Answer: PAT Testing is Portable
Appliance Testing, the inspection and electrical testing of appliances
that are connected to the mains power supply either by plug or wired
in.
Why do I need it?
Answer: If you run a business
and use electrical appliances, you are required BY LAW to make sure
that these appliances are maintained in a safe manner. Obviously,
you won't know if they are safe unless they are inspected, hence
the need for PAT testing.
Can I ignore it and not bother
with it?
Answer: Yes, at your peril.
If anyone in your employ or any member of the public is injured
by any non tested electrical appliance or by appliances being used
in an unsafe manner, or being used in a manner other than that
for which they were designed, you could face unlimited fines or
imprisonment.
How often should the inspections
be carried out?
Answer: That depends on the
type of appliance and it's environment. For example, a Class 1 earthed
appliance being used in a workshop would require more frequent inspection
than say, a computer printer used in a relatively low risk office
situation. Your Wire Test inspector can advise you on inspection
frequencies.
Does testing of appliances
guarantee that my employees won't be injured by electric shock?
Answer: No. The test and inspection
process will confirm, (or not), that your appliances are safe
only at the time of inspection. The inspector has no control over
how the appliances are used or treated and cannot, under any circumstances,
provide any guarantee that they will remain safe. However, if you
are adhering to recommended inspection intervals, you will have
done everything practicable to ensure the appliances are safe, and
therefore will be within the law.
Is appliance testing only applicable
to businesses?
Answer: In law, yes. But if
you consider the number of electrically related accidents that occur
each year in the home, it applies equally well to the private homeowner.
We like to encourage homeowners to have at least the most dangerous
appliances tested, ie, those used in the garden or garage/workshop.
What happens during the testing
process?
Answer: Firstly what will happen
is that your Wire Test inspector will draw up a list of appliances
to be tested, he will need your help for that. You can then discuss
inspection intervals based on usage and environment. After that,
each appliance is inspected, both visually and electrically. The
visual inspection is very important and can uncover many faults.
The electrical inspection will be carried out using a computer controlled
appliance tester, or, if the appliance is wired in, a Continuity/Insulation
tester. The results of both visual and electrical tests are recorded.
Your appliances will pass or fail depending on their compliance
with certain criteria.
Does my insurance company require
me to have PAT testing done?
Answer: This is unclear to
be honest. Some people have said that their insurers have asked
them about PAT testing, whilst others have not been asked. The chances
are that any liability claims against your insurance would not be
met if you were found to be negligent, ie, had not had testing carried
out. Whether or not your insurance does require it, don't forget
that the law still does require appliances to be safe.
I have not ever had testing
carried out because I was not aware of the need, what should I do?
Answer: You should arrange
for your appliances to be inspected as soon as possible. Wire Test
Company can help you overcome this issue and therefore get you within
the law.
I am interested in getting
a quote for inspection work, how should I proceed?
Answer: Please look at the
'Pricing' page to get an overview of our current pricing structure,
and then submit an enquiry by email or telephone, stating your postcode
and the number of appliances you think need testing. To arrive at
a figure for numbers of appliances, count up everything with a plug
on it, and then everything wired into an outlet plate. If you are
unsure about anything please don't hesitate to email or phone and
we will be more than happy to give any advice we can. Remember that
we provide quotes without any obligation for you to go ahead with
engaging us to carry out the work.
I havebusiness
machines that I cannot turn off during normal working hours, how
would you be able to test them?
Answer: We offer an 'out
of hours' service for essential machines and critical equipment.
We can arrange to test such equipment when your normal working hours
are complete. We don't charge any extra for this and all we ask
is that you book it at least a week in advance.
