Faqs about PAT testing…
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the examination and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination, but some types of defects can only be found by testing the appliances with equipment specifically designed to detect electrical faults. These tests are designed to detect the risk of electrocution and the risk of electrical fires.
Basically…
1: Wherever an appliance is used by employees.
2: Wherever an appliance may be used by the public.
3: Wherever appliances are supplied, hired, repaired, or serviced.
“All electrical systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practical, any danger.”
“It is the duty of every employer and self-employed person to comply with the provision of these regulations.”
… The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989).
Almost anything with a plug and cable can be tested. this includes office electronics and domestic appliances. Appliances that are hard-wired (ie have no removable plug), such as storage heaters and cookers cannot be PAT tested. I can also test microwave ovens for any radiation leakage.
The cost will be broken down into – initial site visit, mileage if outside Dumfries, and a charge per item examined. This varies depending on the type of appliance being examined and tested.
A typical PAT test starts with a visual examination of the appliance – starting with the plug…
Is the plug in good condition? Does it conform to current standards? Does it have a correctly rated fuse? Is the cable in good condition – no fraying, melted points, or bare wiring showing. Does it connect securely with the appliance?
Once this is done the appliance can be plugged into the equipment used specifically to test for earth faults or insulation problems that can cause fires or electrocution.
If it passes, it gets a shiny sticker, and logged into my records – it’s safe to use.
If it’s something that I can repair on the spot – such as replacing a plug or a fuse, I’ll let you know that it needs done and say if it will cost extra. If it is a fault that I can’t repair I will fail the item and it should be removed from service immediately. You can have it repaired elsewhere, but it will need to be re-tested, usually by whoever does the repair, and records kept that it has been retested.