FAQ's
What is Pat Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) or Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) as it is now known, is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a series of visual inspections and electrical tests.
What is the legal requirement for PAT testing?
There is currently no legal requirement to PAT test but employers are legally required to create a safe working environment for their employees. PAT testing is a great way to reduce risk in your risk management strategy.
Why PAT testing is important?
Testing and inspection ensures that appliances in the business are safe for use by the business.
Can I do PAT Testing myself?
Unless you're knowledgeable about electrical appliances and are skilled in safely handling them under test conditions, you shouldn't try to test electrical appliances yourself. This might put you or someone else at risk, but you can still contribute to the portable appliance testing process by periodically doing user checks.
Why do I need to PAT test?
PAT Testing is a great way of ensuring that your electrical equipment is safe and fit for purpose. In-service inspection and testing is a way in which Duty Holders, employers, businesses and landlords can meet their legal obligation to maintain a high safety standard of their electrical appliances.
What is a Class 1 Appliance?
In a Class I appliances, the user is protected by basic insulation and an earth connection. This provides two levels of protection between the user and the electrical current.
What is a Class 2 Appliance?
In Class II appliances, two layers of insulation protect the user, therefore Class II appliances are known as Double Insulated. These appliances do not require a separate earth connection. There is a double box symbol on the rating plate.
What is a Class 3 Appliance?
Equipment built to the Class III standard is designed to be supplied from a special safety isolating transformer whose output is known as Separated Extra-Low Voltage or SELV. This must not exceed 50v AC and is normally is below 24v or 12v. There is no use of an Earth in a Class III appliance.
Can PAT Testing damage Equipment?
PAT testing is completely safe. If carried out by a competent and certified individual there is no risk of damaging the equipment under test.