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PAT Testing

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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. 

At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of certified electricians can implement a routine testing schedule for your Yorkshire business. We’ll visit your premises and conduct the necessary tests to sign off your electrical equipment as safe to use. 

So, whether you’re installing new equipment or need your current equipment tested, contact our Yorkshire head office at 01423 226578 or send an enquiry for all your PAT test needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you’d like to know more about the PAT test process, continue reading for a full breakdown.

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 which is sufficient for some others. Our trained PAT testers can advise you on what your specific appliances need.

Why Is PAT Testing Important?

PAT tests are important because they help to ensure the safety of all electrical equipment and appliances on your commercial premises. PAT tests can help to identify potential hazards before they become an issue and ensure that electrical equipment is in proper working order. It is also just one of the ways to make your building more efficient

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?

PAT tests are not a legal requirement, but they are recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE recommends that all businesses should have their electrical equipment PAT tested regularly. 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. 

Learn more about our additional services for Fixed Appliance Testing → 

How Often Is PAT Testing Needed?

The frequency of PAT tests varies depending on the type of appliance. For example, appliances that are rarely moved, such as photocopiers, only require checking every 1-2 years. On the other hand, kitchen appliances, like the kettle used in the staff kitchen, should be tested every 6 months to a year.  The frequency of PAT tests may need to be increased if there are signs of wear and tear or if the equipment is used frequently.

What Are the Benefits of PAT Testing?

Conducting frequent PAT tests offers several 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 tests can increase the longevity of your equipment too. In addition, it is important to note that Class 1 equipment (kettles, microwaves, irons, washing machines, etc.) requires more frequent testing due to their heavy use.

PAT tests 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 tests 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.

Get In Touch

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we offer PAT testing services across the entire Yorkshire area. For a full list of our services, select your area from the list below:

If you would like more information on PAT tests or our other electrical services for your Yorkshire-based business, feel free to contact us today.

PAT Testing FAQs

Lots of items can be classified as portable appliances within a commercial building or workplace. These include PCs, printers, scanners, kitchen equipment like microwaves and kettles, plus industry-specific equipment. If it plugs into your power supply, it will probably need 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.

Once our team of qualified electricians have tested and signed off on your electrical appliances, they’ll issue you with a PAT Test Certificate. This proves that a PAT test has been carried out by a certified electrician.

Electrical equipment that is not properly maintained can lead to electric shocks, fires, and other serious accidents. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to guarantee the safety of your employees and the public through frequent PAT testing.

The average cost of PAT testing is around £1.50 per item. For bulk PAT tests of your entire commercial premises, it’s also possible to pay an hourly rate. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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