What is PAT Testing?

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is a safety inspection and testing process to ensure that electrical appliances are safe to use. At Event PAT Testing, we test your appliances thoroughly to help you meet legal requirements and maintain workplace safety.

It is recommended for any business, landlord, or organisation using electrical appliances which have a duty to ensure their equipment is safe for use. Event PAT Testing helps businesses across Essex and the surrounding areas comply with safety regulations efficiently and affordable

Even though PAT Testing is not a legal requirement it is recommended as one of the best and easiest ways to comply with the electrical regulations set by the HSE. 

What does PAT testing involve?

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advises that PAT testing should include three steps this includes user checks, a formal visual inspection and the manual PAT test using a portable appliance tester.

Step 1 - User checks

All users of electrical equipment should have some basic training in how to use the equipment safely, as well as what danger signs to be aware of, as part of their induction. Users should feel confident in visually checking the equipment regularly for obvious signs of damage, as well as potential risks, such as cables trapped under desks or water hazards.

Visit the HSE’s website for further advice on user checks

Step 2 - A formal visual inspection

Prior to the manual PAT test, a formal visual inspection of the equipment should be carried out. According to the HSE, this process usually flags up around 90% of problems and it can be carried out by a competent member of staff with the relevant training, or a professional.

It is essential that the equipment is turned off and unplugged before beginning the visual inspection. The checklist should include:

1)The plug
-Look for any signs of damage, including cracks, burns or bent pins, and check that the wiring is correct. The live, neutral and earth conductors should all be connected to their relevant terminals tightly.

2)The cable
-Check the cable visually and physically for any damage, including fraying, cuts or abrasions. Any exposed wiring is an immediate fail.

3)The appliance
-Check for any obvious damage, including cracks, burns, corrosion and casing wear and tear

4)The mains socket
-Although this is not part of a PAT test, it should be included in the visual inspection. The mains testing of sockets is done during a fixed wire test.
-Look for cracks, signs of over-heating and any loose fittings and check the shutter mechanism

5)RCD (Residual Current Device) checks
-RCDs are fitted with a test button and will trip if the current flowing through the live conductor is different to that in the neutral
-The inspection should look for signs of damage, check the operating current and test the ‘test’ button to ensure it’s in working order

6)Environmental check
-Check for trip hazards from cables, overloaded extension leads, water risks and fire hazards.

View HSE’s guide to Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment for further details and official guidance on how to conduct user checks and formal visual inspections.

Step 3 – Manual examination with a portable appliance tester (the PAT test)

The PAT tester will carry out a visual inspection, as well as a manual electrical examination using a portable appliance tester device

This will test the appliance for earth continuity, lead polarity and insultation resistance, amongst other things, and will show if it has passed or failed the PAT test. The appliance will then receive a pass or fail sticker and the results will be recorded by PAT tester and sent to the customer for future reference as a full register of all tests completed along with any repair work we have carried out.

Failed appliances must not be used and should be removed immediately, either to be repaired or replaced. If the item is repaired, it must pass another PAT test before it is safe to use again and we offer the retest free of charge if the repairs are carried out by us.

We always offer basic repairs on site where possible or the possibility of replacing the item at an agreed charge. We also include free fuse replacement to the correct fuse or if any are faulty and for a small cost can change plugs that are damaged or faulty that will cause them to fail the test, we carry a small supply of these with us at all times to limit any disruptions.

When should PAT Testing be completed?

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment being used and the environment it’s used in. We can help determine the right schedule based on your needs following the latest guidance available, for most companies its recommended to be completed every 12 months as a general rule to ensure ongoing safety however, this could be longer or shorter depending on many different factors.