Electrical PAT Testing
"The object of Portable Appliance Testing is to maintain electrical safety and to prevent any risk of fire or shock.."
What is Electrical PAT Testing?
Electrical PAT Testing is known as Portable Appliance Testing, commonly abbreviated to PAT, is the systematic checking of any equipment that can be connected to a common supply by means of an electric plug and socket arrangement. It is an essential part of any electrical compliance programme to ensure that all appliances are safe to use.
The scope of ‘PAT’ is much wider than the name suggests. It doesn’t just include truly portable items but encompasses everything that is attached to the electrical wiring system including IT equipment, and fixed appliances up to 400 Volts. A freezer cabinet, for example, is classed as a ‘portable appliance’ as is a photocopier or drinks cabinet.
As with
Fixed Wire Testing and Portable appliance testing is encompassed in the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) British Standard BS7671. The groupings for Testing as defined by the IET include ‘moveable’, ‘stationary’, ‘portable’, handheld’ and ‘IT’. By definition this offers a very broad spectrum of equipment that falls within these groups so Pat usually concerns large numbers of individual tests.
As a student, tenant, contractor or member of staff, you need to be aware of what to do in relation to PAT equipment you are responsible for.
PAT covers everyday items such as kettles, computer hardware and extension leads, as well as equipment used in laboratories, theatres and catering and hospitality establishments.
Do I need to do PAT testing?
PAT tests are recommended for all businesses that use portable electrical equipment. This includes office-based businesses, landlords, hotels and restaurants, healthcare settings and construction and manufacturing. Self-employed people should also carry out PAT tests on their business equipment, even in the home.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
No. The law does state that any equipment in the workplace must be maintained to ensure it is safe and does not pose any danger, but it does not specify how the equipment should be maintained, or how often, nor who should carry out any maintenance.
PAT testing is recommended by experts and professionals as the best way to meet these health and safety obligations and to protect your employees.
Why do I need a PAT test?
Poorly maintained or faulty equipment can cause electric shocks, burns or fires. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is an employer’s duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees. This includes ensuring all equipment is safe to use.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 also place a legal responsibility on employers (or ‘duty holders’) to ensure portable equipment does not pose any risk to users.
Failure to comply with either of these could result in fines and legal action.
PAT tests are a simple, cost-effective way to meet your legal obligations, protect your business and keep your employees safe.
What does PAT testing involve?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advises that PAT testing should include three steps – user checks, a formal visual inspection and the manual PAT test using a portable appliance tester.
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Definition of portable or movable appliances
A portable or movable appliance is any electrical equipment that is capable of being moved whilst either connected or disconnected from an electrical supply. In general it will have a lead (cable) and a plug, but includes fixed equipment that is connected via fused connection. It includes:
- Items that can easily be moved around, eg: vacuum cleaners, kettles, fans, mains powered laptops, temporary lighting, electrical hand tools, stage lighting
- Larger items that could be moved (but only rarely), eg: photocopiers, printers, PCs, microwaves, vending machines, electric cookers, fixed lighting and sound rigs
- Hand-held items that do not have a plug but have been wired in or are fixed, eg: such hair dryers changing room
- Mobile phone and other battery-charging equipment that is plugged into the mains but not the phones themselves / battery-operated equipment
- Extension leads, multi-way adaptors and connection leads
- Portable residual current device (RCD) is fitted to electrical equipment
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Items not considered a portable or movable appliance
- fixed 'built-in' white goods, such as fridges or freezers (these are covered under the appropriate cycle for fixed installation testing)
- charging equipment for battery operated equipment, such as mobile phones or iPads, which have a transformer or USB port as part of the plug. However, if there is a mains lead between the plug and transformer, the mains lead would be considered portable electrical equipment
- USB operated equipment, such as a mobile phone charger, or that which is powered by connection to a computer USB port, such as mobile phones used as hard drives, or small fans
- electrical equipment which is wired into the mains supply but is not designed to be moved or which is part of a fixed installation, ie the equipment remains in the place where it is installed. Examples include water boilers, wall-mounted hand dryers and fixed water dispensers. This type of equipment should be dealt with in accordance with the maintenance cycle for fixed installations
Price Match Guarantee
Our Price Includes
- Appropriate Labelling of Appliances
- Full audited report highlighting any faults found
- Certificate of Compliance.
- Replacement of Plugs (where required) FREE OF CHARGE
- Replacement of Fuses. (where required) FREE OF CHARGE
- Re-wiring of Plugs. (where required) FREE OF CHARGE
- Same Day Re-tests. FREE OF CHARGE
No HIDDEN CHARGES
We will beat any like for like quote.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Socket/switch tests start from only £8.00
- Microwave leakage inspections at £4.50 per microwave
- EICR Installation Report from £6.00 per circuit
Save Time
We are able to save you time, ultimately saving money by using the very latest compliance technology to ensure accurate and efficient testing.
Safe Guarding
Our engineers are DBS enhanced checked, extremely experienced and hold the relevant qualifications to carry out all types of compliance.
Efficient, Reliable Service
We guarantee you will receive your full comprehensive report and certificate within 5 working days.
Low Rates
Our prices are some of the lowest in the industry starting at only £0.60p per appliance
Nationwide
CSE offer commercial safety upon throughout the UK and ensure we address all of your electrical safety needs. In addition we protect you from unwanted issues with insurance companies.
Insured
As fully qualified and insured contractors, we also offer installation services and are Multi Council approved.
DBS
All our engineers are fully qualified and DBS enhanced, which ensures our service meets your health and safety requirements at affordable prices.
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