What is PAT Testing

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PAT Testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing, and is used by many organisations to make sure portable appliances are safe for use. All types of organisations, from businesses to educational institutions, public organisations, and many others, use PAT testing to test the safety of appliances.

The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) requires "All electrical systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger". This is interpreted as covering the fixed electrical installation as well as portable and transportable equipment connected to it. The Regulations also state "It is the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provision of these Regulations."

Intervals at which PAT tests are recommended range from 3 months (construction equipment) to one year for inspection and, in many cases, never for actual testing.

A qualified electrician or someone with PAT test training should inspect the devices annually.

There are a number of companies who manufacturer & supply PAT Testers as well as companies who will perform one-off tests of your equipment for a fee.