PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.

Visual examination is also an essential part of the inspection process, as some types of electrical safety defect cannot be detected by testing alone.

Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination; however, some types of defect can only be found through testing. Health and Safety Services expert technicians operate across Britain, conforming to BS EN ISO 9001, delivering expert service to British, European and global standards.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require any electrical equipment with potential to cause injury to be maintained in a safe condition.

A relatively brief user check (based upon simple training and perhaps assisted by the use of a brief checklist) can be a very useful part of any electrical maintenance regime.

However, more formal visual inspection and testing by a competent person may also be required at appropriate intervals, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.

The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and its operating environment.

For example, a power tool used on a construction site must be examined more frequently than a hairdryer in a hotel bedroom.

Health and Safety Services conduct portable appliance testing in every kind of commercial and industrial premises.

A record and / or labelling can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists.

When undertaking combined inspection and testing, an appropriate level of knowledge and experience is essential. Health and Safety Services technicians guarantee the following:

• Appropriate, fully calibrated equipment is always used to conduct the tests.
• The test equipment is operated correctly, on each individual appliance.
• Accurate interpretation of the test results, with a full report issued.

Appliances Tested by Health and Safety Services

Portable and movable equipment

PAT Test UK technicians accurately test the safety of all portable and movable electrical equipment and appliances.

A portable or movable electric appliance
Electrical equipment that can be easily moved around
Larger items that could be moved
Hand-held, hard-wired items

Hand-held, hard-wired items, such as hairdryers, that do not have a plug but have been wired in (hard-wired / fixed). Such items are still treated as portable appliances for testing purposes.

Earthed equipment

For safety reasons, Class I equipment has an earth connection. If there is a fault within the equipment there is a possibility that the outside of the equipment could cause an electric shock if the earth connection is not there. As a result, it is recommended that Class I equipment has a portable appliance test to ensure the earth connection is sound.

Double insulated equipment Class II equipment is sometimes referred to as ‘double insulated’ equipment. This means that there is extra insulation within the construction of the equipment to prevent accidental contact with live parts, even if there is a fault. Class II equipment does not need an earth connection to maintain safety. It will not need a portable appliance test, although you should ensure that user checks and visual inspections are carried out as the integrity of the equipment casing is a key safety feature.

Cable repairs

The majority of items which fail a visual PAT testing inspection are due to damaged cable and flex. Heavily used items such as vacuums and 110v site equipment can all be damaged through general wear and tear. Replacement of cable/flex can be undertaken by Fused UK.

Free reminder renewal service

We automatically contact you when your PAT testing is due for renewal to arrange retesting, and to ensure that your test certificate never expires.

Class II equipment is always clearly marked as such. If you cannot see the item is indicated as a Class II, you should assume that the item is a Class I appliance and carry out a portable appliance test.

Prices

Our quotation is based on the number of tests required. We aim to beat any genuine like for like quotation, we pride ourselves on providing a simple cost-effective solution to your PAT testing requirements.

There will be no hidden charges. Contact us on +359 (0)878295225 or +359 (0)878295225 for a quote today.