PAT is an examination of electrical appliances to ensure that they are safe to use. With many electrical appliances, visible defects are identifiable, however some electrical appliances may have internal faults which can only be identified through testing. This through testing is known as the PAT test and is carried out by someone who has the required electrical training.
What does the PAT test involve?
PAT testing includes carrying out a few tests on electrical appliances including earth continuity, lead polarity and insulation resistance checks. These are thorough checks done to make sure that electrical appliances are safe to use and help prevent any terrible accidents in the future. Each electrical appliance is put through a series of tests, before having a sticker placed on each item indicating if they have passed or failed the test. This is visibly seen by using a green sticker if an appliance has passed and a red sticker if an appliance has failed. Once the test is completed, a certificate is issued as evidence showing that the test has been carried out and has all the results displayed.
Who carries out the PAT test?
A PAT test does not need to be carried out by an electrician; however, it has to be with someone who has the required electrical knowledge and experience. The PAT tester must have the right equipment to carry out the PAT test, they should know how to use the equipment correctly and also know how to interpret the results well. The PAT tester can advice you when the next PAT test should be carried out as a guideline, but you should make the final decision based on the electrical equipment that you have.
What equipment should be PAT tested?
There are many different types of electrical appliances which fall under different electrical ‘classes’. Class 1 electrical appliances are the most dangerous and require a full PAT test, Class 2 appliances usually only need a PAT insulation test and Class 3 appliances do not need to be PAT tested at all.
Examples of different Class 1,2 and 3 appliances
Examples of Class 1 appliances:
– Photocopiers
– Floor standing printers
– Desktop computers
– Washing machines
– Fridges
– Freezers
– Dishwashers
– Toasters
– Kettles
– Laptop cables
– Mobile phone chargers
Examples of Class 2 appliances:
– Desktop printers
– Drills
– Food mixers
– Lamps
– Televisions
– DVD players
– Hairdryers
Examples of Class 3 appliances:
– Laptops
– Mobile phone chargers
– Cameras
How often should a PAT test be carried out?
The frequency of a PAT test depends on many different factors which include:
– Equipment that you use more often should be PAT tested more often
– The type of equipment, as Class 1 appliances are the most dangerous and require a full PAT test.
PAT tests are a legal obligation as it is the responsibility of the employer and landlord to maintain the safety of the working environment and homes.
If you would like to talk to us about having a PAT test done, please call us on 0207 1188 445 Or email cs@pattestingassociation.co.uk