SNC Facilities offer Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) testing for businesses. This includes council and public sector organisations, care homes and rented property.
We will test your electrical equipment based on a minimum of 50 items.
What Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the electrical safety testing of portable electrical equipment. This includes computers, microwaves, kettles etc.
PAT testing is carried out in businesses, offices and workplaces where there are employees.
It is also used by landlords (like the landlord certificate), where people live in rented or public sector accommodation.
Some councils require PAT testing of furnished properties before letting to tenants.
Who can carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
A trained, qualified electrician is required to carry out PAT testing, to identify and repair any issues.
It consists of a visual inspection and various electrical tests carried out using test equipment.
Appliances that have passed the equipment are deemed to be safe to use until the next test date.
While not a legal requirement in itself, Portable Appliance Testing is part of a good health and safety programme.
What electrical equipment needs PAT testing?
Not all electrical equipment needs to be PAT tested. For example because new equipment is provided in a safe condition, they won’t need PAT testing.
If the equipment is in a low-risk workplace and is not likely to have been moved or damaged, it may not need PAT testing. In this case, a visual check for damage will be sufficient.
How often does electrical equipment need to get PAT tested?
Most businesses choose to get PAT testing done once a year as part of an annual maintenance schedule.
In general the regularity of testing depends on the type of equipment to be tested. For example, IT equipment in offices, shops and hotels only require testing around every 48 months.
However, equipment on industrial sites and in commercial kitchens should be tested every 6-12 months depending on the appliance.
Many insurance companies will offer a discount if equipment on the premises is PAT tested.