What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?

What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test? It depends on the circumstances. In most cases we will be able to repair the appliance, test it and record it as a pass.

For example; PAT testing is a safety inspection carried out to confirm whether there is a need for danger preventing maintenance to be carried out, so it is important that you see when an appliance has become so dangerous that it fails an initial inspection by the engineer.

If the appliance fails the initial inspection, the engineer will assess if they are capable of repairing it. If they are, then that is what they will do. In most cases the repairs are carried out free of charge. Such repairs include:

  • Rewiring the plug
  • Replacing missing or damaged parts of the plug
  • Replacing fuses that are incorrect
  • Replacing plugs that are damaged beyond repair
  • Repairing damaged cable, by cutting the cable back to a safe location and reattaching the plug

All these repairs will be done automatically by the engineer.

If the cable is beyond repair and needs replacing, or if the plug that needs replacing is over 13a (e.g. a 110v 16amp plug) then the engineer will advise of what needs to be done. We may quote to do the repair for you, either at the time or for another date. In this situation if the appliance can’t be repaired whilst the engineer is there, it will be marked as a fail until it can be repaired.

If the repair is beyond scope of our engineer he will advise you of what action to take. In this situation the appliance will be marked as a fail. If you do get it repaired you will need to make sure it is tested and the report updated, before the appliance goes back into service.

Don’t be overly concerned about failures; finding dangerous appliances is what PAT is for. The importance is we have found the fault and can now make it safe.

red do not use Failed PAT test label

Remember when we do your PAT testing we carry out these remedial (minor) repairs free of charge; we also provide replacement 13a plug and fuses free of additional charges – most PAT companies have small print showing extortionate prices to supply a new plug, we don’t charge a penny to supply the plug or fuse.

These are all examples of dangerous appliances found

melted hair dryer showing the importance of hair salon pat testing - overuse of equipment with heating elements can lead to electrical accidents
white sealed plug for electric heater that has overheated - this was PAT Tested by us just a few days before, and was fine then
4 gang socket extension lead, melted
Image showing the damage caused to a plug when it overheated
Plug showing a sleeved earth pin, being used on a computer that requires the earth protection
Broken fan heater plug needs free repairs
Dirty and rusty microwave found in an HMO whilst doing the electrical inspections for the Landlord, in Newcastle upon Tyne
Broken light switch for heat lamps in a restaurant inside a hotel in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Inside of a melted plug, found by DRA PAT testing
burnt plug
burnt fuse
melted fuse holder
earth wire missing
damaged socket by burnt plug
faulty wiring on a 110v transformer
Faulty plug showing home made fuse, found during a formal visual inspection

DRA PAT Testing specialise in the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, and cover the North East of England. When you need your electrical equipment checking, get in touch with us to arrange an appointment for us to do your PAT testing.

Don’t worry about what happens if an appliance fails the PAT test, just get it tested and remove the danger.

Red PAT Testing Fail Label

Contact us today…

We will respond as soon as possible, to help you. If you prefer you can call our office on 01916661009 or 07778416850