PAT Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company’s or individual’s responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.

Why should I use Southwest Pat Testing to do my PAT testing?

We are a specialist company dealing exclusively in Portable Appliance Testing and all out testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers’ (IEE) code of practice. SW Pat testing is one of only a handful of PAT testers who are City & Guilds qualified. We pride ourselves on tailoring our service to the clients’ needs, and we believe in being up front about how we do business; our customers don’t get a nasty shock when they get the bill – our prices are all-inclusive and we don’t charge extra for things like replacing fuses and rewiring plugs.

What does a PAT test consist of?

We start with a visual inspection checking for:

Damaged flexes
Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)
Correctly wired plugs
Correctly rated fuse

Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include

Earth continuity testing
Insulation resistance
Polarity test
Earth leakage test

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test both 110 volt and 240 volt wet weather equipment.

Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?

The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use. See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989.

With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use. In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?

This will be dependant on your company’s risk assessment and maintenance schedule. If your company does not have these documents for PAT testing we can help with this.

Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?

Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.

How long will the testing take?

We can do between 10 and 15 electrical tests per hour, this is dependant on access and availability of the items.

Will the testing be disruptive?

During Portable appliance Testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them. We can work outside of business hours or at weekends if this helps. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

There are many good reasons to carry out pat testing:-

Compliance with the very latest health and safety regulations
Risk of fire and injury from portable appliances is minimised
Compliance with ISO9000/1 and BS5750
Satisfy the requirements of your insurers – if you’re not sure about this check the small print on your employer’s liability policy!

But probably the most compelling reason to have your equipment checked is to consider the likely consequences if you do not have the testing done and one of your staff were to be killed or injured!

What Our Clients are Saying

Great bunch of lads, did a great job on my christmas lights, I had to have them back to do my electrics. As seen on Jamies Chef series.

Jamie Oliver

South West Pat Testing did a good job. The price was fair and we will always use them in the future.

Channel 5 Team

Restaurant Inspectors