Pat Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company's or individual's responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.

What does a PAT test consist of?
We start with a visual inspection checking for:

Damaged flexes

Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)

Correctly wired plugs

Correctly rated fuse

Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include

Earth continuity testing

Insulation resistance

Polarity test

Earth leakage test

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test 240 volt wet weather equipment.

Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?

The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use (See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989).

With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use.

In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?

This will be dependant on your company's risk assessment and maintenance schedule but the recommended period is at least annually.

Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?

Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary.

An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.

How much will my PAT testing cost?

This will depend on how many items need testing. See our costings below.

If you have a cheaper quote from another company give us a call and we may be able to beat it.

How long will the testing take?

We can do between 10 and 25 electrical tests per hour, this is dependant on access and availability of the items.

Will the testing be disruptive?

During Portable appliance Testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them.

We can work outside of business hours or at weekends if this helps.

Prices

Between 0 - 50 Items £1.75 per item (minimum charge £50.00 plus vat)

Between 51 - 150 Items £1.60 per item

Between 151 - 300 Items £1.50 per item

Between 301 - 1000 Items £1.40 per item

All prices are subject to VAT

Price Includes

Visual inspection

All required PAT tests

Pass / Fail labels

Replacing incorrect fuses

Rewiring 13 amp plug if required

Replacing 13 amp plug if required

Re testing item if required

Provision of test results / certificate

If we can be of further assistance in this or any other matter, please don't hesitate to contact us..