What is PAT testing?
PAT testing is the routine inspection of some types of electrical appliances. The purpose is to ensure the safety of those appliances and prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.
PAT testing involves a thorough visual check of the appliance (flex, fuse, plug, wiring, casing) followed by a series of electrical tests. These tests include Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance and Lead Polarity checks.
When a PAT test is completed the appliance is marked as ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ and the results are recorded.
Is PAT testing a legal obligation?
PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal obligation. However, UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe manner and protect employees and the public from electrical accidents. For example, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 4(2) that states ‘as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger’. Similarly, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care upon employers and employees to ensure the safety of all persons using work premises. PAT testing is regarded as the most effective way of meeting these legal obligations and shows you have a maintenance regime in place.
Often, insurance companies require businesses to conduct annual PAT testing, which, if not upheld, may result in refusal of making a claim.
Who is responsible for electrical appliance safety?
The employer is responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical appliances. A duty holder (manager, director, owner etc) is responsible for ensuring a ‘competent person’ is assigned to keeping the company compliant. Remember - EVERYONE has a responsibility and role to play in ensuring the safe use and maintenance of electrical equipment!
We use 4th Edition ‘Pass’ stickers which do not show a ‘next test due date’. These new stickers place responsibility on the duty holder to ensure the company remains compliant. However, we provide yearly reminders well in advance of your current certificate expiry date.
What are the penalties if I do not meet my legal obligations?
The penalties for a business not meeting its electrical appliance safety obligations can be as high as 2 years imprisonment and unlimited fines. This will depend on the severity of the situation.
What needs testing?
Any electrical equipment that is either permanently connected or by a plug and socket outlet needs to be inspected and tested. A portable appliance is defined as “an appliance of not more than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved while in operation or an appliance that can easily be moved from one place to another”. Examples include kettles, toasters and food mixers.
The term ‘Portable’ can be misleading as not all appliances requiring testing are portable. Other types include handheld, fixed, stationary, IT, movable and extension leads (inc. cables, chargers and RCDs). For example, a washing machine is a stationary appliance as it exceeds 18kg in mass and does not have a carrying handle.
We can test any electrical item that has a UK 3 pin/230v commando plug, 110v commando plug or 415v 3 phase 16A/32A/63A commando plug. We can also test fixed electrical items e.g. wall heaters and hand dryers and we always use a voltage indicator/proving unit and lockout kit to safely isolate the power.
Do new appliances require testing?
New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require electrical testing. However, a visual check is recommended at the very least to check the item is not damaged.
Electrical items are manufactured all around the world and a percentage of items will be ‘batch tested’. These items are then shipped using varies modes of transport before they reach the customer.
With this is mind, it is strongly recommended to test all new items as damage could occur during transportation. Insurance companies may also dictate that new electrical items are tested as well as any new items brought onto the premises.
What are the appliance classes?
Appliances are either Class 1, Class 2, Class 2 FE (Functional Earth) or Class 3. Class 1 appliances are the most dangerous, Class 3 are the least dangerous and each class will require its own specific set of tests.
Class 1:
These appliances require a full PAT test including ‘Earth Continuity’ and ‘Insulation Resistance’. Class 1 appliances offer basic insulation and protection via an earth cable between the earth pin and appliance casing. An example of a class 1 appliance is a kettle.
Class 2:
These appliances require an ‘Insulation Resistance’ test. Class 2 appliances offer basic and supplementary insulation and are therefore safer than Class 1 appliances. An example of a class 2 appliance is a bedside lamp.
Class 2 FE:
These appliances offer basic and supplementary insulation, just like class 2 appliances, but have an earth for functional purposes. Class 2 FE appliances require an 'Insulation Resistance' test and an example is a laptop power supply.
Class 3:
These appliances do not require a PAT test however, the appliance charger may require one. Class 3 appliances are low voltage and therefore the safest. An example of a class 3 appliance is a torch.
How often should appliances be PAT tested?
There are no laws that state how often equipment should be assessed for electrical safety, only that it should be carried out if danger could arise from a lack of maintenance.
The frequency of inspection and testing will vary for different equipment, workplaces and users. It is important to remember there may be requirements specified by insurance companies, many of which stipulate it should be carried out annually. Failure to comply with their terms could result in an unsuccessful claim.
To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations a risk assessment should be carried to evaluate the frequencies between inspection and testing. The dutyholder is responsible for producing this and should include an assessment for each class.
A RISK ASSESSEMENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
ENVIRONMENT- Equipment in an office will likely suffer less damage than equipment on a construction site.
USERS - Damaged equipment that is more likely to be reported by users will present less hazards.
EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION - The safety of Class 1 equipment is dependent on an earth connection whereas Class 2 equipment is double insulated.
EQUIPMENT TYPE - Hand-held equipment is more likely to become damaged than fixed equipment. If such equipment is Class 1, the risk of danger is increased because safety is dependent upon the continuity of the protective conductor from the plug to the equipment.
FREQUENCY OF USE - An important factor, particularly where hand-held or mobile equipment is used, because this may have implications for service life and exposure to possible damage.
TYPE OF INSTALLATION METHOD - The installation method should be taken into account, especially when assessing fixed equipment. Isolator positions and cable management can be important factors when assessing for risk.
PREVIOUS RECORDS - Where possible, previous records of inspection, testing and maintenance should be used to evaluate the frequency of future inspections and testing. This will highlight how the users and environment affects the condition of the equipment.
FUNCTIONAL IN-SERVICE LIFE - Some equipment may have an intentional service life.
It is important to remember that 'User Checks' should be carried out prior to equipment being used. The equipment, flex, plug and socket outlet etc should all be checked to ensure they are free from damage. Formal Visual Inspections should also be carried out between 'In-Service Inspection and Testing' and recorded. Any faulty items should be removed from service immediately, handed to the dutyholder and recorded.
What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?
If an appliance fails its PAT test at the visual inspection we will replace the fuse, 3 pin plug or re-wire it if that is the cause of failure. If the appliance is physically damaged beyond this it will be removed from service immediately, logged and handed over to the duty holder. The appliance may be repaired by an electrician or the manufacturer if the duty holder wishes but it should be PAT tested again after this is completed.
If an appliance passes a visual check but fails an electrical test the same process as outlined above will be followed.
What documents will I receive after my PAT testing is completed?
We will provide you with 2 documents after the completion of PAT testing your appliances:
1. A full inventory of your electrical items including unique information e.g. serial numbers, item locations and visual/electrical test results.
2. PAT test compliance certificate. We also include the serial number of the PAT testing machine to trace its calibration history should it be required.
