PAT Testing: Keeping Your Workplace Safe and Compliant

Portable Appliance Testing, commonly known as PAT testing, is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. While not always a strict legal requirement in itself, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place a duty on employers to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. PAT testing is the most practical way to demonstrate compliance.

What Appliances Need PAT Testing?

Any appliance that plugs into a socket and is intended to be moved or unplugged falls under PAT testing. This includes kettles, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, power tools, extension leads, and IT equipment. Fixed appliances such as hand dryers and water heaters are not portable and are covered by fixed wire testing instead.

• Class I appliances rely on an earth connection for safety and require both visual inspection and earth continuity testing.
• Class II appliances are double-insulated and do not require an earth test, but still need full visual inspection and insulation resistance testing.
• Class III appliances are low-voltage and generally pose minimal risk, though their power supplies may still need checking.
• Extension leads are among the most commonly failed items due to broken conductors inside the cable from repeated coiling.

How Often Should Testing Be Carried Out?

Testing frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. A low-risk office might test IT equipment every two to four years, while power tools on a construction site may need testing every three months. The Health and Safety Executive recommends a risk-based approach, with more frequent checks for equipment that is heavily used, older, or exposed to harsh conditions.

At D3C Electrical, we help Leicester businesses establish a testing schedule that matches their risk profile. We provide a detailed asset register showing each item, its location, test results, and the next due date. Our digital reports are accessible anytime and make insurance audits straightforward.

What Happens During a PAT Test?

The process starts with a thorough visual inspection. We check plugs for cracks, cables for cuts or fraying, and casings for damage. Any appliance that fails the visual check is immediately taken out of service. Next, we use a calibrated PAT tester to measure earth continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity. For Class I equipment, we also run an earth bond test at 25 amps to simulate a real fault condition.

Passing appliances receive a green PAT label with the test date and next due date. Failed items are tagged red and reported to the responsible person. We can often carry out minor repairs such as replacing damaged plugs or fuses on site, saving the cost of replacement.