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PAT testing & certification
Expert PAT Testing service
– for complete peace of mind
As the owner of a workplace, or landlord of a tenanted property, it is your duty to ensure that any electrical appliances you supply comply with UK Health and Safety at Work regulations. The best way to ensure this is through PAT Testing – a specialised process that goes into detail to provide complete peace of mind.
A PAT test can also aid in reducing insurance premiums, by acting as a risk assessment aid, making it well worth keeping on top of.
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At Vital Phase UK we offer a cost-effective and efficient PAT testing service. We use high standard testing equipment to ensure all of your on- and off- premises electrical items are safe to use.
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For more information about PAT Testing and your responsibilities, please see the FAQs below and get in touch for a free quote.
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Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?Currently, there is no definitive legal requirement for the process of PAT testing. This said however, the government does have regulations that have been put into place to keep businesses and people safe. The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will require you to perform PAT tests in commercial settings to comply with various health and safety regulations, these include: Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999
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What does PAT testing stand for?Portable appliance testing (PAT), sometimes written as PAT testing is the examination of electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they are in a safe condition.
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What is PAT testing?Portable appliance testing is the visual inspection and testing of business premises to ensure that the appliances are safe to use. It is the legal responsibility of a business owner to ensure electrical safety within their business, a PAT tester will test equipment for many potential faults including insulation resistance, earth continuity, and lead polarity.
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How often does PAT testing need to be done?Generally, PAT testing is conducted every year. However, this can vary depending on other factors and circumstances such as the location of the equipment, type of equipment and more.
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What needs PAT testing?By basic definition, any portable appliance or equipment needs to be tested. Essentially if the equipment uses a flexible wire or cable to connect to a power supply it qualifies as a portable appliance and needs to be checked. This includes anything from extension leads to a vending machine. Wireless appliances such as cordless drills do not require a portable application test, however, their battery chargers that plug into the wall to charge the equipment does.
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How long does a PAT test last?A PAT test will result in a PAT certificate, this doesn’t have a specific expiration date but instead depends on other factors. Portable equipment within Hotels, Offices, and Shops should have a new test every 24 months. Class 1 equipment which includes IT and stationary equipment should have their certificates renewed every 48 months.
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What is the legal requirement for PAT testing?Under the portable appliance testing (PAT) law all employees, landlords and even anyone who is self-employed is required to ensure their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for use.
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Do rental properties need PAT testing?It is a requirement for all House of Multiple occupation (HMO) landlords to conduct annual PAT tests on all electrical appliances within the property. Private landlords currently have no obligations to conduct PAT testing within the properties.
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Do I need a PAT test certificate?Regulations implemented by the Government require electrical appliances to be maintained to a certain degree. If you’re an employee, landlord or self-employed it is your legal obligation to meet these regulations, the most effective way to do this is through PAT testing.
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Is PAT testing required annually?PAT testing does not have specific frequency requirements and instead it is recommended based on factors including the location, frequency, and type of equipment. Portable equipment such as extension leads within Offices, Hotels, and Shops should be tested every 24 months.
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How much does a PAT test cost?PAT Test costs are calculated per device and not for the entire testing service. The size of the business, and the amount of equipment that needs testing can alter the price, ultimately the more testing required the cheaper the cost will be per item.
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