Facilities Support Services

Portable Appliance Test (PAT)

Portable Appliance Test (PAT)

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance testing or PAT testing is the process of examining an electrical appliance to ensure it is safe for use.  Most defects are visually identifiable but others can only be found with rigourous testing.  We use a combination of visual inspection and testing to examine an appliance.  We are looking for electrical flaws, damaged cables and whether the item is fit for purpose. 

Why do we need it?

It is important to have formal inspections of items at regular intervals, as day to day use of portable electrical appliances inevitably causes wear and tear to leads and plugs.  If defects go undetected this could result in an electric shock or fire.

Employers, institutions and landlords have a statutory responsibility to ensure all electrical appliances used by employees, guests or tenants are safe.

How often do we need to undertake PAT testing?

The frequency with which you need to inspect and test your electrical appliances depends on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.  For example a power tool that is used daily on a construction site would need to be checked more often than a TV in a hotel room.

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