Portable Appliance Testing

Of all electrical incidents recorded 25% are due to faulty portable appliances, according to the Health & Safety Executive. Electrical fault can be minute and could undetectable to the naked eye, therefore it is essential Portable Appliance Testing is carried out.

Portable Appliance Testing is essential in ensuring that your home, property or business is a safe environment. Businesses and Landlords have a legal obligation to have Portable Appliance Testing conducted at their premises. Homeowners are under no legal obligation, though it is recommended you get your portable appliances tested regularly.

Portable Appliance Testing can only be a carried out by a qualified PAT tester. During the Portable Appliance Testing process the tester identifies the appliance as being either class 1 or class 2. A portable appliances’ plug and power cord are then examined, checking the integrity of internal wires and cabling. Should a fault, such as a crack in the plug, be found at this stage then the appliance will be deemed unfit for use. The appliance is then plugged into a Portable Appliance Testing machine that conducts two tests, an earth continuity test and an insulation resistance test. Advanced machines can conduct a wider variety of examinations, though these are generally not needed for the majority of tests.