JJM Technical Services
I specialise in Portable Appliance Testing (or PAT testing, properly known as In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment). I can to travel to your premises at a time that suits you and carry out appliance testing to the recommended standards. My service includes a full visual inspection followed by electrical testing of each item, minor repairs such as rewiring plugs and replacing fuses are usually included. All results are presented in detailed reports and I will also document any remedial action necessary. I will send you a reminder when testing is next due.
Why PAT Test?
If you own, manage or supervise a business in which electrical appliances are used, you are responsible for their safe operation. In the event of an accident you need to be able to prove to a Health and Safety inspector that you have taken reasonable steps to ensure equipment is in safe working order. A proven record of regular PAT testing is recognised as evidence of this.
Although a PAT test is similar to an MOT test and proves only that the appliance was safe at the time of testing, having a regime of regular PAT testing is seen as evidence of good working practices and a responsible approach.
What’s Involved?
Appliance testing comprises four steps:
- inspect the appliance and its plug and power lead checking for damage, wear or over-heating;
- test the appliance;
- pass or fail the appliance;
- record the results.
How Often Should Testing Take Place?
This depends on three factors: the environment you are using the appliances in; the types of appliances and how heavily you are using them. So, equipment used on a construction site should be PAT tested every three months because it’s a tough environment, whereas equipment used in an office should generally be tested every two years. However, hand-held appliances, which can easily be dropped or bashed and are in close contact with you should be checked and tested more often. These are only guide-lines, the decision on how often to test must be based on a reasonable assessment of all factors. Of course, it’s worth remembering that everyone in the workplace is legally bound to maintain safety and you should always check equipment visually before using it.
What Should Be Tested?
As a general rule, any electrical appliance that is connected by a flex to a power outlet needs testing, so not just portable appliances. Anything from hair-dryers and mobile phone chargers to fridge-freezers and washing machines can and should be tested. The terms “PAT Testing” or “Portable Appliance Testing” now cover all types of equipment that should be tested.
Restrictions and Limitations
Equipment connected via fused connection units (where the flex goes straight into a fused wall unit, with no plug involved), is more difficult to test and involves switching off the mains supply. I don’t usually do a full test on these items and recommend you have them tested when your fixed wiring is inspected.
Inspection and testing involves switching the appliance off. Because of the risk of loss of data, I will only test IT equipment if permission has been granted to switch it off. Valuable and important data should be backed-up and secure before testing begins. Similar considerations apply to appliances where powering-down will result in loss of configuration, for example clocks, timers, telephony and communication equipment, and older items such as video recorders.
Price
The price is set according to the number of items tested. Contact me for an estimate.
Benefits
Safety is the most important benefit of inspection and testing, along with the peace of mind that fulfilment of your statutory obligations brings. My service will also provide you with a record of your electrical appliances; a measure of the wear and tear they are subjected to and, by way of reminders, save you having to remember when testing and inspection is due.