With Christmas only a few weeks away, you might be thinking about using Christmas lights to spread the festive cheer. But there is one key barrier that prevents some business and residential complex owners. And this is the thought of electrical safety. PAT testing is a big part of electrical safety. And the regulations regarding PAT testing Christmas lights can be complicated. Here at Walker Electrical, we are Preston’s leading electrical and lighting experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about Christmas lights and PAT testing.
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing is an electrical test carried out by a professional, qualified electrician. This involves a thorough visual inspection, as well as an electrical test for any portable appliance you might be using. In the workplace, PAT testing is an important part of electrical safety. A record of PAT testing can help to prevent any insurance problems, should an electrical fault lead to damage. And PAT testing itself can also help to keep your employees and your property, safe from electrical damage. So what do you need to know about PAT testing for Christmas lights?
Guidelines for PAT testing Christmas lights
Christmas lights do need to to be PAT tested for safety, but this does not need to be an annual occurrence. Here are some guidelines:
- For your first set of Christmas lights and decorations, have these PAT tested for safety and to prevent any potential issues.
- Have your Christmas lights re-tested every 3-5 years or so to check that they are still safe and usable
- Visually inspect your Christmas lights and decorations every year, before use. Pay close attention to any obvious signs of damage to the cable, the plug and the lights themselves. If anything looks dangerous, don’t use it, and have the item professionally PAT tested.
For more information or advice, get in touch with the experts today, here at Walker Electrical.