PAT testing is key to ensuring adherence to essential safety standards. It's regarded as the easiest and most effective way of ensuring that workplace electrical appliances are safe to use. As previously mentioned, the expected regularity of PAT testing will depend on the categorisation of electrical appliances and the findings of risk assessments. How Do You Use a PAT Tester? For most portable electrical equipment in a low-risk workplace, a portable appliance test is not needed. Is the item regularly maintained? Planned maintenance could reduce the need for frequent ‘PAT Testing’ Computers, printers and faxes were not moved around much and were positioned so that the cables could not become trapped, so the probability that items might be damaged was extremely low. The manager decided that they would be maintained by a visual inspection every 5 years. she looked for electrical equipment in the shop and found that there were a number of computers, a fax, two printers and a vacuum cleaner;

The vacuum cleaner was heavily used. The manager remembered that the cable was repaired 6 months ago by an electrician as it had been pulled out of the cable grip, so she knew that in future it would need to be looked at more often. It was decided that the vacuum should have a visual inspection every 6 months and that employees would be encouraged to look for signs of damage to the plug and cable before plugging it in. Is the item moved? Damage is associated with movement… the more it is moved, the higher the risk value the manager thought about the type of portable equipment that was used in their shop and the level of risk that it might create; PAT testing forms are provided only by approved contractors who are registered with the NICEIC/ECA. Persons performing testing who are permitted to offer PAT testing certificates have to be deemed competent to perform these tests.PAT testing equipment has various levels of functionality. Basic PASS/FAIL kits are very easy to use and relatively inexpensive. They are the preferred choice for a range of businesses, clearly indicating whether an item of electrical equipment has passed or failed. Mains-powered testers require connection to an electrical supply. However, the self-contained battery versions are ideal for large workplaces due to their portability and ease of use. They commonly feature basic light systems that indicate whether electrical items have passed or failed the test. Insulation testing involves connecting the tested appliance with the PAT. Typically, a test voltage of 500V DC is then applied to the mains plug terminals. This will ideally result in a high resistance reading being displayed on the PAT screen. However, insufficient insulation between the live parts and earth will result in a current flowing from the insulation to the PAT via the protective earth conductor. The low level of insulation will also be highlighted in the PAT reading. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. PAT testing certificates are provided to business owners after portable appliances have been successfully tested. The certificates show that the company is in compliance with regulations by having their portable equipment regularly inspected for damage and/or risks. The certificate serves as proof that the person responsible for maintaining equipment has taken steps necessary to ensure safety. Public use equipment – Stationary and IT equipment such as computers should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, portable and handheld equipment falling into class 2 should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, portable and handheld equipment falling into class 1 should be tested every 6 months

Offices, shops and hotels – Class 1 devices including IT equipment should be tested every 48 months. Portable equipment such as extension leads should be tested every 24 months. Handheld equipment should be tested every 12 monthsNone of the remaining equipment in use was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided that full portable appliance testing was not needed for these items. There is no formal legislation specifying the need for PAT testing. However, it is a legal requirement to ensure that electrical equipment is safe and fit for purpose. The expected regularity of PAT testing will depend on the results of workplace risk assessment procedures. When determining the need for PAT testing, the level of risk should also be considered. Many people use a simple Microsoft Excel Spreadheet to keep their PAT Testing Records - a sample you can use is here: PAT Testing Records Spreadsheet