PAT Testing Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed some of the most frequently asked PAT Test questions along with answers below. We hope that this will be of use to you, however, if there is a specific concern regarding PAT Testing not addressed here then please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. You will find our contact details on the CONTACT US page.
Q: What is the current legislation on PAT Testing?
A: There are four main sets of legislation that are applicable to the inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment:
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
The Electricity At Work Regulations (EAWR) 1989
The Provision & Use Of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999
We can see that the combination of these laws apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work. The laws apply to both employers and employees. Employees should make sure that they are using electrical equipment safely and in the manner that they were intended for. They should also perform visual checks on equipment and report faults to their employers. Employers should ensure that the equipment in their workplace is safe for all to use.
The most convenient and cost effective way to comply with this is to have the electrical equipment PAT Tested. PAT Testing will ensure that appliances are safe for the use that they were intended and a PAT Test Register along with a PAT Test Certificate of results will prove compliance.
Q: Why do I need my portable appliances testing?
A: The most important reasons for carrying out Portable Appliance Testing are:
- To comply with the Electricity At Work Regulations
- Risk of fire and injury due to faulty electrical equipment is minimised
- Insurance companies cannot dispute claims for damage through fire because of insufficient electrical maintenance
- The ISO 9000 Quality Assurance Standard requires all companies to comply with the Health and Safety requirements, portable appliance testing as provided by Safety-PAT, is required to comply with this standard.
Q: What appliances require testing?
A: Basically all electrical equipment connected to a source of electrical energy via a power flex. This includes 415v, 230v and 115v electrical appliances, for example your phone charger, the office kettle, a drill hairdryer, PC, fridge, extension leads. Additionally, if the power cable supplying the appliance can be detached, this must pass a separate test. Any of these items could cause an electric shock to the user, or be a fire risk to your business.
Q: What is portable appliance testing?
A: PAT testing is a sequence of specific tests carried out on any portable equipment which plugs into mains electricity. This consists of a visual inspection and electrical tests designed to ensure the appliance is electrically safe to use and cannot present an electrical hazard to the operator or anyone in the vicinity.
Q: How often should visual examination and electrical testing be undertaken?
A: The frequency that the visual examination and electrical tests are carried out depends on a number of factors. The criteria that may influence the decision includes (a) The intended use (b) The surroundings (c) The equipment design (d) The operators.
The Institute of Electrical Engineers "code of practice" publication has set out suggested initial frequencies of inspection and testing of electrical equipment but these are only guidelines, and must be interpreted with due regard for your own business.
Q: What is the testing procedure?
A: The testing consists of two separate activities; A formal visual inspection to check for damage and poor electrical standards and a series of electrical tests using specialist equipment to check for less obvious electrical faults.
Q: Can PAT Testing damage computers and other electronics?
A: Our test instruments have been designed to perform tests on sensitive equipment without causing damage.
Q: What about our servers and critical systems ?
A: In some environments where it is not possible to turn equipment on the off, such as computer suites and comms rooms, it may only be appropriate for a visual inspection to be carried out. If this is the case, then every effort must be made to carry out a combined inspection and test at the next available times. This would normally be during a scheduled shutdown for maintenance purposes.
Q: How accurate are your testing procedures?A: We test using only the very latest cutting edge equipment. Our PAT test machine of choice is the Seaward Supernova Elite. Regular calibration by an independent organisation ensures the machines accuracy. Calibration certificates will be produced on request.
Q: How long will the testing take?
A: Unfortunately there is no definite time scale, each site is different and depends on the availability, ease of access and how many items we repair along the way. As a guide we average 15-20 items per hour.
Q: Does testing disrupt the workplace?
A: We will do our very best not to get in the way when performing the PAT Tests. However, we may need to ask your staff to come off of computers or equipment for a few minutes to perform the tests. We can arrange your PAT Testing appointment out of your normal business hours if required.
Q: Who tests the equipment?
A: Your equipment will be tested on site by a Home Counties Electrical Safety engineer who is trained in all aspects of PAT testing and fully qualified to City & Guilds 2377, the recognised industry standard for PAT testing.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes we have £5 million of public liability insurance cover and £1 million professional indemnity insurance cover.
Q: What if I don't test?
A: You could be unwittingly putting yourself and your employees in danger. You could also be breaking the law. You could be in breach of your insurance terms and conditions and you could be liable for a heavy fine from the Health and Safety Executive.
Q: What should I do now?
A: Ensure your business complies with the regulations. Arrange for your electrical appliances to be regularly inspected and tested by Home Counties Electrical Safety.
