Question:
Do I need to PAT test new electrical equipment?
Answer:
New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. However, a simple visual check is recommended to verify the item is not damaged.
Also when you consider that many electrical items are made abroad and a manufacturer will only carry out "Batch Testing", where they will test a percentage of items made, these items are then shipped around the world in various modes of transport before arriving with the consumer.
With this in mind it therefore strongly advised to test new items to ensure they are still safe as damage could occur in transit. UK Insurance companies may also dictate that to provide cover for fire in a building, all electrical items including new items must be tested or a claim for such would not be honoured.
Some companies will also insist that persons bringing electrical equipment onto their sites only do so if the items have previously been tested, even if that item is new.