Buyers Guide

Portable Appliance PAT Testing FAQ

What is a portable appliance PAT test ?

A portable appliance is an item of electrical equipment, which is connected to the power supply by means of a plug and socket. Fixed or none fixed.

What checks can I make to see if an electrical Inspection needs to be done ?

Check for the PAT testing labels located on the plugs, cables or appliances for expiry dates or previous test dates.

Check old PAT Test Results and PAT Test Certificate expiry dates.

Check cables to see if there is any signs of damage, new covering/ tape on the cable anywhere, twisted tears or stress and heat burns to the cables.

Check plugs for breakages and incorrect fuse sizes.

Why we need portable appliances new and old equipment PAT testing ?

There are a number of reasons why the PAT testing procedure of new items and old appliances should be electrically inspected on a regular basis, but the most important ones are PAT testing regulations:-

To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations
To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances
To satisfy your Insurance Company.
To comply with all Health & Safety requirements and ISO standards
Quality Assurances also requires you to comply

Additionally, one of the first things Fire Officers and Health & Safety Inspectors usually ask to see when conducting site visits are PAT testing records.

What does Periodic Testing / PAT test services involve ?

We organise with yourselves scheduled periodic tests and when the electrical inspection management of your portable appliances will start. Each item is then given a full visual inspection by a highly qualified and courteous engineer, followed by the appropriate electrical safety Pat test and PAT testing documentation. Once all tests are completed a printed PAT Test Certificate and an itemised PAT test Results Inventory list is awarded.

Will the testing of the electrical equipment create disruptions to staff ?

We have very experienced engineers using the most up to date computerised equipment keeping any disruption to the absolute minimum. PAT Testing jobs can be conducted “Out of hours” if required. We can only test in small areas at a time and with negotiations with yourselves before any work commences; We can safely and informatively, organised timely tests between ourselves

How often does Periodic test & Electrical Inspection need to be done ?

No rigid PAT testing information guidelines can be laid down as to the frequency of Visual inspecting and PAT testing but factors influencing the decision include the working environment, the type of care from the user, the equipment storage and the equipment type.

What is the PAT electrical testing law ?

An individual employee must be owed a duty of care by another, to ensure that they do not suffer any unreasonable harm or loss. If such a duty is found to be breached, a legal liability is imposed upon the duty-owner, to compensate the victim for any losses they incur.
Duty of Care ( link)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (link)
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 ( link)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( link)
The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( link)

Does my PC or ICT electronic equipment need electrical safety testing ?

Yes, PAT testing of Computers in schools, colleges or the general office, their are safety measures in place to properly conduct PAT testing of a PC that will not cause any type of damage to any ICT equipment. The equipment must be shut down to conduct the PAT testing of a computer server and all ICT tests. Please call to discuss if your require further information.

What should I consider doing before the PAT Testing tests ?

Consider if you would like all the appliances itemised by room/ location.
Avoid additional time PAT testing fees for the movement of furniture, waiting for shed keys or fork lift trucks moving large machinery to gain access.

Check for access to Christmas lights in lofts, lawn mowers in sheds, electric towel rails in bathrooms. Electric tools and lap tops out of the office. Shaving chargers, Mobile phone charges, Paper shredders, Air freshener plug ins hidden away in desk draws and cupboards.