Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
What does a PAT test consist of?
What is classed as a portable appliance?
Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?
How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?
Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?
How much will my PAT testing cost?
How long will the testing take?
Will the testing be disruptive?
Any other questions
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company's or individual's responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.
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What does a PAT test consist of?
We start with a visual inspection checking for:
* Damaged flexes
* Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)
* Correctly wired plugs
* Correctly rated fuse
Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include
* Earth continuity testing
* Insulation resistance
* Polarity test
* Earth leakage test
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What is classed as a portable appliance?
A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains.
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Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?
The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use. See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989. With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use.
In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.
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How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?
This will be dependant on your company's risk assessment and maintenance schedule. If your company does not have these documents for PAT testing we can help with this.
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Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?
Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.
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How much will my PAT testing cost?
This will depend on how many items need testing. See our pricing guide.
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How long will the testing take?
We can do between 6 and 10 electrical tests per hour, this is dependant on access and availability of the items.
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Will the testing be disruptive?
During Portable appliance Testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them.
We can work outside of business hours or at weekends if this helps.
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If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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