Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Plugging it in? Make sure you've had a PAT test.
And no, that’s not something which happens after you’ve set a walk-through metal detector off. Portable Appliance Testing (now known as ‘In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment’) involves testing both fixed and unfixed electrical equipment to make sure it’s safe and fit for purpose.
All employers (even if you’re self-employed) are legally required to maintain (and prove they maintain) their electrical equipment.
Continue down the page to learn more about PAT testing or if you’re ready to get sparks flying (not literally), hit the button below to submit your enquiry.
Our clients include:
Your Electrical Experts Are Here to Keep You Safe & Legal:
PAT Testing is an essential part in your building’s health and safety procedures. But you do get a say in who you get to do this for you. Because our relationships mean as much as the job we do for you, we believe we’re the right fit for the bill. You’ve probably landed on us today because…
You've just acquired a new premises and realised your PAT Testing is well overdue
You've had a Fire Risk Assessment which has discovered a breach in electrical safety by not having up-to-date Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
You're considering switching to another provider as you're approaching your renewal date and are seeking value for money
You're frustrated about experiencing poor service from your existing electrical providers, and want your tests and inspections carried out by a more reliable team
Or...you've been referred to us after hearing how you can benefit from consolidating your fire, security and electrical servicing with one provider
PAT Testing is not to be confused with Fixed Wire Testing, which tests your electrical installation - also part of your electrical maintenance.
How We'll Look After You With PAT Testing:
Check out the steps below to see what’s involved in keeping your premises safe and legally compliant when it comes to your building’s electrical infrastructure:
1
Brief & Survey: We’ll listen to your needs to understand your building. We will carry out a building survey if needed and/or provide you with an estimate based on the number of articles you wish to have PAT-tested.
2
Time for Testing: We’ll get you booked in for your PAT Testing! You’ll then be provided with a report for your records. Your PAT-tested articles will also be labelled up with when it was carried out and when it is next due.
3
24/7 Aftercare: You’ll benefit from access to our 24/7 telephone support line for on-hand support. That’s right – we’re not just there for you once a year when your PAT Testing is due – we’ve always got your back!
Alternatively call:
01277 724 653
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Explained:
Portable Appliance Testing (or ‘In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment’ as it is now known) is a hugely important part of your commercial premises’ health and safety requirements.
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring electrical equipment is maintained to prevent accidents in the workplace. Gone are the days of testing only portable equipment, with the IET code of practice 5th edition now making fixed equipment such as hand dryers part of the remit falling under PAT testing (hence the rather long winded new name)
Damage, wear-and-tear and faults can occur, which is why it’s important to carry out your Portable Appliance Testing. It’s also incredibly important that this is carried out by a competent specialist (i.e. us!) who can readily identify and fix any electrical problems you might have.
What Happens During PAT Testing?
Your PAT Testing visit will entail a visual inspection of all aspects of each appliance which is plugged or wired by means of a spur outlet into your mains within your premises. This includes the plug, the lead and the appliance itself, where your technician will be looking for signs of damage and overheating.
Class 1 appliances (things like kettles, fridges and general IT equipment) require a little extra care with an Earth Continuity test (because they rely on earth for protection) and an Insulation Test.
Your appliances will usually have a sticker on the back (as seen on the picture of the plug further up the page) which tells you when it was last tested.
Once you’ve had your inspection, you’ll receive a report from us which is your evidence of having maintained your electrical equipment. This will also include any remedial works which you’ll need to consider if there have been problems identified during the inspection.
How often you ought to have PAT Testing depends on the premises and the equipment you have. For example, construction sites using 110V equipment should be tested as frequently as every 3 months! The norm for most premises is to have Portable Appliance Testing every 12 months.
Alternatively call:
01277 724 653
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a Legal Requirement:
The law states you’ve got to maintain your commercial building’s electrical equipment, primarily to keep your people safe. (This also applies to landlords and those who are self-employed.) The way you do this is through PAT Testing, so whilst PAT Testing isn’t directly a legal requirement, the function it does for you (i.e. maintaining your electrical equipment is).
Here are the laws which apply to maintaining your electrical equipment:
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
This law outlines the responsibilities and duties of both employers and their employees “to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons at work” to help protect “against risks to health or safety”.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The aim of this is to help prevent death or injury from electrical causes whilst at work. It specifies “all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable”.
Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
These regulations talk about ensuring workplace equipment is properly inspected and safe for use, and does not subsequently deteriorate or present a health and safety risk.
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
This talks about risks and how employers ought to assess and manage posed safety risks, whilst employees should work in line with their employer’s protocols and training.
We Do PAT Testing For:
At WFP, we understand that no two buildings are the same. Our customer base is pretty diverse and above are some of the biggest commercial sectors we cater to. Here’s a look at the kinds of premises we look after…
Offices
Dental Practices
Schools
Factories
Retail Stores
And many more!
Alternatively call:
01277 724 653
You're in Safe Hands!
We’re approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). That means you’re covered by the NICEIC Platinum Promise.
We’re also BAFE and SSAIB accredited so we’re fully fledged specialists at your service!
That means we’re certified by reputable third party bodies, so you can trust you’re in the trusted hands of experts who know what they’re doing.
The All-in-One Safety Solution For Your Building:
Bring all your fire, security, CCTV and electrical needs under one roof with our comprehensive and tailored ‘All-in-One’ service.
It’s smart and it’s simple! Here’s how you and your business will benefit:
Less Confusion
One number to call and one trusted team, whatever the problem
Time & Energy-Efficient
Get everything sorted together in one swift visit
Less Hassle
Cut out paperwork with just one contract and renewal for everything
Full Protection
Always stay safe and legally compliant too with everything fully covered
Best Value for Money
Monthly payment options and built-in discounts
Free 24/7 Support
Expert advice on the end of the phone, whenever you need it from our excellent Service and Technical teams
If you’d like to simplify your systems and reap the benefits, we should talk. Click the button below to send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Accredited and Reliable Experts:
Like any super-nerd, we don’t just talk the talk. We’re audited, insured and third-party certified by a number of accreditation bodies in the industry. Check them out here:
Areas We Cover:
We serve businesses and commercial buildings within Essex, London and the Home Counties, across East Anglia and the South East of England.
Based in Stock in Essex, we’re perfectly poised to help customers in a wide area, from Suffolk and Norfolk to Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and even Central London.
If you’re a little further afield, try us anyway! You never know where we might go, so get in touch and find out if there’s a chance we could cover your location too.
Request a FREE Quote
Get in touch to book your survey or to talk about how we can help protect your business and your people. Whether you’re looking for a repair, an upgrade, or an entirely new installation or maintenance provider, chances are we’re the ones for you. Please fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch asap!
You're Trusting Award-Winners!
WFP is extremely proud to have our very own Ricky Howell (Electrical Manager) acknowledged as ‘Electrician of the Year’ and ‘Tradesperson of the Year’!
