What does PAT testing stand for?

August 16, 2022admin-rbtestingPat Testing

What does pat testing stand for? Many people ask this question but only a few people know the answer. PAT, or portable appliance testing, is a procedure used to test and evaluate the safety of electrical appliances. You must regularly test your devices to make sure they are secure. In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about PAT and why it’s so important!

Portable Appliance Testing is one of the services provided by RB Services.. We can test your appliances to ensure that they are safe to use. This is an important service that should not be ignored.

Contact us today to book a PAT testing appointment!

What is involved in PAT Testing?

PAT Stands for “Portable Appliance Testing.”

PAT testing involves testing electrical appliances for safety through visual inspections and several electronic tests. Amongst other things, the test entails checking the appliance for wear and tear and other damages, as well as making sure it is safe to use.

It is essential to have your appliances tested regularly to ensure they are safe, whether they are new or old. The sooner the better. RB Services offers a comprehensive PAT testing service that can satisfactorily test your appliances and ensure they are safe to use.

Why do I need to have my appliances tested?

PAT testing is a MUST because it ensures that your appliance is safe. This will in turn protect your household from the risk of electrocution and fire accidents due to bad electrical appliances. Using a device that is not tested is a risk to you and your family.

What are the benefits of PAT testing?

PAT testing offers many benefits, including:

  • Ensuring your appliances are safe to use.
  • Identifying any damage or wear and tear.
  • Preventing electrical accidents.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

PAT testing is a necessary process that should not be ignored. It is a vital part of ensuring the safety of your electrical equipment and electrical appliances. It is essential to have your devices regularly tested to ensure they are safe to use.

7 Categories of Appliances that require PAT testing and visual inspection

Generally, any portable appliance powered by around 50 and 415 volts and connected to the electrical mains by a cable and plug is classified as a portable appliance requiring testing.

There are seven categories of appliances that are considered for PAT testing or at least visual inspection:

  1. Electrical Appliance– An electrical appliance can quickly move from one place to another. Examples are vacuum cleaners, toasters, microwaves, food mixers, etc. These appliances are less than 18 kg in mass and are intended to move while in operation. They, therefore, require testing at periodic intervals.
  2. Moveable equipment (Transportable) The best examples of this category are equipment’s that is not fixed, weighs 18 kg or less and includes wheels, castors, or other mechanisms that allow operators to move the equipment as needed to carry out its intended use.
  3. Handheld equipment or appliances– This includes standard equipment intended to be handheld during everyday use. Examples are hair dryers, drills, and more.
  4. Stationary appliances– These are the equipment or devices having a mass exceeding 18kg, that are not provided with a carrying handle. Examples are refrigerators and washing machines.
  5. Fixed equipment or appliances– These are equipment or devices that are fastened or secured in a specific location. A good example is the wall mounted heater.
  6. Information Technology Equipments– These electrical types of equipment are used in the office or home for processing, storing, and retrieving data. They include computers, leading powered telecommunications equipment, monitors and photocopiers.
  7. Cords, cables, and chargers are the extension cords, power supply units, and battery chargers.

These seven categories of appliances require PAT testing and visual inspection. Each device has its own set of risks and hazards, so it is essential to have them tested regularly to ensure they are safe to use.

PAT Testing Electrical Classes

PAT testing is vital for all types of electrical equipment and appliances, regardless of class. All electrical equipment and appliances should be tested regularly to ensure they are safe.

Electrical equipment and electrical appliances are classified into three classes:

  • Class I –This class includes appliances that are earthed.  They have a metal chassis which is connected to an earthed power supply. The majority of household appliances are Class I.
  • Class II – Class II appliances are double insulated appliances that do not have an earth connection. These appliance have two layers of insulation and does not require an earth connection. They do not rely on earth for protection, which makes it safer.
  • Class III – This class includes appliances that are supplied by a low voltage power source. These appliances are powered by a low-voltage power source, such as batteries. Class III appliances are usually handheld or portable. They are the safest class of electrical appliances. However, their charging leads need to be PAT tested.

Class 1 includes the most dangerous and common household appliances, such as kettles, toasters, and irons. Class II is for double-insulated appliances, such as most computer equipment. Class III is the least dangerous. It includes electrical equipments with no exposed metal parts, such as some types of transformers.

PAT Testing Procedure

The PAT test procedure is carried out in four steps:

  • Inspection – This involves inspecting the appliance for any damage or wear and tear. It includes checking for cracks, missing parts, loose wires, etc.
  • Testing – The second step is to test the appliance to see if it is safe for use. It includes testing the insulation, earth continuity, and more.
  • Tagging – The third step is to tag the appliance with a PAT Testing label. This label will show the date of the last test, the next due date, and more.
  • Recording – The fourth and final step is to record the test results in a PAT Testing log book. This log book will be used to keep track of all the appliances that have been tested.

By following the four steps of pat testing above, you can ensure electrical safety

The three stages of  PAT Test

PAT testing involves three main stages:

  1. User check– This is when the user checks the appliance for any damage. It involves visually inspecting the external casing, wire, and plug before using it. It is to prevent any apparent faults, like cracks, wire coating, exposed wires, burn marks, or any problems in the plug. 
  2. Visual Inspection– This requires more technical knowledge to complete a thorough visual inspection of the external and internal components of the appliance or equipment. You will need to determine and know how to take a variety of devices apart and tell if any parts or components in internal are damaged or faulty. The appliance manual must be consulted for more comprehensive guidance in these visual inspections.
  3. Combined inspection and test– This is the final stage of pat testing. It involves using specialist PAT testing equipment to assess the appliance parts that cannot be set using visual inspections or checking. It includes testing of appliance insulation and general internal integrity. It can only be completed by a qualified and expert PAT tester.

RB Services will carry out a comprehensive PAT Test on your electrical appliances.

How often do I need to have my appliances tested?

The health and safety experts recommends the following:

  • Class I and II appliances – every 12 months or sooner if used in a hostile environment.
  • Class III appliances – every 24 months or sooner if used in a hostile environment.
  • IT equipment – every 12-24 months, depending on the environment.
  • Transformers, motors, and other similar equipment items are in every 12 months for safety.

There is also need to take the following into consideration:

  • The manufacturer’s recommendations- This may have different testing frequencies than recommended.
  • The age of the equipment-the older the equipment, the more frequently it will need to be tested.
  • The frequency of use-the more often an appliance is used, the more frequently it will need to be tested.
  • The effects of any modifications or repairs – any changes or repairs made to an appliance must be considered when deciding on the testing frequency.
  • The history of the item– if an appliance has a history of faults, it will need to be pat tested more frequently.
  • The type of business- some businesses will require more frequent testing than others.
  • The environment- some environments are more hostile than others and require more frequent testing.

Portable Appliance Testing is essential to ensure the safety of electrical appliances. By following the four steps of the PAT testing procedure, you can ensure that your devices are safe to use.PAT testing is an essential part of maintaining electrical safety in the workplace. By following the recommended frequency, you can ensure that your appliances are safe.

To ensure that your PAT Test is accurately done, experts should be contacted to do it. RB Services will accurately provide PAT Testing service as needed and give you the certificates for proper documentation.

Who should do the work?

It is electrical work; therefore, we recommend you use a qualified electrician to carry out the work. Skilled PAT testers include:

  • PAT testers who are qualified electricians
  • PAT testers who work for a registered electrical company

RB Services has a formidable team of experts that will test and evaluate the safety of your appliance. Contact us now and book an appointment. 

Portable appliances testers- what do they do?

All portable appliance testers have been trained to test electrical appliances safely. They will:

  • Carry out visual checks of the device and lead
  • Check for any damage that could cause a shock or fire
  • Test the earth continuity of the appliance
  • Test the insulation and RCD of the appliance
  • Check the polarity and lead of the appliance
  • Make sure the device is safe to use

If you are unsure who to use, we recommend contacting RB Services. We are a fully registered electrical company with a team of qualified, skilled and expert electricians who will do the work for you and secure your home We strive to provide the best possible service to our customers. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

9 Potential Hazards of not doing a PAT Tests

By not having a PAT test, you are putting yourself and others at risk of electrical hazards.

Some of these potential hazards include:

  1. Lack of insulation
  2. Damaged cords
  3. Faulty plugs
  4. Exposed wires
  5. Loose connections
  6. Unsafe electrical appliances
  7. Damaged sockets
  8. Overloaded circuits
  9. Outdated electrical equipment

As you can see, many potential hazards can occur if you do not have a regular PAT test. Those hazards can go undetected without regular testing, leading to electrocution or fires if the equipment is not repaired or replaced. Most of all, it can cause injuries or even death. Stop placing your business at risk of these hazards. Contact RB Services now for a free quotation.

PAT Testing: Legal requirement?

PAT testing is not a legal requirement. However, it is recommended by the Health and Safety Executive(HSE).

The HSE states that “employers have to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition” and that “portable appliance testing is one way of demonstrating compliance with this duty.”

The UK Legislation, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, requires that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury to be maintained in a safe condition. These regulations apply to all businesses, regardless of size.

Who is responsible for Electrical Appliance safety?

The Responsibility for Electrical Appliance Safety rests with the employer, who must ensure that all electrical equipment is maintained safely.

PAT testing is one way of demonstrating compliance with this duty, which the Health and Safety Executive recommends.

PAT Testing types of equipment needed

To carry out a PAT test, you will need:

  • A PAT tester– this is a portable appliance tester that is used to test the safety of electrical appliances.
  • An appliance lead is a lead used to connect the appliance to the PAT tester.
  • RCD– this device is used to protect people from electrical shocks.
  • An extension lead (if necessary) is a lead used to extend the reach of the PAT tester.
  • A 13amp fuse (if necessary)- this is a fuse that is used to protect the PAT tester from electrical surges.

You will need these items to carry out a PAT test. Remember that PAT testing is a dangerous activity, and you should always follow the instructions that come with your PAT tester. If unsure, hiring a professional like  RB Services to perform the test for you is best.

Tips for a Safe Home and Workplace

By following these tips, you can create a safe workplace for everyone:

  • Regularly check all electrical equipment for damage, and do not use damaged or broken electrical equipment.
  • Ensure all cords and plugs are in good condition and do not overload sockets or circuits.
  • Use only RCD-protected appliances and ensure all electrical equipment is properly earthed.
  • Keep electrical equipment away from water, and do not use extension cords as a permanent solution.
  • Ensure a qualified electrician or PAT testing professional carries out all electrical work.

By following these tips, you can create a safe home and workplace for everyone.

FAQs

Q: What is a PATinsulation test?

A: A pat insulation test is a test that is carried out to ensure that an electrical appliance is adequately insulated.

Q: Do portable electrical appliances need   PAT test?

A: Yes, all portable electrical appliances need to be PAT tested.

Q: What is the meaning of portable equipment?

A: Portable equipment is any type of electrical equipment that can quickly move from one place to another.

Q: Do I really need professionals for PAT Test?

A:Yes, you should allow certified professionals do it. RB Services will carry out a comprehensive PAT test on your appliances. A certificate proof will be given you at the end for proper documentaion and future eventualities.

Final Thoughts

What is PAT testing? PAT, or portable appliance testing, is a procedure used to evaluate the safety of electrical equipment. To guarantee the security of your devices, you must perform this procedure frequently. If electrical appliances are not working properly, they may be harmful. Regular appliance testing can help you steer clear of any potential mishaps.

The recommended frequency for appliance testing is once a year. You might need to test the instrument more frequently or less frequently, though, depending on how often you use it. You can either hire a professional tester to come and test your appliances for you or take them to a nearby testing facility. You may get the PAT testing assistance you need from RB Services, a reputable testing business.

 Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a test for your appliances. info@rbtesting.com | 01212683144.

Think of your safety first and always have your electrical appliances PAT tested. It could save your life!