PAT
Portable Appliance Testing
The process of visually and electrically testing any electrical equipment for safety whether for work or personal use.
The reason we have PAT Testing is to ensure that an appliance is electrically safe for all those who use it. We visually check the appliance for any defects like damage or missing components. The appliance goes through a number of electrical checks such as continuity, insulation resistance and polarity.
It is essential that all electrical appliances are checked yearly to ensure your safety and others who may use the appliance. Electrical items such as; electrical tools, appliances, power leads, extension leads and all other workplace and home electrical equipment should receive a yearly check.
Every year in the UK there are numerous workplace related deaths. Many of these are caused by electrocution. Poorly maintained equipment can serious injuries or be the source of destructive fires. Almost all of these could have been prevented if the electrical item in question was PAT Tested yearly.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.
Portable electrical equipment must be maintained to prevent danger.
For what reason is a Portable Appliance test needed?
- The Health and Safety Act 1974
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition
- The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for Landlords and Lettings Agents. These regulations stipulate that every business has a legal obligation to carry out regular periodic inspections of their electrical installations.
Each PAT test will include:
- Visual inspection of the appliance, flex and plug top – Look for any visual signs of damage or overheating
- Open Each Plug Top – Inspect the fuse and connections and tighten wire connections
- Electrical tests – The appliance is put through a series of electrical tests to ensure that it is earthed correctly (Earth Continuity Test, Class 1 appliance) and insulated (Insulation Resistance Test, Class 1 and 2 appliance)
- Labelling – A label is attached to the appliance indicating whether it has passed or failed as well as additional information including the test date, re-test date and Appliance ID number assigned to it
- Records – A detailed record and inventory is given for each appliance tested. These records will be made available in an electronic format (hard copy available upon request)
- Scheduling – Our PAT Test engineers will advise you on the frequency of retesting as this could depend on a number of factors.