What Do You Need to Get PAT Tested?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is an important process for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment. At DH Electrical Services, we are often asked what items need to be PAT tested. This blog post covers the key information you need to know. Overview…
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Portable appliance testing (PAT) is an important process for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment. At DH Electrical Services, we are often asked what items need to be PAT tested. This blog post covers the key information you need to know.
Overview of PAT Testing
PAT testing checks that electrical appliances are safe to use and meet the required safety standards. It involves:
- A visual inspection of the appliance, cables and plugs
- Electrical safety tests tailored to the appliance type
Testing is recommended for any appliance that connects to mains electricity via a plug and cable. This includes equipment that is portable, handheld, movable or fixed.
What Electrical Items Need PAT Testing?
Below are some of the common electrical items that require PAT testing:
Kitchen Appliances
|
Office Equipment
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Other items include washing machines, tumble dryers, power tools, musical instruments and audio equipment, floor cleaners, fans, and more.
Key Points on What Needs Testing:
- All mains-powered electrical equipment – if it connects to a plug socket, it needs testing
- Fixed appliances – e.g. integrated ovens, hard wired equipment
- IT devices – laptops, monitors, printers, phones
- Kitchen appliances – kettles, microwaves, fridges etc
- Power tools – drills, saws, sanders
- Electrical goods – vacuum cleaners, lamps, heaters
Contact DH Electrical Services today to discuss getting your electrical appliances and equipment tested.
What Doesn’t Need PAT Testing?
- Battery-powered devices – these run off batteries rather than mains power so do not need testing. However, their chargers do require testing.
- Extra low voltage equipment – some medical and datacomms devices operate below 40V DC and do not need testing.
Does New Equipment Need Testing?
Brand new electrical equipment straight out of the box does not legally require an immediate PAT test. However, we recommend you visually inspect it first for any signs of damage before use. Check:
- Condition of cables and plugs
- Cracks or marks on casing
- Correct weight and components
- Safe operation when first plugged in
Document your checks for warranty purposes. Then register the item with the manufacturer in case future recalls arise.
When Should I Get Equipment PAT Tested?
We advise testing portable electrical appliances every 1-2 years depending on equipment type and usage levels. Fixed appliances should be tested every 4-5 years.
Contact DH Electrical Services to discuss your PAT testing requirements or to book an inspection. Our experts serve the North West region.
PAT Testing Services for the North West
At DH Electrical Services our electricians in Liverpool offer expert PAT testing across the North West counties and major towns including:
Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Chester, Carlisle, Lancaster, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Kendal, Barrow-in-Furness, Crewe and more.
Our fully qualified electricians carry out thorough appliance testing, repairs and electrical safety checks. Get in touch today to arrange an inspection or quote.
What this guide is based on
The standards, rules and job records behind the figures above.
- The IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. What actually has to be checked on an appliance, and how often, rather than a date plucked out of the air.
- NAPIT scheme rules. What an approved contractor has to hold, record and report, including the certification we issue after every job.
- Our own job records across Liverpool and Merseyside. The figures above come from work we have actually priced and carried out, not from a national average.
Checked on 20 October 2024 by Dave Harvey, NAPIT approved contractor, member 66463. Rules change, so if you are reading this a long way after that date, give us a ring and we will tell you where it stands.
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