can include items such as electric drills, monitors, printers, PCs, kettles and larger items like photocopiers, vending machines and others.

To understand the various electrical loopholes that are left by contractors, it is extremely important and necessary to learn about electrical inspection in general. What is an Electrical Inspection? An electrical inspection refers to the thorough checkup of the electrical connections and wiring installed in your home.