What Needs PAT Testing?
What Needs PAT Testing? Our handy guide to help you work out what needs testing in your premises.
PAT Testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. Which could be a little misleading as it’s not just portable appliances that require testing. Fixed or hard to move appliances such as printers, large machinery such as power drills also require testing. The golden rule is anything plugged into the mains will require PAT testing.
Some items such as 3 phase machines or hard dryers in toilets that are fixed wired into the mains (without a plug) do not require PAT testing.
An appliance is an electrical item that is plugged in via a standard 3 pin plug into the wall. For the events & construction industry this also includes anything with blue or yellow 110v ceeform plugs.
Examples of common appliances that need to be tested include:
- Computers & Laptop Chargers
- Printers, Fans & Lamps
- Toasters, Kettles & Microwaves
- Extension Cables & Computer Power Leads
- Washing Machines, Dishwashers & Fridges
- Power Tool Chargers
- 110v Construction Equipment
- Machines (not fixed wired)
- Portable Heaters & Air Conditioners
- Extension Leads & Adapters
Appliances that are battery powered such as power tools like drills or laptops do not need to be tested. However Business Safety Solutions as well as other reputable testing companies will visually inspect these items as routine when testing everything else.
Now you know what items to look out for at your premises take a look at our guide to working out exactly how many items you have at your premises. It is usually more than you think!
What if I cannot turn off the appliance? Does it require to be tested?
When PAT testing, the appliance must be powered down form the mains in order for a full test. We understand that in some cases this would cause major disruption to your business. Items such as IT servers and backup systems will not be powered down for a full test as this could cause more harm than good. Most PAT testing companies will just visually inspect all components & power leads to check for any over heating indicators and leave such appliances switched on throughout the visual inspection.
You can find out more about what items need to be PAT Testing here
