What is PAT and Why is it required?

by Adrian Barnett Joule Electrical Ltd

PAT or Portable Appliance Testing is the process of examination of the electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they are safe to run. The formal term used for this process is in-service inspection and testing of the electrical appliances. Most of the safety defects in electrical appliances can be found by examining it visually. Visual examination is an important part of the testing as many safety defects are not detected only by testing.

The law requires employers to ensure proper maintenance of the equipment in order to prevent any kind of risk. However, the law does not state how often and how it needs to be done.

The frequency of the inspection depends largely on the type of equipment, the environment in which it is used and how often is the equipment used.

Why the PAT is required?

PAT Inspection and testing Wigan is required to ensure that the manufacturer or employer is concerned about the safety of its employees and not just the legal system alone. The owner or the employer of a business has the liability to ensure that the equipment and appliances that the employees and workers use are completely safe. Getting the PAT inspection regularly is the best way to ensure the safety of the equipment.

Electricity is a serious hazard in the workplace, exposing the workers to the risk of shocks, burns, explosions, and fire. The causes of such hazardous equipment are:

· Working with unsafe equipment

· A workplace with an unsafe environment

· Unsafe performance

A PAT testing Wigan will ensure the safe working of the electrical appliances to ensure the safety of the employees and workers.

What needs to be Tested?

Portable appliances including all the equipment that are not a part of the fixed installation need to be tested for legislation purposes.All the appliances that uses plug or flexible cable are considered to be portable equipment and requires PAT inspection. The equipment like monitors, PC, photocopiers, printers, electric drills, vending machines, and kettles are a few examples of portable appliances. Cordless power equipment does not require PAT testing but the battery chargers would be required to be tested as it will have plugs and cable.