PAT Testing
All our engineers are trained to City & Guilds 2377 and all our work is carried out in accordance with the IEE (IET) Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 3rd Edition, the PAT testing industry standard.
We have years of experience in working for and with Facilities Companies as well as large multi-sited clients and many single shop and industrial units.
Our engineers will take the time to explain any faults or issues found at the time of testing and upon completion you will receive a full report, suitable for any auditor, on all items tested with an explanation of all faults found.
What Is A Portable Appliance?
A portable appliance is any item of electrical equipment that is connected to the mains power supply via a plug and socket.
Why Do I Need To Have It Tested?
There are a number of reasons why you should have your appliances tested regularly. The most important are:
- To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by faulty electrical equipment
- To satisfy your Insurance Broker
- To comply with The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
- To comply with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Does the law say I have to PAT test?
PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement. There is no law that says you must carry out PAT testing, nor is there a legal requirement to test every appliance annually. What the law does require is that electrical equipment is maintained so that it is safe and does not present a danger. This comes primarily from the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, particularly Regulation 4(2), which requires electrical systems to be maintained to prevent danger.
The HSE specifically states that:
- PAT testing is not compulsory.
- There is no legal requirement for annual testing.
- There is no legal requirement to keep PAT labels on equipment.
- There is no legal requirement to keep PAT records, although records are often useful evidence of compliance.
PAT Testing FAQs
Here are the answers to some common questions on PAT testing. If you have a question that is not covered, there is more information available on the HSE website here.
What Is PAT Testing And Why Is It Necessary?
PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, involves the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. In the UK, PAT testing helps prevent electrical accidents and supports compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Although there is no specific legal obligation to carry out PAT testing, maintaining a safe working environment is required by law, and regular testing helps fulfil this duty.
How Often Should PAT Testing Be Conducted?
The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. For example:
- Office equipment, such as computers, may require testing every 2-4 years.
- High-risk environments, such as construction sites, may require more frequent testing, such as every 3-6 months.
The Health and Safety Executive does not specify exact frequencies, so a risk assessment should determine the appropriate intervals.
Who Is Qualified To Carry Out PAT Testing?
PAT testing should be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills, knowledge and training to perform the tests. This does not necessarily have to be a certified electrician, but the individual must understand the testing process, the equipment being tested and how to interpret the results.
What Types Of Equipment Need PAT Testing?
PAT testing is generally required for electrical appliances with a plug that are intended to be connected to the mains supply. This includes:
- Portable devices, such as laptops and kettles
- Stationary equipment, such as refrigerators and printers
- Hand-held devices, such as drills and hairdryers
- IT equipment, such as monitors and servers
Items that are hard-wired, meaning directly connected to the mains without a plug, typically do not require PAT testing.
What Happens If An Appliance Fails A PAT Test?
If an appliance fails a PAT test, it should be immediately removed from service to prevent any risk of electrical shock or fire. The failure could be due to a damaged cable, exposed wiring, a faulty plug or another issue. The appliance should either be repaired by a qualified professional or disposed of if it cannot be safely fixed.