Aren't PAT tests valid for 18 months?

Portable Appliance Testing is not compulsory but can range from 3 months to 2 years, depending on the type of equipment.

Further reading

Just need to check, I have been told by our local council whos building we use if the equipment is less than 1 year old it dosent need testing.

can anyone clarify this

also whats the going rate for PAT tests per Item we have been qouted various amounts from £1.80 per item to £1.40 per item

thanks

mac

I think the council are wrong to imply new gear doesn't need testing. In an ideal world it would be fine (it should be factory tested) - but its normal practice to test all new items before putting them into use.
I'd be surprised if the council allows new kit to be plugged in without being tested first.

Perhaps find out who the council use? They may have an in-house dept. for this.
The prices sound about right, so if the £1.40 per item company is "good" then go with them, or keep calling around.
As this is a community project, perhaps there is a sparky in your community who will be willing to help out.

Although it isn't a legal requirement, you will find that a lot of hotels and upmarket venues will want to see a PAT certificate before you can play there. I've been asked a few times last year.

I do my testing every year, I use a local company that comes out to my house and does the testing in my garage. I pay £90 + VAT fixed price and this year had about 55 items to be tested.

They then post me the certificate the following week.

Great Hassle Free Service :-)

Had all my equipment tested by the Council's contractor who was in school for a week - he'd gone and tested everything pretty much (apart from a bulgin -> 4-way IEC standmate type cable !)... Lots of white pricing-type stickers on everything.. Just need to extract the cert(s) out of the school office now i guess :/

Cheers

David