Electrical, Lifts & Access
PAT Testing
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) involves the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Our team of engineers at Robinsons Facilities Services can implement a routine testing schedule for your business.
If you are buying and installing new electrical equipment and appliances in your business, we can visit your premises anywhere in Yorkshire and conduct the necessary tests to sign off your electrical equipment as safe to use.
What is PAT Testing?
You have probably seen PAT test stickers on electrical appliances around your building, but what do they mean?
PAT testing is the process of testing electrical equipment to ensure it is safe for use. The PAT test involves a series of visual and electrical tests that check for signs of damage, wear and tear, or other potential safety hazards.
The devices go through tests to check the earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance. While some appliances need to have a full PAT test, there is also a reduced PAT insulation test, sufficient for some others. Our trained PAT testers can advise you on what your appliances need.
Why is PAT Testing Important?
PAT testing is important because it helps to ensure that electrical equipment and appliances are safe to use. PAT testing can help to identify potential safety hazards and ensure that electrical equipment is in good working order. It is also just one of the ways to make your building more efficient.
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
PAT testing is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE recommends that all businesses should have their electrical equipment PAT tested on a regular basis. It may also be a condition of insurance on commercial premises.
Our team issues PAT test certificates which serve as proof that your appliances have been professionally checked. It is also easy to get fixed appliances checked.
How Often is PAT Testing Needed?
PAT Testing should be conducted on a regular basis, varying depending on the type of appliance. Some only require checking every 48 months while some require much more frequent tests. The frequency of PAT testing may need to be increased if there are signs of wear and tear or if the equipment is used frequently.
Benefits of PAT Testing
PAT testing offers a number of benefits for businesses, including:
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Identifying potential safety hazards.
- Reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
- Protecting against electrical fires.
PAT testing can increase the longevity of your equipment too. In addition, it is important to note that Class 1 equipment (such as kettles, microwaves, irons, washing machines, etc.) require more frequent testing due to their heavy use.
PAT testing can help to ensure that your business is compliant with health and safety regulations, so while it isn’t a legal obligation in all scenarios, it is certainly strongly advised.
How Long Does PAT Testing Take?
There is really no simple answer. PAT testing can take a few hours or a number of days, depending on the number of appliances that need to be tested. Our team of electricians will work quickly and efficiently to get the job done with minimal disruption to your business.
If you would like more information on PAT testing or our other electrical services for your Yorkshire-based business, feel free to contact us today.
At Robinsons Facilities Services, we cover the Yorkshire area offering PAT testing services. Contact us if you live in:
PAT Testing FAQs
Lots of items can be classified as portable appliances within a commercial building or workplace. PCs, printers, scanners, kitchen equipment like microwaves and kettles, plus industry-specific equipment. If it plugs into your power supply, it will probably need PAT testing.
It is best to get trained PAT testers to carry out these tests. Many of the UK’s electricians are trained in this area and can competently provide you with certificates and proof of testing.
Most testers can carry out a test on a single item in a few minutes. Of course, the time that they are working on your premises depends on how many items you need tested.
Item’s don’t “fail” as such, but it may be that an item is quarantined and it is recommended that you do not use it until it has been repaired or replaced.
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