We offer domestic and commercial PAT testing to the self-employed, homes, landlords and businesses throughout Somerset and the Southwest.
At Two40 Electrical, our PAT testing work is carried out at a time that suits you and delivered to an agreed deadline, with minimal disruption to your home or business wherever possible. All work is quoted upfront, allowing you to budget effectively.
What is PAT testing?
Portable Appliance Testing or commonly known as PAT, PAT Inspection or PAT testing, is a routine inspection carried out on portable electrical appliances. The test checks the appliances are safe to use. It is important PAT testing is performed to prevent future accidents happening.
What is a Portable Appliance?
Portable applicances are those that are ‘moveable’. PAT testing is not carried out on appliances that are permanent fixtures or not easily moved. Examples of portable appliances are; irons, toasters, heaters, kettles, microwaves, hoovers, computers, table lamps, dvd players, radios, printers, etc.
Do i need my appliances tested by law?
If you are a home owner, no, it is not required by law. If you are self-employed, a business or landlord, yes, it is required by law. You must ensure your portable applicances are PAT tested to check they are safe to use. You must be able to prove to your insurance company that your portable appliances are up to correct health and safety acts as follows:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
How often should my appliances be PAT tested?
The Health and Safety Executive do not specify how often appliances are required to be PAT tested. They do state that appliances should be regularly tested. The reason they do not state how often, is due to the different situations and conditions that may arise. Here are a few tips to work out how often your equipment should be tested:
Appliances that are used more often, should be tested more frequently
- Is your equipment subject to being damaged more often and does this get reported frequently?
- How dangerous is the environment in which your equipment is subject to?
What to expect during PAT testing
Every appliance will be inspected by a qualified electrician for visual defects and tested using specialist PAT testing equiment to pick up any faults. Once each appliance has been tested, it will be labelled as ‘passed’ or ‘failed’ and will also include the date it was tested.