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What is PAT Testing ?

The purpose of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is to examine electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.​

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Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing.​

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Visual inspection and testing by a competent person is desirable at appropriate intervals, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used

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​Combined Inspection and Testing requires a piece of test equipment which is calibrated annually.

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This equipment would be used to perform the following tests, as appropriate to the appliance being tested.

 

Typically, this could include the following:​

  • Earth Bond/Continuity Tests

  • Insulation Resistance Test

  • Earth Leakage Test

  • Polarity Test

  • RCD Trip Test

What is a Portable Appliance?

A Portable Appliance is...

  • Any appliance that is hand held or can be moved whilst connected to a 110V or 240V electricity supply via a lead and plug

  • An electrical appliance that is 18 kg or less in mass and powered between 50 and 415 volts, including:

    • Appliances that are intended to be moved whilst in operation or can be easily moved such as kettles, toasters, electric heaters, electric fans, microwaves, vacuum cleaners

    • Portable appliances that are held in the hand during operation such as electric drills, or hair-dryers

    • IT equipment such as PC monitors, laptops, printers, telephones, mobile phone chargers

    • Extension leads and power supply leads

  • Any electrical appliances owned by employees who use them at work

 

There are some appliances that are more than 18 kg in mass which are also classed as portable appliances. These include static appliances such as fridges, freezers, photocopiers, fax machines, vending machines, dish washers​

 

As a rule of thumb, we should consider a Portable Appliance as anything with a Plug

Where is PAT Testing Required?

It is a legal requirement that all electrical portable appliances are maintained in a good safe working order in any of the environments below

  • Offices

  • Hotels and Guest Houses

  • Schools and Public buildings

  • Construction sites

  • Restaurants

  • Rented Properties

  • Shops

Why is PAT Testing Required?

​It has been estimated that about 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve the use of electrical equipment.

The majority of these accidents result in electric shock, but many others result in burns from arcing or fire.

For example, almost 2000 fires in one year were caused by faulty leads to equipment.

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If you are a Landlord, Facility/Building Manager, or Company Director, you should know your legal responsibilities as laid down by one or more of the following:​

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  •       Housing Act 2004 (England and Wales) / Housing Act 2006 (Scotland)

  •       Supply of Goods and Services Act (1982)

  •       Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

  •       Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

  •       Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

  •       Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)​

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