PAT testing is an important part of property safety and maintenance and should be an integral part of your workplace health and safety policy. PAT testing is when an electrical item is assessed using PAT testing equipment to ensure it is safe to use with the sole aim to create a safe workplace. Once assessed, the item will be given a pass or a fail. Once an electrical appliance has been tested, you will receive a PAT test certificate to prove that your organisation has taken the necessary steps to provide a safe working environment for employees.
PAT testing is not a legal requirement for business owners but the law states that all electrical appliances must be properly maintained to uphold maximum safety for employees.
Yes, anyone can carry out a PAT test if they are a competent individual. This means that the individual in question has a basic understanding of potential electrical hazards and has adequate knowledge of the PAT testing process including visual inspections. You do not have to be a qualified electrician to do a PAT test. A qualification in PAT testing is not a legal requirement. In order to become a certified PAT tester, you can take a PAT testing exam which you can pass by completing multiple choice questions.
A course will provide you with basic electrical knowledge in the form of a course syllabus which will prepare you for the exam. While there is no official expiry date on a PAT test certificate, it is recommended that you should re-test Class 1 electrical equipment every 48 months and Class 2 electrical appliances every 24 months.
A PAT testing course is designed to teach you the key principals when it comes to electrical testing. It covers how to carry out visual tests and provides you with the knowledge of not just the practical but the theoretical and legal aspects of PAT testing.
If an electrical item is new, it should present no danger and therefore does not require a PAT test. However, it is still wise to assess the electrical item visually to ensure it is not damaged in any way. This way you can be sure it is safe to use. Yes, a PAT test should always be performed on a second hand electrical item to ensure it is safe to use in a working environment.
A PAT test is the minimum safety check for an item of this kind. Yes, washing machines are an electrical item that plugs into a power source so it is essential that it is fully PAT tested. An appliance of this kind comes with a Class 1 symbol and as a result, it will need a full PAT test. Yes, all v equipment should undergo PAT testing. Phone chargers need to be PAT tested because they fall under the legal requirements of all portable electrical appliances needing to be safe for office, business and workshop use so that the user of the phone charge is not at risk of electrocution, electric shock or any other hazard.
The law states that electrical appliances should be safe at all times and not able to injure, electrocute or shock the user, it is up to the individual landlord to decide what period of time can pass whilst the electrical appliances remain safe, but most landlords and property management companies PAT test once a year. How long does it take to PAT test an item? A microwave needs PAT testing as it is a Class 1 device with an earth connection in the mains plug and has a metal casing with exposed metal parts.
Laptops need PAT testing because the laptop power supply is a Class 2 device with a plastic earth pin in the mains plug and a double insulated power supply, the laptop itself is a Class 3 device that only needs a visual inspection to make sure that there are no cracks or damage where exposed electrical parts are accessible.
A Class 1 appliance is an electrical appliance with an earth connection in the mains plug and a metal case or exposed metal parts, Class 1 appliances include computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers, shredders, fridges, freezers, grills, microwave ovens, power tools and workshop equipment with a mains plug that plugs into a wall socket.
A fridge needs PAT testing as legally an employer or landlord must keep all portable electrical appliances safe to use at all times, and a fridge has a plug which plugs into an electrical wall socket and although large is classified as a portable electrical appliance.
A computer monitor is a Class 1 appliance as it has an earthed IEC lead that plugs into a mains socket and the case of the monitor is either metal or has exposed metal parts, monitors with a separate power supply like Apple monitors are Class 2 devices. Fill out our request for a quote form to receive a quote from our business so you can be assured that your business and premises will be kept safe with us. First Name. Email Address required.
Although PAT testing itself is not a legal obligation, businesses do have to keep electrical equipment in good working order and keep their employees safe, by law.
Therefore, many businesses use PAT testing to fulfil British safety regulations. PAT testing usually takes about 1 hour to complete. In that time, an engineer will usually perform around 30 tests. To ensure everything runs smoothly, make sure appliances and equipment are easy for the engineer to access and that no walkways are obstructed. All portable appliances need to be PAT tested, which is anything that can be plugged into the wall.
This can include toasters, computers, kettles, photocopiers, vending machines, cable extensions and power cords. Very profesional, after original date and time set, received a phone call to confirm, which we liked. Engineer turned up on time on the right date.
Engineer left everything as he found it and kept me informed if any of our items failed. Excellent service from the tester as always. Very clear and concise with issues found. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
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