Pat Testing Schools
A school’s electrical equipment moves between classrooms, offices, halls and shared spaces. Some items stay in place for years; others, such as extension leads, portable heaters and equipment used in practical lessons, are handled frequently. City PAT helps schools organise portable appliance inspection and testing around the way their site actually runs.
20 + YEARS
EDUCATION
MULTI-SITE
A plan that fits the school day
Start with an equipment list by building or room, then identify rooms that require staff supervision, restricted access or a clear window outside teaching hours. We can discuss a visit during a school holiday, an inset day or another suitable time, subject to availability. Tell us about satellite buildings, site security and equipment that must remain in use so the scope and timetable are agreed before the visit.
What needs attention
Office equipment, classroom devices, kitchen appliances and portable equipment used in workshops can have different risk profiles. Visual inspection matters alongside appropriate testing: damaged leads, loose plugs and overloaded adaptors need attention even if an item has a familiar test label. The right checking interval depends on how and where equipment is used; a fixed annual rule does not fit every item.
After inspection, keep the item record and any reported defects with your premises documentation, and arrange repairs or replacement where needed. A PAT visit addresses portable equipment; fixed wiring, fire alarms and emergency lighting are separate systems.
This is an important distinction.
PAT testing examines electrical appliances and portable equipment.
An EICR examines the fixed electrical installation supplying that equipment.
For example:
A computer, kettle or extension lead may fall within a portable appliance maintenance programme.
The socket, electrical circuit, distribution board and fixed wiring supplying them form part of the electrical installation assessed during an EICR.
Many businesses therefore require both forms of electrical safety management.
Must every school appliance be tested every year?
No universal annual PAT rule applies. Checks and testing should reflect equipment type, use, environment and previous findings.