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Is PAT Testing Compulsory? |
No, however, it is a statutory requirement and many insurance companies require the insured to comply with all current regulations. This includes the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which state that "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger" (Regulation 4(2)). "Electrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy." (Regulation 2(1)). The responsibility on the employer to ensure work equipment is safe is also covered by The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This states that "Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided." (Regulation 4(1)). This includes all work equipment (fixed, portable or transportable) connected to a source of electrical energy."
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What items need to be PAT tested? |
Basically any electrical item that is fitted with a plug will require PAT testing - Some examples of portable appliances include Kettles, Computers/Peripherals, Heaters/Fans, Photocopiers, Televisions, Food Mixers, Vacuum Cleaners, Drills, Jigsaws, Toasters, Fridges/Freezers, Extension Leads, Tills, Faxes + Many Many More
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How often do my appliances need PAT testing? |
Frequency of testing depends on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. The frequencies we recommend are based on the guidelines by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and our own experience
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What does a PAT Test involve? |
For starters we carry out a visual inspection
checking for:
- Damaged flexes
- Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks,
discolouration)
- Correctly wired plugs
- Correctly rated fuse
Followed by a series of Electrical tests (depending on
equipment), as follows
- Earth continuity testing
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity test
- Earth leakage test
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Will this Affect our Insurance if we do not have PAT Tested Appliances? |
YES of Course!! Most insurance companies assume that that business' are complying with ALL regulations necessary. An insurance company may refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.
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How long will the testing take? |
We can normally do between 10 and 15 electrical tests per hour, depending on access and availability of the items.
Unfortunately there will be times when we have to turn off the power supply to the items we are testing, but we will only turn off the item we are testing at the time to minimise disruption.
However we can arrange for your PAT testing to be done outside of your business hours or at weekends, or a time that suits your individual needs.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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