Frequently Asked Questions

Portable Appliance Testing (commonly known as PAT or PAT Inspection or PAT Testing) is a process in the United Kingdom by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety. The correct term for the whole process is In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment.

YES! The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) requires "All electrical systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger". This is interpreted as covering the fixed electrical installation as well as portable and transportable equipment connected to it. The Regulations also state "It is the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provision of these Regulations."

British law (the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in particular) requires that all electrical systems (including electrical appliances) are maintained (so far as is reasonably practicable) to prevent danger. Guidance from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, published under the IEE brand) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest initial intervals for combined inspection and testing that range from three months (for construction equipment) to one year for inspection and, in many cases, longer periods for testing (certain types of appliance in schools, hotels, offices and shops).

This would of course depend upon the number of appliances and how many are able to be grouped into one place for the inspection and testing. Generally Speaking, depending on access, about 15 - 20 appliances per hour can be tested in an occupied office environment and twice as many in a ‘grouped’ environment.

Because we have a specialised Training School (City & Guilds all electrical subjects to level 3) all of our Inspectors are highly trained and qualified. This includes, of course, the City and Guilds 2377 -11 and -12Certificate of Competence for In- Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment We train the trainers!

Upon completion we will give to you a detailed register of your portable appliances which have been inspected and tested, in hard copy and electronically. We will ‘flag’ any future inspection and testing dates well in advance of their due testing date. We will also be able to advise you, at that time, how best you may be able to re-schedule your test dates, as some equipment requires less inspection and testing than others!