PAT Testing, aka Portable appliance testing is the term we use to describe a safety check carried out on electrical equipment to make sure they are safe to use. As part of this inspection we carry out a visual examination, done by a competent engineer, who will find most defects, and repair them. When we are satisfied the appliance is safe we will carry out appropriate electrical tests to check the internal wiring etc.

PAT testing should not be confused with electrical equipment testing; they are not the same. PAT or Portable Appliance Testing is only for electrical equipment fitted with a plug.

PAT testing is a formal visual inspection and electrical testing by a competent person at appropriate intervals, dependent upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used, to maintain safety standards.

Electrical Equipment Testing is often confused as the new name for PAT testing; it’s shocking how many companies have got this wrong. Electrical equipment testing hasn’t replaced PAT Testing; it’s always been there.

When we talk about electrical equipment, we are referring to all types of electrical equipment, whether fitted with a plug or not, and electrical equipment testing is the overview term for all inspection types that are used to ‘test’ these items to make sure they are safe. This includes PAT or Portable Appliance Testing; used to check appliances with plugs are safe, and FAT or Fixed Appliance Testing – FAT is carried out on appliances that are hard wired into the main wiring installation of a building.

A portable appliance is an item that can be moved and unplugged from the mains power supply. A portable appliance includes computers, power tools, hair driers, kettles, washing machines, welding sets etc.

The PAT Testing Certificate Report we issue includes everything you need to support you should you ever find yourself under investigation.

Most providers do not supply you with electrical test results – without them, the report would not be accepted in a legal dispute.

Our reports clearly show the ID number (which matches the label), the appliance description, the location of it, the test engineers name, the tests carried out and results obtained.

Our reports further include all repairs carried out – hardly any of peers provide this, but it is essential to you as a maintenance log.

If you change address you will need to get a new PAT Testing Certificate, as your current one will be invalid with the incorrect address.

You will need to arrange for a new inspection to be carried out of your equipment, in case anything has been damaged in transit too.

We issue PAT testing Certificate Reports within 5 days of the job being done for existing clients; or within 2 days of the payment being received for new clients.

If you need the certificate the same day, this can be arranged.

How often you need to get PAT testing done depends on numerous factors, including:

• Your own risk assessment – a risk assessment will help you determine what needs to be done to maintain safe equipment
• A fire prevention risk assessment – will assess what needs doing to prevent fires occurring
• The use of the electrical equipment and who uses it
• The working environment in which the electrical equipment is used
• The type of equipment
• What your insurance stipulates – insurance small print assumes you are meeting your Health and Safety obligations
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Regulations don’t state how often this needs done, or what needs doing; nor do the HSE – because they don’t want to risk being sued!

Most companies assume an annual PAT testing frequency because it is considered to be best practice.