In: Portable Appliance Testing

Portable electrical appliances require testing which consists of an inspection to check the appliance casing, plug damage and wiring, and an electrical test. Depending whether or not the appliance has passed or failed a label will be applied on each electrical appliance signifying whether portable electrical appliances have failed or passed the portable electrical appliances test (PAT), along with a PAT test certificate.

A portable electrical appliances test (PAT) is essential in regards to a company’s health & safety policy to ensure members of staff are not harmed or at danger by any portable electrical appliances within a business premises. A portable electrical appliances test (PAT) should be performed regularly to protect employees and customers against any accidents and liability within the workplace which are a cause of faulty portable electrical appliances. A portable electrical appliances test is scheduled by a business in accordance with guidelines stated in the IEE Code of Practice.

Portable electrical appliances tests (PAT) assess portable electrical appliances and guarantees that it is safe to use. In a place of work portable electrical appliances require inspection yearly to ensure maximum protection of employees and to protect the employer from being liable if there are any faulty portable electrical appliances which may cause injury.

There is controversy whether portable electrical appliances must be tested in accordance to the law, however, it is not stated by law that testing of portable electrical appliances is vital, unless in a work place where all portable electrical appliances must be safe. When asked “What is a portable electrical appliances test?” Government guidelines state that PAT testing is the best way to guarantee electrical safety of portable electrical appliances. If an accident were to occur due to faulty and unmaintained portable electrical appliances the company could be fined or even imprisoned.

Additionally, landlords may also ask “What is a portable electrical appliances test?”. Landlords are recommended to complete a PAT test on a regular basis, especially if they are renting their property through an estate agent. A landlord must provide an electrical PAT test to ensure all portable electrical appliances are safe for tenants. In factories, schools and other places of education a portable electrical appliances test may prevent fires and injuries which is why portable appliances need to be tested, and a PAT test ensures this safety. In addition, without a portable electrical appliances test (PAT) property insurance may be seen as invalid, and it is a landlord’s responsibility to be vigilant in regards to electrical safety, if this is ignored and there is not an electrical PAT test certificate presented the landlord may be sued by their tenant for civil damages.