What is PAT Testing?
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) refers to the inspection and testing of electrical appliances, or equipment, to certify that they are safe for use. Whilst the majority of safety issues can be detected through a visual inspection, certain problems cannot and will only be detected through testing. As a result, a brief visual inspection is not considered thorough enough when undertaking PAT testing.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
Whilst there is currently no specific legal requirement concerning PAT testing, The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) does state that any electrical appliance/equipment used in the workplace, that could possibly cause injury, must be well-maintained and kept in a safe condition. It is understood that the most reliable and trusted way of ensuring electrical appliance safety is through PAT testing.
Will I receive any documentation?
Upon completion of the PAT testing the client will receive a report detailing the following:
• A comprehensive inventory, specifying each appliance/equipment tested.
• Test results for each appliance/equipment – each marked with an explicit ‘pass’ or ‘fail.’
• A comprehensive list of any failed objects, with a detailed explanation behind their failure.
• The inspector’s signature and the future PAT testing due date.
Can I implement PAT testing myself?
We understand there are plenty of PAT home-testing kits being offered on the market, and that this might be an appealing decision to save time and monetary costs by testing electrical appliances yourself (in-house). We would strongly advise against this. Whilst a capable and semi-knowledgeable member of staff might be able to complete the visual inspection to some degree, should they have received suitable training. The combined inspection and testing procedure should only be implemented by a specialist with an increased degree of electrical knowledge and experience.
Why should I use PAT testing?
Many businesses carry out PAT testing as part of their commitment to employee or customer safety. Additionally, insurance companies are increasingly aware of the benefits of having this testing performed and we are ideally placed to help. For cost-effective PAT testing contact us for a quote.
Why use Nu-Tech Electrical?
We are a team of fully qualified electricians, with an abundance of industry knowledge and experience. On top of that, we carry out minor repairs within our quoted costs so there are no surprises or hidden charges. With PAT testing from £0.99 plus VAT per appliance, we pride ourselves on offering great value for money and exceptional service.