Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing)

By: OMNI Electrics Ltd  03/01/2012
Keywords: Health and Safety, Electrical Services, Electrical Testing

The only way to be certain that appliances are safe is to have them tested by a qualified person using the correct Portable Appliance Testing Equipment (PAT Testing). For comprehensive information on this subject look here: www.pat-testing.info/ To satisfy this requirement, the inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment (Portable Appliance Testing) was introduced to enable businesses to comply with these regulations. When is an inspection needed? The relevant requirement of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is that equipment shall be maintained so as to prevent danger. They offer no fixed rules for the frequency of the testing and inspection of portable appliances as this depends on the type of appliance, its location and its use. However, most businesses have adopted annual testing and this is the generally accepted interval. Who should undertake an inspection? Pat testing, portable appliance inspections are technical so should be carried out by a properly equipped and competent person. What happens during an inspection? Typically, the following sequence of tests will then be carried out on each piece of equipment (Asset): Visual Inspection for wear and tear/damage Confirmation of correct fuse A series of tests with specialist equipment (as illustrated here) Documentation of the results and neccesary repairs etc Issue of a PAT Certificate and date of retest What should be inspected? Any type of electrical equipment or tools used in the workplace, for example:- Office Equipment - Computers, Copiers, Fax Machines, Printers plus Mains Leads, Extension Leads and Lamps. Audio & Video - PA Systems, Video Equipment, TV’s & DVD’s, Kitchen Appliances - Kettles, Coffee Makers. Fridges, Toasters, Microwaves, PAT TESTING £25 for up to 10 items, £50 for up to 25 items, discuss with us if you have more.

Keywords: Appliance Testing, Electrical Pat Test, Electrical Safety Test, Electrical Services, Electrical Testing, Electrical Testing And Inspection, Health and Safety, Landlord Safety, Pat Testing, Somerset

---