You may have heard of Electrical PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing). But what exactly is PAT testing and why is it important? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
What is Electrical PAT testing?
PAT testing is the examination of portable electrical equipment/devices to assess whether or not they are safe for use in the working environment. It’s not a legal requirement to have your appliances tested, however, it is common for landlords to have their tenants’ appliances tested (especially in shared accommodation such as student housing or large blocks of flats). PAT testing is most commonly carried out in places of work such as offices, hotels, restaurants, healthcare settings and construction. It’s a good idea to carry out PAT testing on business equipment in your home if you’re self-employed or work from home.
Why is PAT testing important?
PAT testing is not a legal requirement, however, it is recommended by experts as a way of meeting health and safety requirements. It also ensures that all equipment is safe for use, protecting you and your employees, as well as the business as a whole.
Poorly maintained electrical equipment can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Faulty appliances can lead to electric shocks, burns, or even fires. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees while at work. Safe electric equipment is part of this welfare. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 also enforces a legal responsibility for all employers to ensure that no electrical equipment poses a threat to employees. If, as an employer (or ‘duty holder’) you fail to comply with these standards, it could result in legal action.
PAT testing is an inexpensive, cost-effective solution to keep you and your employees safe.
What does Electrical PAT testing involve?
Generally, PAT testing involves three steps: user checks, a visual inspection and the manual PAT test using a portable appliance tester. Let’s take a look at each of these steps.
User checks
All users should be trained on how to use the equipment safely. This includes understanding the risks associated with the equipment and how to look out for signs of danger. Every individual should be able to visually check the appliance for any signs of damage and understand whether or not it is safe for use. They should also be able to highlight potential hazards such as trapped cables or water hazards.
Visual inspection
A formal visual inspection should be carried out by a competent member of staff (trained in this area) or a professional (i.e. an electrical engineer). The HSE says that this process normally flags up 90% of issues with electrical equipment. The equipment should be switched off and unplugged before carrying out this stage of the inspection. Here is a checklist to use if you’re the person responsible for carrying out this step:
- Check the plug for any signs of damage. This includes cracks, burns, or bent pins. When checking the wiring, you should ensure that the live, neutral and earth wires are all tightly connected to their relevant terminals.
- Check the cable for any signs of damage. This could be cuts or fraying, it’s worth noting that any exposed wiring is a fail.
- Check the appliance itself for damages. Again, this includes cracks, burns, corrosion or other signs of wear and tear.
- Check the mains socket for damages. This doesn’t relate to the appliance itself, but it’s worth checking for cracks, signs of overheating and any loose fittings on the plug socket.
- Residual current device (RCD) checks. The RCD’s test button will trip if the current flowing through the live conductor is different to that in the neutral.
- Check the surrounding environment for hazards. These hazards could include overloaded extension leads, water risks or fire hazards.
Manual examination
Once the visual inspection is complete, it’s time for the manual examination. This should only be carried out by a trained professional. This is the stage of the Electrical PAT Testing where the portable appliance tester device is introduced. This device will test the appliance for earth continuity, lead polarity and insulation resistance.
From this point, the safety of the device can be determined. The appliance will receive a pass or fail sticker, with the results being recorded by the duty holder. Failed appliances should not be used, and should be removed for disposal or repair. Once repaired, it must pass an additional PAT test to be deemed safe for use.
Who can carry out a PAT test?
Electrical PAT testing can be carried out by any competent person with the relevant training and equipment. This will likely be a qualified electrician. Interested in learning how to perform PAT testing and other electrical procedures? You might want to consider completing an electrical course.
Get in touch with The Trades College to learn more about becoming an electrical engineer, or read more about our courses on our website!
