What is portable appliance testing? Portable appliance testing also known as PAT testing is the testing of electrical appliances ensuring that they are safe to use. Portable appliance testing is important as it is to make sure that anyone that comes into contact with electrical appliances is not in any risk of danger.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement? Portable appliance testing is not a legal requirement in itself, however it is a legal obligation as a business to have your electrical appliances checked regularly. It is important that you comply with the regulations which include:
– Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
– The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
– The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999
– The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
So, portable appliance testing is the best way to ensure this legal obligation is carried out. However, the government do not specify how often you need to have PAT testing done or by whom. If you do not have regular PAT testing done, you can face hefty fines or even imprisonment as you are putting yourself and employee’s in danger.
Who carries out the Portable appliance testing? Portable appliance testing should also be carried out by a PAT testing engineer. This is because they have the required knowledge and training in order carry out the series of tests on each electrical appliance. PAT testing engineers also:
– Know what equipment to use to carry out the PAT testing
– Know how to use the equipment well to correctly PAT test each appliance
– Can help interpret the results for you at the end of the PAT test and help answer any questions that you may have.
What should be PAT tested? All electrical appliances are categorised into different classes which is an indicator of which appliances should be fully PAT tested. Class 1 electrical appliances are the most dangerous and require a full PAT test. Examples of Class 1 appliances are:
– Floor standing printers
– Fridges
– Freezers
– Industrial machinery
– Washing machines
– Desktop computers
– Irons
– Kettles
– Laptop cables
– Mobile phone chargers
Class 2 electrical appliances have extra insulation so they only need a PAT insulation test. Examples of Class 2 appliances are:
– Televisions
– Lamps
– Desktop printers
– Lawnmowers
– Food mixers
– Drills
– DVD players
– Etc.
Class 3 electrical appliances are the least dangerous and do not require portable appliance testing. However, their charging cables may need to be portable appliance tested. Examples of Class 3 appliances are:
– Laptops
– Cameras
– Mobile phone chargers
If you have any further questions about PAT Testing, please get in touch with the PAT Testing Association by calling 0207 1188 445 or dropping us an email at cs@pattestingassociation.co.uk