The purpose of portable appliance testing (PAT) is to ensure that electrical equipment is safe to use and prevent electrical accidents:
Maintenance: PAT testing helps to identify equipment that needs maintenance.
Safety: PAT testing helps to prevent injuries from electric shock, burns, arc-exposure, and explosions.
Compliance: PAT testing helps employers comply with UK work safety regulations, such as the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health & Safety at Work Act.
PAT testing involves:
- A visual inspection to check for damage to the equipment, leads, and plug
- Electrical testing to detect safety defects
- Using a specialist PAT tester to meet the correct legislations and get the correct results
The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in.
Copyright J C Pat Testing (2024)
