How to arrange PAT testing for equipment

To meet your health and safety duties, you need to arrange for a competent person to test the portable electrical appliances at your business premises. This process, known as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), checks that your equipment is safe to use. While not a specific legal command in itself, it is the most straightforward way to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and is a standard requirement for most business insurance policies.

What is PAT testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It's a routine inspection of electrical appliances to check they are safe. The term 'portable' can be a bit misleading; it generally covers any piece of equipment that has a plug and can be moved, from a kettle or a laptop to a large printer or a workshop power tool.

The process involves two main parts:

• Visual Inspection: The tester will check for obvious signs of damage, such as frayed wires, cracked plugs, or incorrect fuses.
• Electrical Test: For certain types of equipment (known as Class I), the tester will use a special PAT testing machine to perform more rigorous checks on things like earth continuity and insulation resistance.

How to arrange your PAT test

Follow these simple steps to get your equipment tested:

1. List your appliances: Make a quick inventory of every item that needs testing. This includes computers, monitors, printers, kettles, microwaves, lamps, phone chargers, and extension leads. The number of items is usually how a tester will calculate your quote.
2. Find a competent tester: You need to hire a 'competent person' to do the test. This is someone with the right knowledge, training, and equipment. Look for a qualified electrician or a specialist PAT testing company. They will often hold a qualification like a City & Guilds 2377 certificate. A quick search online for "PAT testing near me" is a good place to start.
3. Get a quote: Contact a few providers and ask for a quote based on your number of appliances. Pricing is usually per item, often with a minimum charge, so it's cost-effective to get everything done at once.
4. Prepare for the visit: On the day, the engineer will need clear access to each appliance. Be aware that each item will need to be briefly unplugged to be tested, so plan for minor disruption.

After the test: What you need to know

Once the testing is complete, each item will be given a result:

• Pass: The appliance is safe to use. It will be marked with a green 'Pass' sticker showing the date of the test and when the next one is due.
• Fail: The appliance is unsafe. It must be immediately removed from use. The tester will label it with a red 'Fail' sticker. You must then have it professionally repaired or dispose of it safely.

You will receive a formal report or certificate listing every appliance tested and its result. Keep this document in a safe place. It is your proof of compliance and you may need to show it to your insurance company or a health and safety inspector.

How often do I need to do it?

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment and the environment it's used in. A power drill on a building site might need testing every three months, whereas a computer in a quiet office might only need it every two years. Your PAT tester is the best person to advise you on the appropriate schedule for your specific equipment.