Test electrics

LewisRoss

Hi I've been hearing that I may need a PAT test on the electrics in my rental property. The house is in Scotland and the electrics were all renewed about 5 years ago including the consumer unit. Is this right? Cheers.

googler

Portable appliances should, if they've been PAT tested already, have a date on the label for the next test.

Do you mean portable appliances, or the electrical system installed IN the property? This may help;

http://www.landlords.org.uk/sites/default/files/electrical%20safety%20landlords%20scotland.pdf

theartfullodger

The whole place needs an EICR test plus PaT. See guidance here...
https://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/repairs-application-and-guidance
& then...
https://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/prhp/SCOTTISH%20GOVERNMENT%20GUIDANCE%20ON%20ELECTRICAL%20INSTALLATIONS%20AND%20APPLIANCES%20IN%20PRIVATE%20RENTED%20PROPERTY%20-%20Revised%20Vers%232.docx

By 1st December 2016 for all tenancies, existing and new..

- see
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/mandatory-electrical-checks-in-scotland

Everything else sorted?? TiP served, info on PRHP etc etc etc???

baldelectrician

Yep as artful says- you need to do a lot


Most landlords don't know about the minimum tolerable standard requirements (came in in September 2007).


If the property meets this and the smoke detectors are upgraded (remember no new / replacement battery smoke detectors allowed in Scottish rental properties since 2007) then a test should pass no problem


A cautionary note- the rules require you to use a 'competent person - electrically'. As the landlord YOU are responsible - not your agent etc.
If you use a NICEIC or SELECT registered contractor then you will be fine- if not it's your problem to ensure the electrician is competent- you must seek proof of competence (see Appendix A in the legislation- copy below)


You will also need mains smoke / heat detectors.


Link to Scottish Government site
https://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk/repairs-application-and-guidance




Checklist for Electrician
Check*
I am a member of a professional body

I have public liability insurance (£2 million minimum is recommended)

I have employers’ liability insurance (£2 million minimum is recommended), unless the business has no employees

I have professional indemnity insurance (£0.25 million is recommended for contractors undertaking electrical installation condition reporting)

I have completed appropriate assessed training on current version of BS7671 within the past 5 years

I can provide:
· copies of wholesaler bills made out to entity trading, or
· a company registration number, or
· a Unique Tax Reference (UTR)

I can provide copies of trade qualification or equivalent

I can provide a copy of a written health and safety policy statement for the business

I have completed Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Health & Safety Assessment within the past 3 years

I have been granted, or am eligible to be granted at least Approved Electrician grade.

Apodemus

epatsolutions wrote: »

only if they are not following the latest code of practice, perhaps if the customer specifically requested a date.
Its been a good few years since a restest date has been a recommended feature on a label, its discouraged now, but still happens, perhaps people have lots of old labels or customers like seeing a date, but do not rely on one being present.

Interesting! What is the recommended practice? Everything I've seen tested recently still gives a forward date. If there is no label/date, how can a user know it has been tested?

marksoton

Apodemus wrote: »

Interesting! What is the recommended practice? Everything I've seen tested recently still gives a forward date. If there is no label/date, how can a user know it has been tested?

A certificate should be issued.