PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Walthamstow, E17

What is PAT Testing?

A PAT test is a routine inspection on some types of electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to be used. It serves to prevent workplace electrical accidents.

A complete PAT test should include both visual inspections and more detailed testing using specialist equipment. This test covers earth continuity, lead-polarity, as well as insulation resistance checks. Every appliance should be marked “passed” or “failed” at the end of a PAT testing. At that point, you will receive a detailed report on the tests we performed.

 Do I need my appliances tested?

There is currently no legal requirement for PAT testing. The Government however has put regulations into place that pertain to the maintenance of electrical appliances and the most effective way to ensure that these regulations are met is through PAT testing.

The UK Health and Safety Executive along with insurance companies will expect you to perform PAT testing to ensure that you are compliant with certain regulations including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
• The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999

Not complying with the above-mentioned regulations can result in fines of up to PS5,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Fines can reach as high as PS20,000, and Crown Court offenses can result in sentences exceeding 2 years imprisonment. Even though PAT testing is not required by law, it can help you protect yourself by ensuring you comply with these regulations.

Claims that PAT testing is required by law and that the client is breaking the law by not having it done are simply not true. Employers, whether self-employed or not, must ensure that all electrical equipment used in their business is safe and properly maintained. This means that PAT testing should be part of any solution to safety concerns.

PAT testing is the best way to detect defects that may arise from use. Electrical equipment faults can pose a danger, especially if they are not easily repaired. Even though PAT testing itself is not required by law, the consequences of electrical faults should be considered carefully.

Local PAT Testers