PAT Testing
Why PAT Test and what’s involved?
Regular PAT Testing is required to ensure your and your staff’s safety at work, as required by law.
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing which is the common term for “in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.” This is a process by which electrical appliances are routinely checked to confirm their safety for use.
PAT Testing
What does the Portable Appliance Testing involve?
Our testers inspect, test and certify all your portable appliances and provide advice as to their condition and safety.
We provide an appliance register together with a test certificate as evidence that your appliances have been inspected and tested in compliance with current regulations. In addition, each item receives a uniquely referenced label.
Typically, an inspection checks for the following:
- Damaged cables
- Damaged plugs including cracks and burn marks.
- Physical damage inspection
- Faulty wiring
- Fuse ratings
Each appliance is tested for Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance, Polarity and Earth Leakage.
PAT Testing FAQs
How will I know when my next test is due?
We hold records of all clients, together with re-test dates on our database and remind clients when re-tests are due.
I run a small business, do I need to have my portable appliances tested?
The Electricity at Work Regulations applies to all businesses from multi-nationals to sole traders. So, you still need to comply.
Are there any additional costs?
No. Minor repairs to appliances and the supply and/or fitting of materials e.g. new plugs, correctly rated fuse, rewiring plug top etc. are all included as part of our service.
How long does the PAT Testing take?
The accessibility of the appliance and its plug top will often determine the speed of the tests. Our PAT Testing Engineers work as efficiently as possible to cause minimum disruption.
Do all appliances with a plug top need to be tested regardless of their size?
The answer is yes. Large items are still considered portable appliances if the item has a plug top.
When will I receive my PAT Test Certificate?
PAT Test Certificates along with the appliance register are emailed following payment of invoice.
How can I make payment?
Our invoices include a link to pay by card or bank transfer.
Are detachable power leads and extension leads considered separate appliances?
IEC leads (kettle leads), detachable power leads and extension leads should be treated as separate items as they are in many cases interchangeable. It is more common for the fault to lie in these leads as they incur the most wear and tear.
In what format will I receive my PAT Test Certificate?
All PAT Test Certificates are emailed in a pdf format. Hard copies are available upon request.
How disruptive will the PAT Testing be to our business?
Our PAT Testing Engineers cause minimal disruption to most working environments. Testing occurs one item at a time which results in very little down time for equipment and staff.
Do items need to be turned off and unplugged to be tested?
To properly test equipment appliances need to be unplugged in order for the plug top to be opened and inspected. In some cases, a visual inspection will be carried out if equipment is deemed to be particularly sensitive, e.g. server cabinets.
What areas do you cover?
We are happy to travel anywhere in Gloucestershire but a small extra fuel charge may occur. The main towns in our service are Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. However, we often travel to Cirencester, Stroud, Bishops Cleeve, Ross on Wye, Stonehouse and many more places.