P.A.T.'s Testing (or Portable Appliance Testing) is a way of ensuring that electrical equipment has met the required legal standards as dictated by the HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK ACT and the ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989.




What the Test Involves

Equipment Inventory
All equipment is inventoried and given a unique identifying barcode which is then stored on our database, together with all the test results.

Visual Test
Ensure that the correct type of plug and fuse rating have been fitted. Check the integrity of the power cable and case.

Electrical Test
A number of tests are automatically carried out using calibrated P.A.T.'s tester. These vary depending on the appliance being tested.

Equipment Inventory

The following information is gathered about each appliance to be tested :

The Type of Appliance. e.g. P.C.Monitor, Extension lead,
Kettle, etc.
The Manufacturer (where applicable)
The Model (where applicable)
The Serial Number (where applicable)
The Location

This information is entered onto our database which generates a unique barcode number and label which is attached to the test item. The test result information is then stored alongside the unique barcode number allowing easy information retrieval.
We are then able to produce a list of items tested which can display the following information :

Make, Model, Serial No., Location, etc.
Test results (pass/fail)
Date of test
When the next test is due

This information will be supplied to you in writing, which can be used to satisfy any Health & Safety inspection, provide proof to your insurance company of Health & Safety compliance and as an equipment inventory (for security and asset control).

We will also provide when requested, individual certificates for equipment that you may use off-site.

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Visual Test
A Visual Test is completed in four stages:
1. Checking the cable to ensure that it is correctly clamped, and shows no signs of splitting, fraying or damage.
2. Check the condition of the case, ensuring that it is not damaged or insecure in any way.
3. Check the condition of the plug, ensuring that the cable is correctly wired and clamped and that the insulating sheaths are present on the live and neutral pins.
4. Ensure that a correctly rated fuse is fitted.

Incorrect or faulty wiring, plugs or fuses can usually be changed or repaired at the time of inspection.

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Electrical Testing
The final stage of testing any equipment is the Electrical Test. This is carried out using a calibrated P.A.T.'s tester, which has been specifically designed to check the electrical safety of portable appliances. The P.A.T.'s tester has a comprehensive testing routine which allows for appliances of all safety classes to be checked.

Due to the varying nature of Portable Appliances the P.A.T.'s tester adjusts the testing routines to suit the type of appliance being tested. In essence this means that delicate computer equipment does not need to be tested to the same extremes as heavy duty appliances such as hand-held power tools.
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