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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is conducted to verify the electrical safety of appliances and equipment. While it’s not a legal obligation, it’s commonly adopted by employers, business owners, and landlords as a standard procedure. This is because they are legally bound to maintain a safe environment for their employees, customers, or tenants, respectively.
What does PAT testing involve?
The test comprises a visual examination and an in-depth check of all electrical appliances that are hardwired or can be plugged into a socket. Thus, the term ‘portable’ doesn’t necessarily refer to small electrical appliances. PAT testing is applicable to electrical devices of all sizes. Electricians utilise specialised testing tools to assess insulation resistance, lead polarity, and earth continuity, among other things.
It’s important to note that those responsible for the electrical safety of a given environment have varying obligations regarding the frequency of visual inspections and PAT tests. There are low-, medium-, and high-risk environments, determined by the frequency of appliance use, the probability of wear and tear, and who uses the appliances or equipment. For instance, a construction site is a high-risk environment where electrical tools and equipment should be inspected more frequently.
How is your portable appliance testing service performed?
A certified electrician will arrive at your rental property or business premises on the scheduled day and conduct the PAT test with precision and meticulous attention to detail. The service encompasses the following steps:
• The expert will commence with a visual examination of each electrical appliance for signs of wear and tear, and any other defects. Additionally, they will verify that the device has been installed correctly.
• The electrician will also ascertain if there are any issues with voltage, current, and frequency.
• Furthermore, the visual inspection includes checking for any ventilation issues in the room.
• Subsequently, all plug sockets will be thoroughly inspected for defective fuses and loose connections.
• Hardwired electrical devices will also undergo a visual inspection.
• Next, the electrician will carry out a series of electrical tests on each piece of electrical equipment or appliance. These tests will identify any damage to the insulation, faults with earth continuity, and lead-polarity issues.
• After testing the appliance, the expert will affix a label in a visible location indicating their “verdict” – Passed or Failed. The label will also include details such as the test date, the date when the appliance needs to be retested, and an appliance ID number.
• Ultimately, you’ll receive a PAT certificate containing all the test-related recordings conducted by the electrician.
Legal requirements for landlords in relation to PAT
Rental properties, especially fully furnished ones, naturally come with electrical appliances that need to be safe for use. Therefore, landlords should ensure that all electrical devices are in proper working condition and all electrical outlets in the property are fault-free. While PAT testing is not a legal requirement for landlords, it is a standard practice adopted by property owners who lease their premises.
As a landlord, you should engage an electrical PAT tester to inspect all the appliances before a new tenant moves in. Long-term tenants should also be reassured that the property is electrically safe with the aid of a PAT test. It’s best to check small appliances every 2 years and larger ones, like cookers and fridges, every 4 years.
So, schedule your PAT testing service with us in Luton, Stevenage, St. Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Northampton and prevent a potential fire hazard due to an electrical fault with one of your appliances.
Which appliances and equipment should undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
Which appliances and equipment should undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
There are various categories of electrical devices designated for PAT testing:
Class 1 – Earthed Appliances:
Examples include washing machines, free-standing printers, desktop IT equipment, vending machines, industrial machinery, fridges, freezers, toasters, dishwashers, microwaves, kettles, irons, electric heaters, laptop cables, and extension leads. These are grounded appliances and should undergo comprehensive PAT testing.
Class 2 – Double Insulated Appliances:
Devices such as hedge trimmers, desktop printers, lawnmowers, food mixers, lamps, TV sets, DVD players, hair dryers, and drills fall into this category. These appliances require a reduced PAT test, focusing mainly on insulation, as they lack grounding but have additional insulation for protection.
Class 3 – Low Voltage Devices:
This category includes laptops, mobile phone chargers, cameras, LED light bulbs, and torches. Since these appliances operate at low voltage (under 50 V), PAT testing is not applicable to them.
How frequently should PAT testing be conducted?
The frequency of PAT testing is determined by various factors, including:
In low-risk environments such as offices and shops, most Class 1 appliances can be tested every 4 years. Small portable equipment, cables, and extension leads should undergo testing every 2 years, while handheld devices are typically tested annually.
For medium-risk settings like workshops, restaurant kitchens, and industrial spaces, PAT testing should occur every 6 months. Additionally, handheld devices, movable and portable appliances, as well as cables, should be visually inspected on a monthly basis.
In higher-risk environments such as construction sites or public venues, where electrical equipment is heavily used, PAT testing should be carried out more frequently. For Class 1 stationary, portable, movable, and handheld devices, testing should occur every 3 or 6 months, depending on the risk level of the environment.
Why choose our services for PAT testing your electrical equipment?
– Certified Electricians:
Our PAT testing service is carried out by certified and qualified electricians with extensive experience.
They utilize modern and reliable electrical testing tools to diagnose any faults in your appliances promptly.
– Diverse Customer Base:
We cater to various types of customers, including:
– Landlords
– Business Owners and Employers
– Public Services Entities
Regardless of the type of property you own or manage, we’re here to assist you in checking the safety of your electrical appliances.
– Comprehensive Electrical Solutions:
Our services extend beyond PAT testing. We offer a range of electrical solutions, including:
Electrical Installation, Repair, and Maintenance
Diagnostics and Reporting
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) Services
Flexible Booking:
We operate 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
Easily schedule a PAT tester to visit your address at a time that suits you by using our convenient online booking system.
Feel free to reach out if you need assistance with any electrical needs, whether it’s installing garden lighting, fixing a faulty oven, or obtaining an electrical safety certificate! 🌟🔌
What will I receive?
After the completion of the portable appliance inspection and testing, you can expect to receive a comprehensive report that includes the following essential details:
Inventory Information:
An inventory listing each appliance type, along with its name, location, and description.
Test Results:
A complete set of test results for each appliance that was tested. This will provide insights into the safety and functionality of each item.
Failed Items:
A detailed list of any appliances that did not pass the inspection. The report will include an explanation of why these items failed.
Pass or Fail Labels:
Each appliance will be labeled with a visible pass or fail indication. This label will include the inspection date, the next test due date, and the inspector’s signature.
If you’re not familiar with the technical aspects, the contractor or competent person who conducted the inspection and testing should be more than willing to discuss the report with you and provide guidance on any necessary follow-up actions. Feel free to seek their advice if needed! 🛠️🔌
PAT Testing for Landlords
As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure the safety and proper maintenance of all electrical equipment within your property throughout the entire tenancy. This responsibility extends to light fixtures, plugs, and internal wiring.
Here are some key points to consider:
Electrical Installations:
An electrical installation encompasses all fixed electrical equipment supplied through your property’s electricity meter.
Just like other features of your property, electrical installations deteriorate over time and experience wear and tear. Therefore, proper maintenance is crucial.
Consequences of Neglect:
Failure to maintain electrical safety can result in prosecution.
It may also invalidate most landlord insurance policies.
Prioritizing safety benefits both your tenants and your business.
Regular Electrical Safety Certification:
To ensure compliance and safety, regular electrical safety certification is essential.
Starting from July 2020, all properties require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before a new tenancy begins.
By fulfilling these requirements, you contribute to a safer living environment for your tenants and protect your investment as a landlord. 🏠🔌
PAT Testing for Schools & Colleges
In educational institutions like schools and colleges, there are numerous appliances that serve various purposes. Each type of appliance has different testing requirements in terms of frequency. For instance, office equipment may not need an annual test, and we collaborate with you to minimize costs by avoiding unnecessary over-testing.
Our team of skilled engineers is committed to ensuring a smooth process for you. We offer flexibility by conducting tests during half-term breaks, evenings, and weekends, all at no extra cost. Our priority is to minimize disruption to your daily operations.
Rest assured that our engineers have undergone rigorous health and safety checks and are all DBS checked. If you’re ready to take the next step, you can get a quote online and book your PAT testing service today! 🏫🔌
PAT Testing for Offices & Businesses
Our expertise lies in PAT testing for offices across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, and in key locations such as Luton, Stevenage, St. Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, and Northampton. Our trained engineers efficiently conduct PAT testing for your office or business premises, ensuring minimal disruption to your staff.
Whether your business has 10 items or 10,000, we guarantee that it’s business as usual while we prioritize the safety of your staff and customers. Our commitment extends to maintaining and upholding safety standards at your premises.
Business Safety Solutions PAT Testing offers flexibility by scheduling tests during evenings and weekends, all at no extra cost, ensuring zero disruption to your operations.
Rest assured, we are the office PAT testing experts, swiftly ensuring that your office remains compliant and safe for everyone. 🏢🔌