Portable Appliance Testing, PAT for short - also now known as In Service Testing, Is a safety check on electrical appliances ensuring that they are in a safe working order and to prevent electrical hazards such as electric shock or fires.
Back to top1) What tests do we carry out?
Testing involves:
- Visual inspection of equipment and cables for obvious signs of damage.
- Electrical testing using our test instrument to check for:
- Earth continuity
- Insulation resistance
- Lead polarity
- Functional checks when required.
2) Why is PAT Testing Important?
PAT Testing is important for a number of reasons, these include:
- Prevent electrical accidents and fires.
- Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other UK regulations like:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
3) Who Needs PAT Testing?
Any business, organisation or landlord that provides or allows the use of portable electrical equipment.
Back to top4) How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?
There's no legal frequency, but common practice depends on:
- Type of equipment (e.g., computers vs. power tools)
- Environment (e.g., dry office vs. wet workshop)
- Risk assessment results
5) Typical guidelines:
- Office equipment: Every 2–4 years
- Kitchen appliances: Every 12 Months
- High-risk tools (e.g., construction): Every 3–6 months
6) What do we provide you with after testing?
We will email you with an electronic report containing all the relevant details of items tested and results obtained for your records to keep on file.
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