PAT Testing – What is it, and why do you need it?

What is PAT testing and why should care? Well, if you’re moving into new property, or you’re a landlord then it’ll be in your interests to know what it is. PAT testing could be the difference between life and death. Accidents caused by electrical faults are widespread unfortunately, and if you want to avoid a hazard waiting to happen due to faulty wiring, then read on.

PAT testing stands for portable appliance testing and it involves checking out electrical appliances to see whether they’re safe to use. There’ll be a series of tests and visual inspections carried out, and all of this should only be done by a qualified electrician.

Safety first

As is often the case, the only way and the best way of making sure your appliances are safe to use is by having PAT tests carried out. This is a reliable way of making sure they’re safe to use, or if you’re a landlord, that they meet certain legal obligations so your tenants can use them safely. These tests should be carried out prior to the tenants moving in.

PAT tests carried out on your property by qualified electricians

A competent, qualified electrician will carry out tests on your appliances and carry out an inspection, looking at both lead and plug. There’ll also be test signals carried out too. PAT testing is also carried out in commercial buildings and offices where staff use appliances, and these should be organised by management on a regular basis.

Any PAT testing should be carried out by electricians who are knowledgeable, qualified and preferably members of a trade association. They need the skills necessary to avoid danger to others and themselves, so always be cautious about who you hire. A registered electrician will be a member of a trade association and be able to carry out PAT testing.

Reports, inventory’s and failed appliances

Once the PAT testing has been carried out you will receive a report that tells you about the inventory carried out and what it’s been carried out on. It will show you the list of tests results. If something has failed the test then there will be an explanation of why it failed. There should be a fail label on the failed appliance. If you’re unsure of anything then the electrician should be able to talk you through everything featured on the report.

RNL Electrical – for reliable, competent and safe PAT testing

If you need PAT testing carried out on your property, get in touch with us here at RNL Electrical, we’re here to help. We can carry out any PAT testing you need as we are all qualified, trained and registered electricians, so you know you’ll be in safe hands. Give us a call if you have any questions about what we’ve discussed today, or if you’d like to arrange a PAT testing report on appliances on your property. We’ll be happy to talk it through with you.