Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a procedure for electricians using visual and machine inspection to certify the safety of portable electrical appliances. The engineer offers a PAT certificate after assessment and this is valid for twelve months. This certificate is very important to ensure that no accidents or injuries are likely to happen when using electrical appliances.
Equipment that requires PAT evaluation
Some of the electrical appliances and equipment considered by PAT include those that draw power from the mains power supply. Additionally, the procedure also includes low voltage appliances with power supplies connecting to the mains at one end. Any high voltage appliances like speaker systems require visual inspection to ensure that there doesn't have broken insulation. Additionally, the inspection also includes self-powered appliances with accessories powered by the mains supply.
What equipment doesn't need PAT?
Music equipment like microphones and electric guitars are not included in the PAT inspection. Other appliances whose power supplies aren’t connecting to the mains don’t need PAT. Equipment such as passive speakers and battery-powered equipment aren’t included in the PAT evaluation. Additionally, low voltage appliances and equipment are safe from PAT assessment.
What makes PAT important?
Every property owner requires a portable appliance test certificate PAT in London to ensure the safety of tenants on the premises. Calling professional engineers to get a PAT certificate shows that you have played your part to protect dwellers on your property. Additionally, this certificate is essential for insurance purposes. The insurance provider is likely to refuse payment of claims if you don’t have proof of taking measures to ensure the safety of electrical appliances on your property. Even when listing your property, having a PAT certificate makes your property more attractive to renters.How often to get your appliances tested?
The rule of thumb is to have the most frequently used appliances inspected regularly. There’s no particular legislation regarding how often to have equipment PAT tested. Your obligation as a landlord is to ensure that all appliances on your property are safe. It is your duty to have the equipment tested to lessen chances of injuries and costs in insurance claims. Smart tenants expect to live on a property with a PAT certificate less than twelve years old.
You can have regularly used equipment tested from three months and above but not for more than twelve months. It is very important to keep records of equipment inspected certified by a certified engineer and a certificate awarded. Doing this is proof of fulfilling your landlord obligation to ensure that all equipment used on your property is safe. All tenants should be given some handy tips to lessen accidents that might cause damage to equipment.
Where to get a PAT certificate?
It is important to contact a reputable agency with engineers who had undertaken the PAT training course. These should have industry experience with good reviews. A professional technician will label all equipment that has been inspection with a sticker. The sticker shows Pass or Fall to indicate items that have passed the test and those that have failed and need replacement or fixing.
How much is the cost of a PAT test
A good technician will charge according to the number of appliances tested. As the number grows, you’re likely to enjoy a discount. The higher the number of items to test, the bigger the discount grows. This eliminates worry about the high cost to get appliances tested for those with bigger properties. The test includes visual inspection and an earth test is ideal for hard wired and integrated appliances
What is a visual PAT inspection?
This is looking out for damages or defaults on electrical appliances. You can do this yourself if you have the time or a professional PAT inspector can do the needful. A visual PAT inspection looks out for appliances with:
Damaged cable
Physical damage
Burn or heat damage
Incorrect fuse ratings
Broken or cracked plugs
Detachable cables with loose sockets
Bottom line
Regardless of whether you’re a store owner, have a care home, or rent property, having a Portable Appliance Testing is essential. This ensures giving peace of mind that all electrical appliances are safe for use without risk of causing injury or accidents to users. You have to contact a certified technician for an evaluation and a PAT certificate after ward.
James Dean
James Dean is a professional write who has been writing content online & in Home Improvement services for over 5 years. As well, He is the University of California, Berkeley with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When working as an online business consultant or a commercial space writing, He can be found writing on Budget Earth, on his own novel, or also working with various entities in the industry.
