Have you been looking for PAT testing services and how to PAT test, stumbled across us, and are now wondering how do WE PAT test properties across the UK? Well, you’re definitely in the right place!
What’s PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the examination of electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they are safe to be used. Generally, it includes 3 steps:
- User checks
- A formal visual inspection of the equipment
- & a manual inspection (the PAT test!) using a portable appliance tester
Now, let’s go into each step in more detail.
Step 1 – User Checks
Different from a formal visual inspection, user checks refer to the actual user of an electrical appliance giving it a visual inspection to make sure there are no immediately obvious signs of damage or deterioration. This step is carried out before most electrical equipment is used, with the equipment disconnected.
It should also be noted that all users should have basic training on how to use the equipment safely. Here at NSI, all our electricians are fully competent, and you can feel a sense of relief knowing you’re in safe hands when booking with us.
Step 2 – A Formal Visual Inspection
An essential part of the PAT testing process, figures from HSE show that the formal visual inspection is responsible for finding around 90% of obvious faults with electrical appliances!
Here, it is essential that the equipment is turned off and unplugged before beginning the visual inspection. The checklist includes:
- The plug: We look for any signs of damage, including cracks, burns, or bent pins, and check that the wiring is correct. The live, neutral, and earth conductors should all also be connected to their relevant terminals tightly.
- The cable: The cable will be checked visually and physically for any damage, including any splits, twisting, or abrasions. Any exposed wiring is an immediate fail.
- The appliance: The appliance will also be checked for any signs of obvious damage, including cracks, burns, discolouration, corrosion and casing wear and tear.
- The mains socket: Although this is not part of a PAT test, it should be included in the visual inspection. The mains testing of sockets is done during a fixed wire test. Here, we look for cracks, signs of any overheating or any loose fittings.
- Environmental check: Lastly, we check for any trip hazards from cables, overloaded extension leads, water risks, and fire hazards.
Step 3 – Manual Examination with a Portable Appliance Tester (the PAT Test)
Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! After our electricians have carried out the visual inspection, they will carry out a manual electrical examination using a portable appliance tester device.
This will test the appliance for earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance, amongst other things, and will show if it has passed or failed the PAT test.
Following the test, you will receive an inventory, which lists every tested appliance and assigns a “sticker” number to them. A PAT test cannot be deemed complete without this inventory.
Any minor failures (plug, fuses etc) will be replaced free of charge. Major failures will be highlighted immediately. The reasons will be noted on the report.
Failed appliances must not be used and should be removed immediately, either to be repaired or replaced. If the item is repaired, it must pass another PAT test before it is safe to use again.
Can I do a PAT test myself?
Yes, you can PAT test your own electrical equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment, and time.
To be deemed as a competent PAT tester, the minimum requirement is to have:
- A City & Guilds 2377-77 qualification.
- The correct equipment to carry out the tests.
- The ability to use the PAT testing equipment properly.
- The ability to properly understand the test results.
You have a duty of care to ensure you use the correct skilled tradesperson for your maintenance. Failure to show you have instructed the correct trade could render you liable.
All NSI electricians are competent and offer the most efficient and professional service. Just check out our 1000+ 4.9-star reviews!
Where can we PAT test?
We are an award-winning nationwide company that offers national coverage over an extensive number of locations working alongside a vast array of letting and estate agents.
These places include (but are not limited to):
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Leicester
- Sheffield
- Crawley
- Croydon
- Swindon
How much does a PAT test cost?
We offer PAT testing for landlords and letting agents from just £90.
As a landlord, you want to make sure your property is safe and has the necessary certification. We offer a SAFE Certified package, which combines three amazing services (including PAT Testing) in just one appointment, with savings of over £100 per property, to find out more click here.
If you would like to book an engineer for Portable Appliance Testing, please click the button below.