PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing or PAT Testing is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a series of visual inspections and electronic tests.

Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing.

A PAT test is a routine inspection of some types of electrical appliance to check they are safe to use. Its purpose is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.

A full PAT test should include both a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment.

PAT testing is suitable for businesses, landlords, and homeowners who possess electrical equipment that is regularly used or moved around outdoors and indoors. PAT testing is also essential for organizations that place a high value on safety, such as schools, hospitals, and offices.

By carrying out regular PAT testing, you can prevent electrical accidents, reduce the risk of damage or fire, and comply with health and safety regulations.

Our aim at DS Lavender is to ensure that all your appliances are safe and comply with current legal standards, giving you peace of mind and saving you time and money in the long run.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of testing electrical equipment to ensure that it is safe for use. This involves visual inspections of the equipment and electrical tests to determine if there are any faults or potential hazards.

By performing PAT testing, DS Lavender can identify any issues and take appropriate action to prevent electrical accidents and injuries. This ensures that customers can use their electrical equipment with confidence and reduces the risk of damage or harm caused by faulty electrical devices.

Additionally, PAT testing is required under UK law for businesses that supply electrical equipment to customers or employees. At DS Lavender, we believe in providing trustworthy and reliable services to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers.

It is up to the individual business to decide how to achieve and demonstrate their equipment is in a safe condition. However, PAT testing has been developed to cover all facets of electrical appliance safety and is therefore the ideal option to make sure your devices do not pose any dangers to their users.

Battery-operated equipment and cordless equipment (for example, power tools) do not need PAT testing, as they are not powered by mains electricity. However, any battery chargers that power the equipment would need testing as these plug into the wall and charge the equipment.

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of appliance and its usage. Generally, appliances used in commercial or public settings need to be tested more often than those used in a domestic setting.

DS Lavender recommends that PAT testing is carried out every 12 months for commercial and public settings and every 2 years for domestic settings. However, it is essential to note that the usage and environment of the appliance can affect the frequency of testing, and it's best to consult with a professional electrician to determine more precisely how often your appliances require testing.

DS Lavender offers a comprehensive PAT testing service, ensuring you comply with the necessary legal requirements and guaranteeing safe usage of your electrical appliances.

The duration of PAT testing with DS Lavender depends on the number of appliances that require testing and the complexity of the equipment. Small to medium-sized companies with a few electrical appliances can expect it to take between 1-2 hours whereas larger businesses with many appliances could see testing time take a full day or more.

It may also take longer when our technicians find faults that require repairs before the equipment is safe to use. However, at DS Lavender, we understand the importance of minimal disruption to our clients' businesses, and we strive to complete our services as quickly and effectively as possible to minimize downtime.

Our team of qualified and experienced technicians will work efficiently to ensure that your business remains operational while also keeping everyone safe. If you have any concerns or wish to learn more about the PAT testing process, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to address any questions.