PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing

Companies in the UK have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of their employees. Portable Appliance Testing – otherwise known as PAT testing – is a key part of this.

PAT testing is the process of examining electrical appliances and equipment to confirm that they are fully operational and safe to use. It involves a series of visual checks and electronic tests, which help establish whether a specific appliance fulfils the legal obligations to ensure a high standard of electrical safety.

The guidelines around PAT testing require that all landlords, employers and even self-employed individuals make sure that their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for the intended use. Damage and fault can occur with all electrical equipment use, which makes it essential that these items are tested regularly for safety.

PAT guidelines were put into effect to ensure that all companies conform to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999.

Who Can Conduct a PAT Test?

The law states that PAT tests should be carried out by a “competent person”. According to the IEE Code of Practice, this means the person must have:

• An adequate knowledge of electricity;
• Sufficient experience of electrical work;
• An adequate understanding of the appliance that needs testing and practical experience of that class of appliance;
• An understanding of any hazards that could arise during the work and the precautions that should be taken;
• And the ability to recognise whether it’s safe to continue the work.

People who regularly conduct PAT testing will typically possess relevant and recognised training. This could be in the form of an official qualification, or it may have been acquired by attending a course provided by an electrical health and safety company or qualified PAT testing instructor.

Mr. Electric Can Help

At Mr. Electric, all of our electricians have completed the necessary training to allow them to carry out PAT testing safely and to the very highest standard.

To make sure an appliance is completely safe, our technicians will visually inspect all aspects of the appliance – including the plug, the lead and the appliance itself – looking for any damage or incorrectly marked or wired components. If it is a Class 1 appliance, they will also do some electrical tests, whereby they inject test signals into the cable and appliance to test its safety.

Once the PAT testing is complete, you will receive a report detailing all the appliances that were tested, whether they have passed or failed and an explanation as to why. You will also be provided with a pass or fail label for the appliance that displays the inspection date, when the next test is next due and the inspector’s signature.

Our electricians will happily offer their help or advice on the report and any remedial work that is required. All work will be quoted upfront and completed at a time that suits you, with minimal disruption to your property or business.

To find out more about our PAT testing service, or if you need your appliances tested, give us a call on 0800 7311 606 today.