What is PAT Testing?

PAT in short stands for Portable Appliance Testing, this is a term is best described to test the safety of electrical appliances to ensure that workers or tenants who come into contact with any electrical appliances are not in any risk.

PAT Testing is a process of checking the electrical safety of equipment that is already in service, or is being placed into service for the first time, and runs in conjunction with other preventative maintenance measures to prevent danger to users from either electric shock or fire. PAT testing is just one part of a much broader Health and Safety Policy.

Also PAT testing is a similar test to what a manufacturer would carry out at the end of the production line, but not quite as involved. It is a basic check for electrical safety, rather than complying with manufacturing standards.

Furthermore some electrical safety defects just require a simple visual check, however on some occasions a defect can only be found by using a tester, it is essential that the individual who is carrying out the test understands that visual examination is one of the  key parts of the testing process. This is important because some types of electrical safety defects cannot be detected by testing alone it requires a visual check. The person who is doing the testing should always be competent before trying to do any test on an electrical appliance.

Below you will be able to see the seven main categories of appliances testing:

·        Fixed appliances  

·        Stationary appliances

·        IT appliances

·        Moveable appliances

·        Portable appliances

·        Cables and chargers

·        Hand Held appliances

A PAT test is an inspection of electrical appliances, this is to ensure that they are safe to use and that cause no harm or damage to any user using the appliance and it prevents potential fire risk by testing all the electrical appliances correctly. The whole purpose behind PAT Testing is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace; a full PAT Test should include a visual inspection and using a specialist PAT tester that will allow you to test the list above.

The electrical PAT testing equipment is essential to the person who is carrying out the test on the electrical appliance, the testing equipment ensures that you are meeting the correct legislations and getting the correct results. Also they are three different types of testers you can use to test electrical appliances. The first one is a basic a tester; the basic tester allows you to perform the typical test but will not allow you to download. Second there is the Mid-Range Pat tester which allows you to test more sequences but does allow you to download results. Third is the professional PAT tester, this allows you to test many different tests, allows you to insert risk assessments and allows you to download also.