PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT)
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electric
Why Test
What We Test
What We Test
The main reason why a PAT test is important is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses electrical equipment in a workplace or rental property. Faulty or damaged electrical appliances can cause electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. Having a PAT test done regularly can help identify any potential issues and prevent accidents from ha
The main reason why a PAT test is important is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses electrical equipment in a workplace or rental property. Faulty or damaged electrical appliances can cause electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. Having a PAT test done regularly can help identify any potential issues and prevent accidents from happening. It also ensures that the equipment is compliant with health and safety regulations and that employers and landlords are taking necessary precautions to keep their premises safe.
What We Test
What We Test
What We Test
Any piece of portable electrical equipment needs to be PAT tested. Suppose it has a flexible wire or connects to a power supply via a cable. In that case, it counts as a portable appliance.
Portable electrical equipment includes:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Kettles
- Drills
- Fans
- Heaters
- Toasters
- Microwaves
- TVs
- Printers
- Projectors
- Radios
- 110v Equipment
- 3 Ph
Any piece of portable electrical equipment needs to be PAT tested. Suppose it has a flexible wire or connects to a power supply via a cable. In that case, it counts as a portable appliance.
Portable electrical equipment includes:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Kettles
- Drills
- Fans
- Heaters
- Toasters
- Microwaves
- TVs
- Printers
- Projectors
- Radios
- 110v Equipment
- 3 Phase Equipment & Machinery
- Specialist Music & Stage Equipment (Socapex)
Larger pieces of equipment like fridges, photocopiers, vending machines and washing machines also count as portable electrical equipment.
Wireless appliances like tablets and mobile phones don’t need to be tested but their battery chargers do
Frequently Asked Questions
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. However, the Regulations do not specify what needs to be done, by whom or how frequently (i.e. they don't make inspection or testing of electrical appliances a legal requirement, nor do they make it a legal requirement to undertake this annually).
There is no legal requirement to label equipment that has been inspected or tested, nor is there a requirement to keep records of these activities. However, a record and / or labelling can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists.
The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom. For guidance on suggested frequencies of inspection and testing, see: Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment.
The person doing testing work needs to competent to do it. In many low-risk environments, a sensible (competent) member of staff can undertake visual inspections if they have enough knowledge and training. However, when undertaking combined inspection and testing, a greater level of knowledge and experience is needed, and the person will need:
- the right equipment to do the tests
- the ability to use this test equipment properly
- the ability to properly understand the test results