PAT Testing for Businesses

No matter what industry you work in, the chances are you have at least one electrical appliance on your business premises. But are those appliances safe to work with?

New data reveals that 4,634 business fires occurred over the last three years because of faulty electrics. Comprehensive PAT testing ensures that your electrical appliances are safe to use.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors have more than 15 years of experience in testing electronic appliances. Schedule your next PAT test for your electrics and give yourself peace of mind by contacting our team today.

What is PAT testing?

Every year, 350,000 people are seriously injured from electrical accidents. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the way to ensure that the electrical appliances you work with are safe.

PAT testing can be completed with both visual and more comprehensive testing. Get into the habit of conducting regular visual tests in accordance with PAT requirements, looking for things like:

·  Damage to the lead/plugs

·  Visible wires

·  Broken parts

·  Appliance storage

·  Cable storage

However, while you can carry out a basic visual test, PAT testing requires a professional to conduct further tests because many defects cannot be seen just by looking at an appliance.

·  Visual Inspections – A complete visual inspection to check for any problems, including exposed wires, switch functionality and correct fuse fittings.

·  Manual Inspections – Formal PAT tests, including the load, earth continuity, bond and insulation tests using a specialised device.

We provide full testing for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 devices. Additionally, we can provide tailored advice for bringing your electrical appliances into compliance and establish a regular testing schedule.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement for businesses?

All businesses are legally required to ensure that electrical equipment is properly maintained and safe to use. However, health and safety regulations don’t state how you should test or how often you should test.

PAT testing itself isn’t a legal requirement, but it is considered the most effective way to make your electrical appliances safe. Failure to test can leave your business vulnerable to health and safety assessments, thus bringing you into non-compliance with general health and safety at work regulations.

How often should PAT testing be done in business?

 All PAT testing schedules are recommendations based on best practices formulated by professional electricians and safety experts. Legally, there is no particular schedule you must stick to.

Generally, we recommend that Class 1 equipment, such as general IT equipment, be PAT tested once every 12 months.

The construction industry is one of the big exceptions to general PAT testing schedules due to the more dangerous nature of the business. All electrical appliances used in construction should be PAT tested every three months. Likewise, industrial sites, which include commercial kitchens, should see their appliances tested every six months.

Who can test portable appliances?

Any “competent” person is authorised to carry out PAT testing. The only requirement is they understand electronics and know how to use a PAT testing device.

However, we strongly recommend enlisting a qualified professional to conduct the test. Here are the benefits of using a professional PAT testing company like Wells Electrical Contractors to carry out PAT testing:

·  A strong understanding of what the test results mean.

·  Knowledge of simple and complex testing devices.

·  Understanding how to remedy failed tests.

Beyond these benefits, you save time and money by not taking staff away from your core business functions.

PAT Test Certificates

PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement, meaning there are no official testing certificates to revert back to. However, PAT testers still issue them because they are helpful for insurance and inventorying purposes. Additionally, if issued by a competent operator, they provide evidence to help you pass internal and external health and safety inspections.

What happens if your appliances don’t pass a PAT test?

Actions after a failed PAT test depend on the cause of the failure. You may be able to repair a device and conduct a second PAT test. Alternatively, your appliance may need to be replaced if it’s irreparable or it’s come to the end of its recommended lifespan.

Determine the correct course of action by speaking to an experienced electrical contractor and heed their professional advice. Again, this is the value of hiring a professional PAT testing service over attempting to perform the work yourself.

Wells Electrical is a team of electrical contractors with over 15 years of experience conducting electrical appliance testing for some of the biggest names in the UK, including Smyths Toys. To learn more about scheduling your next PAT test, contact us today.