PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT)
WHAT IS PAT TESTING?
Portable Appliance Testing or PAT, is a test carried out on a piece of Electrical equipment that is not fixed, it is portable, so it can be unplugged. There are many interpretations of what a portable appliance is, taken from The Requirements for Electrical Installation BS7671, the definition of a portable appliance or mobile equipment is: ' Electrical Equipment which is moved while in operation or which can easily be moved from one place to another while connected to the supply.'
IS PAT TESTING A REQUIRMENT?
Electrical Equipment that is moved more frequently would be at greater risk of damage or degradation. It is therefore important for this to be carried out to prevent Electrical accidents. This could be a Workplace, a School, a Gym, a Leisure Centre.
Portable Appliance Testing is usually carried out every 12 Months but can vary, some insurance companies will make this a requirement. It is good practice to keep your staff and visitors safe from appliance that is being supplied.
Some items may include:
Hairdryers, Printers, Computers, Laptops, Card Machines, Chargers, Fridges, Kettles, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Toasters, Coffee Machines, Treadmills, Water Dispensers, Power Tools, Extensions Leads, Lawnmowers, Strimmers.
