PAT Testing Frequently Asked Questions

What is PAT Testing short for?

PAT Testing is short for Portable Appliance Testing. Like Liquid Crystal Display has become known as LCD display (duplicating the "D"), Portable Appliance Testing has become known as PAT Testing (duplicating the "T").

Why is PAT Testing needed?

UK Health and Safety legislation places a responsibility on organisations (and in some cases, individuals) to ensure that electrical equipment within their premises, or electrical equipment provided by them for use by their employees, customers, visitors or patients is safe to use.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (formerly known as the Institution of Electrical Engineers or IEE) has compiledthe Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (more commonly known as PAT Testing). This code of practice provides the recognised methods of ensuringthat electrical equipment is fit for continued service or whether maintenance or replacement of it is necessary.

Is PAT Testing compulsory?

PAT Testing itself is not compulsory, however, ensuring that your electrical appliances are safe is compulsory and the recognised way of doing this is through In-service Inspection and Testing (more commonly known as PAT Testing).
PAT Testing is a statutoryrequirement and many insurance companies require the insured to comply with all current regulations. This includes the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which state that "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger" (Regulation 4(2)). "Electrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy." (Regulation 2(1)).
The responsibility on the employer to ensure work equipment is safe is also covered by The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This states that "Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided." (Regulation 4(1)). This includes all work equipment (fixed, portable or transportable) connected to a source of electrical energy."
Failure to comply with Electrical Regulations can lead to a maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment. For breaches under the general duties of the Health Safety at Work Act 1974, penalties of up to £20,000 were introduced in 1992 and offences heard on indictment in the Crown Court attract unlimited financial penalties and up to two years imprisonment.
More details surrounding PAT testing regulations and UK legislation can be found at the bottom of this page.

Who has responsibilities when it comes to electrical equipment in my organisation?

Within an organisation, the following people all have responsibilities for electrical equipment :-

• Users of electrical equipment (who must carry out user checks prior to using the equipment)
• Administrators with responsibility for electrical maintenance (typically people with no technical knowledge)
• The competent person that carries out the formal visual inspections and the actual PAT Testing
• Other duty-holders such as company owners, directors, managers and building services managers.

So, by PAT Testing every year, will I fully comply with the Code of Practice?

No! Many Electricians and PAT Testing organisations will gladly turn up at your site once a year and take payment for performing the role of "The Competence Person" by carrying out the formal visual inspections and conducting the actual PAT Testing procedures. This fulfils only part of your responsibilities!

At Orange Island, we are pleased to offer our clients training and information on how to fulfil the rest of their responsibilities as users, administrators, company owners, directors, managers and building managers. When you book your PAT Testing with us, we will gladly take the time to show you what you need to do to fulfil all of the responsibilities for each of the roles above. In addition, we will leave you with a hard or soft copy of the training material that we use so that you can refer to this whenever you need to in the future.

What is included in our PAT Testing Service?

Many people believe that PAT Testing is simply the act of plugging the appliance into a PAT Tester, running a few tests and printing a Passed or Fail label. This is totally incorrect! The actual act of PAT testing appliances using a test meter is only part of what should be done by the competent person when theycome to your site to perform" PAT Testing". The majority of the time spent on site is conducting the formal visual inspections.

If PAT Testing is done properly, this is what you should expect the competent person to dofor each appliance:-

Formal Inspection

• Disconnect the equipment by switching off and unplugging it
• Make sure that the plug is not loose in the socket, that it can be removed from the socket without difficulty, that there areno cracks or damage, no sign of over-heating and that the flex is secure in its anchorage. The pins of the plug should be straight and ideally sleeved. There should be no cardboard label on the bottom of the plug and it should not rattle.
• The top of the plug should be removed and the connections should be inspected. Each screw terminal should be tight and the rating of the fuse should be checked.
• The cable should be inspected to ensure that it is in good condition with no cuts, fraying or damage, that it is not in a location where it could be damaged, that it is of the correct length and that there are no taped joints. It should also not be run under carpet, be bent too tightly or be in a position where it presents a trip hazard
• The socket should securely fixed in place and it should be checked for damage, signs of over-heating and the switch should be checked for correct operation
• The appliance itself should be checked for damage to the casing , that it is able to be used safely, that it switches on and off correctly and that it works properly. It should also be checked to ensure that there is sufficient space around it to allow ventilation and cooling, that there is no sign of overheating and that it is positioned somewhere that liquids will not easily be spilt into it
• The equipment should be suitable for the environment in which it is being used (eg. an indoor appliance is not being used outdoors) and that it is suitable for the work it is required to carry out (a light duty domestic appliance is not being used in a heavy duty commercial environment), that there is no indiscriminate use of extensions leads and multi-way adaptors and that the equipment is not normally left on overnight.
• Make sure that the voltage, frequency and current requirements of the appliance are acceptable for the supply
• Consider whether the equipment being inspected is suitable for the environment it is being used in and for the nature of workbeing undertaken
• Determine that, where needed, there is a means for switching the appliance off during normal use, for routine maintenance andin the event of an emergency
• Seek permission from the responsible person to switch off the appliance in question (all equipment will need to be powered down in order to carry out the testing)
• Check the operation of any safety switches or devices such as those fitted on the base of halogen heaters to ensure that theyturn off if they fall over
• Speak to the regular user and ask them if there are any problems or intermittent faults with the appliance that they are aware of

Testing

Once all of the above has been done, the testing can begin and this should include as a minimum:-

• Obtain a copy of the previous test results and compare these with the current results in order to identify any deterioration
• Use of a PAT Tester to conduct an earth continuity test (where the appliance is of Class1 and should be earthed) to ensure that the earth is functioning correctly
• Use of a PAT Tester to conduct a polarity check to ensure that the appliance is correctly wired
• Use of a PAT Tester to conduct an insulation resistance test to ensure that the insulation within the flex and the appliance is intact and is not breaking down
• Carry out a functional check where the appliance is briefly powered up and checked to ensure it is working correctly
• Writing out or printing and affixing a label to certify that the appliance has passed all of the tests and is safe to use at that moment in time.
• Compilation of an Equipment Register, a Combined Inspection and Test Record, a Repair Register and a Faulty Equipment Register

As you can see, actual "PAT Testing" is only a very small part of what your "PAT testing operative" or "competent person" should do when on your site!! If they are complying with the code of practice, they should be performing all of the above activities.

What happens if an appliance fails a visual inspection or one of the tests?

Sometimes an appliance can fail an inspection due to a relatively minor problem. Typically these are faulty or damaged mainsplugs, damaged or incorrectly rated fuses, loose or incorrect connections in the plug, faulty cable grips or a damaged flex. Rather than take an appliance out of service, Orange Island will always endeavour to rectify this problem during the test and return the item to service, safely repaired.
Occasionally, appliances may have to be withdrawn from service due to them being unsuitable (therefore unsafe) for the environment or the job they are being used for, uneconomical or impossible to repair or they may require specialist repair by the manufacturer or a service outlet. Where this is the case and the appliance is deemed unsafe, it will fail the inspection and test and will be removed from service immediately and labelled accordingly.

Who should I get to do my PAT Testing?

Anyone can buy a PAT tester and offer "PAT Testing Services".
The Code of Practice states that the person performing the inspections and conducting the testing must posses sufficient technical knowledge or experience to be capable of ensuring that injury is prevented. It also states that electrical testing should be performed by a person who is competent in the safe useof the test equipment and who knows how to interpret the results obtained. This person should be capable of inspecting the equipment and , where necessary, dismantling it to check the cable connections.

We recommend that PAT Testing is conducted by a qualified electrician or a specialist PAT Testing organisation with trained and qualified PAT Testing operatives such as ourselves. All of our operatives hold City and Guilds 2377 Level 3 Certificates in Competent Management of Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Level 3 Certificates in the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. These are the nationally recognised qualifications for Portable Appliance Testing and the management of it.
Whilst our operatives do not have as broad an electrical knowledge as an electrician, they have specialist knowledge in the field of Portable Appliance Testing and are qualified and competent to perform it. As they are doing it every day, they know all of the problems likely to be experienced and they know how to conduct the testing quickly and safely with minimum disruption to your business.

PAT Testing Prices -how much is it likely to cost?

As our operatives are not electricians, we do not have to charge electricians rates. Many electricians charge a minimum fee plus between £2.50 and £4.00 per appliance, plus VAT. Our rates are typically much less than this (with no VAT to pay). Actual pricing depends on the number of items you have to testand where you are located. If you would like a firm price for your PAT testing, please call us now or submit a request through our enquiry form.
How long is it likely to take?
We can do between 10 and 20 appliances per hour, dependant on access and availability of the items.

What types of appliances need testing?

Basically, any type of equipment, which is powered by electrical energy. The Code of Practice states that the following types of appliances should be inspected and tested as described above:-

Portable Appliances

An appliance of less than 18 kg in mass that is intended to be moved while in operation or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another, e.g. kettle, toaster, food mixer, vacuum cleaner, fan heater.

Movable Equipment

Equipment which is either 18 kg or less in mass and not fixed, e.g. an electric fire, small welder etc. or equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use, e.g. air conditioning unit.

Hand-held Appliances

Portable equipment intended to be held in the hand during normal use, e.g. hair dryer, drill, soldering iron, hedge cutter.

Stationary Equipment or Appliances

Equipment with a mass exceeding 18 kg and not provided with a carrying handle, e.g. refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher.

Fixed Equipment or Appliances

This is equipment or an appliance which is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specified location, e.g. bathroom heater, heated towel rail.

Appliances or Equipment for Building in

Equipment intended to be installed in a prepared recess such as a cupboard or similar. In general, equipment for building-in does not have an enclosure on all sides e.g. a built-in electric cooker.

Information Technology and Business Equipment

Information technology equipment includes electrical business equipment such as computers, telecommunications equipment, and other equipment for general business use, such as franking machines, VDUs, data terminal equipment, telephones, printers, photo-copiers, power packs.

Extension Leads

The use of extension leads should be avoided where possible. If used, they should be inspected and tested like any other portable appliance. If they are to be used outside or if a particularly long extension lead is to be used, it should be protected by a 30 mA RCD manufactured to BS 7071.

How often does PAT testing need to be carried out?

Frequency of testing depends on a number of factors including:-

• the environment in which it is being used (it can vary from every 3 months for certain equipment used on construction sites to 48 months for some appliances used in hotels).
• who is using it (if users report damage as and when it becomes evident, hazards will be avoided, conversely, if equipment is likely to suffer unreported abuse, more frequent inspection and testing is required).
• the equipment construction (a Class I appliance is not as insulated as a Class II appliance and therefore represents a greater risk and generally requires more frequent testing).
• the type of equipment (is the equipment Stationary, IT equipment, Movable, Portable or Hand Held -Hand held obviously presents the biggest risk to the user and therefore generally attracts more frequent testing than Stationary equipment would).

The frequencies we recommend are based on the guidelines laid down within the Code of Practice and our own personal experience.

If you want to know how often your equipment should be inspected and tested, please call us or submit an enquiry using our enquiry form.

What Portable Appliance Testing equipment is used?

Orange Island utilise the latest, top of the range Portable Appliance Testers from Seaward, complete with belt-mounted bluetooth printers and bluetooth barcode readers. These testers generate a unique appliance ID number and log the construction class of the appliance, the fuse rating, the description of the appliance and whether or not the appliance passed the visual inspection and appropriate tests. Once the inspection and testing is complete, the tester will generate the appropriate pass or fail label, complete with barcode and print it from the belt mounted printer. This label uniquely identifies the appliance and records all of its details onto the Equipment Register. When testing is next due, after the operative has conducted the visual inspections, they can simply scan the label using the barcode reader and the tester will recall all of the necessary information and run the appropriate tests. This reduces the amount of time on site and disruption to your business.

What other services can you offer?

As all of the appliances are uniquely identified, you can use the output from PAT Testing to form the beginning of your company's asset register. Also, if you want us to, we can conduct a complete asset audit and label all of your assets with barcode labels and create an entire asset register for you, not just the electrical appliances. You could even source a cheap barcode reader and use the barcode labels for your own purposes. For more information on this please call us or submit an enquiry using our enquiry form.

Microwave Leakage Detection

With regards to microwave ovens, as well as conducting the usual inspections and tests as carried out on all of your other electrical appliances, we also use a microwave leakage detector to make sure that your microwave oven is not allowing microwave radiation to leak out around the door seal or anywhere else. Microwave radiation can be harmful and if your employees are using it on a regular basis and it is faulty, it could have a serious affect on their health. We also check tomake sure that the interlock mechanism on the door cuts off the power to the microwave when the door is opened.

What UK legislation relates to PAT Testing regulations?

Although reference is made to legislation throughout this website, the information provided should not be considered as legaladvice. In case of doubt, the specific legislation mentioned should be consulted and legal advice obtained.

Whilst PAT Testing is not specifically referred to in UK legislation, we have summarised some of the legislation relevant to electrical maintenance as follows:-

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes those people who are self employed.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 state that every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of his/her employees to which they are exposed while they are at work, and the risks to health and safety of persons not in his/her employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him/her of their undertaking.
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 state that every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided. Regulation 4 also requires the employer to ensure that equipment is only used for operations and under conditions for which it is suitable.
• The Electricity at Work Regulations state that
  
  
  • as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger
  • every work activity shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger
  • no electrical equipment shall be put into use where its strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way as may give rise to danger
  • electrical equipment that may reasonably foreseeably be exposed to mechanical damage, the effects of weather, natural hazards, temperature or pressure, the effects of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions, or any flammable or explosive substance shall be of such construction or as necessary protected as to prevent danger arising from such exposure
  • all conductors in a system that may give rise to danger shall be suitably covered with insulating material and as necessary protected so as to prevent danger
  • precautions shall be taken, either by earthing or other suitable means, to prevent danger arising when any conductor becomes charged as a result of the use of the system or a fault in the system
  • where necessary to prevent danger, every joint and connection in a system shall be mechanically and electrically suitable for use

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that every employer shall ensure that the workplace equipment, devices and systems are maintained. This includes keeping them in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Where appropriate, they shall be subject to a suitable system of maintenance

Further information can be found in the following publications:-

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
HSR 25 -Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
L21 -Approved Code of Practice and Guidance -The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
L22 -Approved Code of Practice and Guidance -Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
L24 -Approved Code of Practice -Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
BS 7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations (The IEE Wiring Regulations)
Guidance Note 3: Inspection and Testing
HSG141 Electrical Safety on Construction Sites
HSG107 -Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment
HSG85 -Electricity at Work, Safe Working Practices
INDG231 -Electrical Safety and You
INDG236 -Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment in Offices and Other Low Risk Environments
INDG237 -Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment in Hotels and Tourist Accommodation
INDG247 -Electrical Safety for Entertainers
INDG354 -Safety In Electrical Testing at Work

What PAT Testing documentation can I expect to receive?

Once we have completed your testing, we will provide you with the following documentation:-

• Equipment Register
• Combined Inspection and Test Record
• Repair Register
• Faulty Equipment Register
• Certificate of Confirming your PAT Testing has been completed