Electrical, Lifts and Access
Fixed Appliance Testing
While the majority of people have heard of PAT testing, FAT, or fixed appliance testing, often gets ignored. During the electrical installation condition report (EICR) process, you’d think that all fixed appliances would also be tested, but this is not the case. This can lead to potential hazards in your electrical system. As a business owner, you’re responsible for the health and safety of everyone on your premises.
At Robinsons Facilities Services, our skilled electricians can make sure that your electrical systems are safe and can even extend the lifespan of your appliances. We’re available to perform fixed appliance testing across Yorkshire and the UK.
Contact us today at 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry for a free, no-obligation quote.
Alternatively, continue reading to learn more about FAT testing and our approach.
What Is a Fixed Appliance?
Fixed appliances are considered to be anything that is hard-wired into your electrics and can’t be unplugged. This includes appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, central heating systems, hand dryers, etc. These appliances cannot be moved without the help of a registered electrician or a competent person.
On the other hand, portable appliances are things like kettles and vacuum cleaners that can be unplugged and moved around easily. PAT testing covers all of these items and is a quicker process than testing fixed appliances.
What Is Fixed Appliance Testing (FAT)?
FAT testing involves checking the safety and efficiency of all fixed appliances on your commercial premises. This testing process ensures that the appliances that are permanently connected to your electrical system are safe and in good working order.
As it’s not as simple as just unplugging the appliance, FAT testing is a more thorough process done via fused spur units. As such, it can take electricians longer to complete.
What Happens During a Fixed Appliance Test?
During a fixed appliance test, the electrician will inspect and test the electrical circuits, wiring, and equipment that is permanently connected to the electrical system. The sort of fixed systems checked may include lights, power outlets, air conditioning units, and other fixed appliances.
The process typically involves:
- Visual inspection: the electrician will perform a visual inspection to check for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or other issues that could pose a safety hazard.
- Isolation: the power to the appliance is turned off and the wires connected to the appliance are removed so it can be tested as a portable appliance.
- Specialist testing equipment: a series of tests are carried out on the fixed wiring and appliances to ensure they function correctly and safely. This can include tests to check for electrical continuity, earth resistance, insulation resistance, and polarity. Appliances are then reconnected and power restored.
- Certification: You’ll receive a fixed appliance test sheet from your electrician as proof that they have checked your appliances. Keep this certificate on record in case of any issues and to show that you’ve taken precautions to keep your employees and visitors safe.
We recommend organising a Fixed Appliance Test at the same time as your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to minimise disruption to your business.
FAT Testing Regulations
There are several workplace regulations associated with electrical systems and appliances. A fixed appliance test is one essential way to make sure that your workplace complies with these regulations and remains a safe place for employees.
The workplace regulations include
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Why Is FAT Testing Important?
FAT testing is just as important as PAT testing, if not more so in some cases. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that fixed wiring should be inspected and tested regularly by a qualified electrician or competent person.
Testing of fixed appliances can pose more of a challenge than PAT testing. This is because fixed appliances are often difficult to access without taking the appliance apart, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
However, a fixed appliance test is still important in maintaining a safe electrical system. Fixed appliances are likely to develop faults over time, as they are constantly in use. Testing can help to extend their lifespan.
How Often Should Fixed Appliance Testing Take Place?
The fixed appliance testing frequency depends on the type of business and the appliances that are being used. For example, a restaurant will need to have its ovens tested more frequently than an office with a few computers.
It’s important to consult with a qualified electrician to determine how often fixed appliances should be tested. They will be able to take into account the type of business, the number and types of appliances, and any other factors that may affect the frequency of testing.
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Fixed Appliance Testing Yorkshire: Robinsons Facilities Services
At Robinsons Facilities Services, our highly trained and certified team of electricians is on hand for both fixed appliance and portable appliance testing.
Our services include:
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Want peace of mind when it comes to your electrical system? Leave it to the professionals at Robinsons Facilities Services. Our electricians will work with you to create a bespoke PPM schedule for your business’s electrical system. We’ll take care of all necessary electrical systems checks, including PAT, FAT, and EICR so you can focus on your core business.
Reactive Only Service
Fancy a more “as and when” service? We’ve got you covered. Get in touch whenever you need us and we’ll send a certified electrician to your commercial premises. For fixed appliance tests or any other electrical checks, we offer fast and efficient response times.
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Emergency Callout
Need a fixed appliance testing specialist in an emergency? We’re there. Covering Yorkshire and the entire UK, we have teams on hand no matter where you are.
Get In Touch
For professional and reliable fixed appliance tests and other electrical services across Yorkshire and the UK, contact Robinsons Facilities Services.
Call our Yorkshire head office today at 01423 226578.
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Fixed Appliance Testing FAQs
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that appliances with fixed wiring should be inspected and tested regularly. FAT testing is the perfect solution to this, allowing you to keep a record of your tests.
Portable appliances can be moved and are connected to your plug sockets, while fixed appliances are usually wired directly to the electrics. For advice, check with a certified electrician on what test each device needs.
Firstly, there is a visual overview which checks if the electrics and cabling are safe and have not degraded. The tester will also check the earthing, the insulation, and whether the appliance functions safely and as intended.
Testing your fixed appliance usually takes around half a working day but can take longer if you have larger premises. Our customer service team can give you a more accurate estimate.
Apart from being a legal obligation, frequent testing of your electrical appliance offers a longer lifespan, reduced energy costs, and keeps visitors and employees safe from electric shocks and potential fire hazards.
A qualified electrician should carry out testing on your fixed appliances to reduce the risk of electrocution and potential fire.
Fixed appliance testing can be carried out once every 5 years. This is similar to the frequency of EICR testing, hence why we recommend doing FAT and EICR at the same time.
The cost of fixed appliance testing typically ranges from around £100 to £500 depending on the number of fixed appliances that need to be tested. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Call our Yorkshire Head Office about Fixed Appliance Testing
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