Portable Appliance Testing (commonly known as PAT or PAT Inspection or PAT Testing) is a process in the UK by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety by a qualified electrician.
PAT testing has become a core part of Health and Safety requirements for all employers and landlords. Designed to protect employees and tenants, regulations state that portable appliances must be certified as electrically safe. Portable appliances are defined as any electrical items that can be plugged into the mains, for example, kettles, lamps, microwaves, TV etc.
Under the new PAT testing regulations, many types of portable electrical items require a test at regular intervals to ensure their continual safety. The actual interval between each test depends on both the type of appliance and the environment it is used in but is usually an annual requirement. Evidence of PAT testing is clearly visible to all users in the form of ‘Passed’, ‘Tested for Electrical Safety’ and ‘DO NOT USE after’ labels which are affixed by the electrician.
PAT testing is just one of the electrical testing services available from Green Electrical and Maintenance Services in the London area; we also offer NICEIC Electrical Condition Reports for fixed installations and wiring in rental properties.
