PAT (Portable Appliances Testing) is the process by which the
owner tests all of his portable electrical devices to ensure they are safe for
use. A PAT testing machine is used to perform the test and is best performed by
a qualified electrical engineer.
A Portable Appliances Testing certificate is the document issued to
owners after successful testing of household appliances. It is proof that the
company regularly carries out safety checks on all its devices and that it
complies with regulations. The portable device test certificate testifies that
the company maintains its equipment properly and takes appropriate security
measures. The certificate shows you the devices that passed the tests and the
devices that failed. Click here for Portable Appliances Testing
PAT Testing Cost.
The following FAQs will clear any doubts about PAT testing:
Q. Is PAT a legal requirement?
In accordance with the Workplace Electricity Regulations,
1989, all potentially hazardous electrical equipment must be properly
maintained to ensure safe use. However, there is no legal obligation to test household
appliances regularly. Tests should be performed based on the frequency of use
of the device and the purpose for which it is used. Equipment, such as a
commonly used and frequently moving vacuum cleaner, should be tested regularly
in conjunction with visual checks to see if they are working properly and not
potentially harmful.
Q. Do I need to perform a PAT test on my devices regularly?
The test frequency depends on the equipment used and the
working environment. Tools such as those used continuously in construction
projects require more frequent testing.
Q. Should test records be kept and are the devices being
tested labeled?
Legally, a business owner is not required to keep test
records or label devices that have been tested. But for a landlord, keeping
records or labels can be helpful in analyzing whether or not the equipment is
properly maintained.
Q. What information should be included in a portable device
test certificate?
The test certificate for portable devices must certainly
contain the following information:
Details of each device indicating whether or not they passed
the test.
Details of the location where the tests were performed.
Scheduled data for testing new devices.
Details of the person or company that performed the test.
Q. If I have new devices, should they be tested?
All new devices delivered to customers must be safe for use.
Portable device testing for new devices is not necessary, but a simple visual
check is sufficient to ensure that the equipment is safe.
Q. Who can test portable devices?
In low-risk environments, a person with the necessary skill
and knowledge can perform a visual inspection of household appliances. However,
in high-risk situations involving potentially dangerous tools and requiring
high-quality testing, a qualified electrical engineer must perform the test.
Such a competent person must have the best equipment to perform the inspection
and the ability to use such equipment properly. You must also be able to
understand the test results correctly. A qualified person will be able to take
the test in less time.
P. Supply of portable rental equipment. What are my
responsibilities and what is the responsibility of the person I provide?
Whenever you supply equipment, make sure it is safe by
properly testing and inspecting it. The person you hire has the responsibility
to maintain the device properly during the period of use.
Q. What are the costs of PAT testing for homeowners?
The cost of PAT testing for homeowners depends on the type
and number of devices under test. If multiple kits need to be tested, costs are
lower. Each company may have a different pricing system. While some companies
charge less than £ 1 per device to test a certain number of devices, some
companies may charge more per device if they provide additional services in
addition to testing such as wiring, parts replacement, etc.All business owners and homeowners should test all their
equipment on portable devices.