- What is PAT testing? Portable appliances testing or PAT Testing is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a series of visual inspections and electronic tests.
- What is the purpose of PAT Testing? The main purpose of PAT Testing is to prevent electrical hazards, such as electrical shocks, burns or fires, by identifying and addressing potential faults or defects in electrical appliances. It helps maintain a safe environment for individuals and ensures the integrity of electrical equipment.
- What is Portable electrical equipment? This is any item of electrical equipment that can be carried or moved around manually, whether it’s connected or disconnected from an electrical supply. Portable appliances generally have a lead (cable) and a plug.
- How dangerous can faulty portable electrical equipment be? The electrical risks posed by portable appliances are electric shock, electrical and thermal burns, electrical fires or explosions. Everyday household appliances caused 15,000 accidental fires in homes in England between April 2019 and March 2020, according to research by ElectricalDirect. On the top of that, nearly 3000 non-domestic fires are caused by faulty appliances and leads.
- As a business owner Am I legally required to make a PAT Testing? The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. For more information, please visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable-appliance-testing.htm
- Do I need Pat Testing for my private rented property? The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations. GOV.UK “recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply you with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice”. You can find more information at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities
- What checks should a landlord do? Any items that you have provided yourself to the household prior to any tenants moving in needs to be tested. You don’t need to worry about anything your tenants have brought to the property themselves. This could include, but is NOT limited to:
Fridge, Washing Machine, TV, Toaster, Oven / Oven Hood, Microwave, Extension Leads, Lamps/Other Lighting, Dishwasher. - I work during the day. Do I have to take a day off to have an appointment for PAT testing? The short answer is NO! We welcome everyone’s commitment with understanding and respect. Because of this, we are flexible and a technician can visit you in the evening or on a weekend. This will not affect the cost of the visit!
- The business I run is very busy during the day. Is there an option to book PAT testing in the evenings or on weekends? The answer is YES! Understanding and respecting the needs of the business, we can arrange a time that is convenient for you so that the normal workflow of your company is not affected. We do this with no hidden fees!