Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Test) Service, Dubai, UAE

Portable appliance testing (commonly known as “PAT”, “PAT Inspection” or redundantly as “PAT Testing) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. The formal term for the process is “in-service inspection & testing of electrical equipment”. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone.

The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom. For guidance on suggested frequencies of inspection and testing, see: Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment.

Why PAT is Done?The keyword is liability. An employer or manufacturer should show as much concern about safety as does the legal system. The liability is with the employer or owner of a place of business, or public place, to ensure that all electrical equipment accessible by employees or the public is maintained in a safe condition.

There are a number of reasons why appliances should be PAT tested on a regular basis, but we feel the most important ones are:

• To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations.
• To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
• To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances.
• To satisfy your Insurance Company.
• To comply with all Health & Safety requirements and ISO standards.
• Quality Assurances also requires you to comply.

Also, one of the first things Fire Officers and Health & Safety Inspectors usually ask to see on any inspection visit is PAT testing records.

What is Done During PAT?

A relatively brief user check (based upon simple training and perhaps assisted by the use of a brief checklist) can be a very useful part of any electrical maintenance regime. However, more formal visual inspection and testing by a competent person may also be required at appropriate intervals, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.

Testing involves a visual inspection of the equipment and any flexible cables for good condition, and also where required, verification of earthing (grounding) continuity, and a test of the soundness of insulation between the current carrying parts, and any exposed metal that may be touched. The formal limits for pass/fail of these electrical tests vary somewhat depending on the category of equipment being tested.

PAT can be done by hiring an external company, like Carelabs, to test all the electrical products in a business or it can be done in-house by a competent person. In a low-risk environment most dangerous defects can be found simply by checking the appliances for obvious signs of damage such as frayed cables.

What Needs to be PAT Tested?

If you have an appliance that has a plug that is intended to be connected to a wall socket or generator, it qualifies as needing to be PAT tested.

This can include items such as electric drills, monitors, printers, PCs, kettles and larger items like photocopiers, vending machines and others. So a cordless power tool would not need to be PAT tested but their battery chargers that plug into the wall for power do need to be tested.

All IT equipment should be tested, including power cords to this equipment although they are required to be tested separately from the equipment that they power, because they are held to a different standard.

Frequency of PAT TestingIn order to determine how often you should have your appliances tested, you should bear in mind a few different factors:

• Equipment that is used more should be tested more frequently. This equipment is likely to suffer less damage than that used regularly.
• If people using equipment report any damages as they become noticeable, there is less chance of a major hazard. If equipment regularly receives damage or abuse that is not reported then inspections and testing are required more frequently.
• The type of equipment in question is a major factor in determining PAT testing frequency. Hand held appliances are more likely to become damaged than those that are stationary. Class 1 appliances carry the greatest risk of danger and should be tested more often.

How PAT Testing is Done?Visual Examination Visual examination is vital and always precedes electrical testing. It often reveals major defects that would not be revealed by testing alone.

Categories of in-service visual examination and electrical testing are divided into three types:

• Operator checks (no records if equipment is OK).
• Formal visual examination (recorded).
• Comb.