FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few questions we get asked regularly about the PAT services we offer. Feel free to leave us a relevant message and we’ll be more than happy to provide some insightful clarification on the subject.
Are there unexpected additional PAT costs?
October 29th, 2009The price we quote is inclusive of:
- a comprehensive testing program
- results and certificate in a bound folder and on a CD rom if required, and
- all minor repairs and spares (including fuses and plugs etc)
We do not give a price and then add VAT after the job. The price we state is the price you pay.
For fixed price jobs the price we quote is based on an accurate number of tests given to us by the client. Should the number of tests exceed that which is quoted for, the price will rise accordingly.
When estimating or counting the items to be PAT tested; should an appliance have a separate detachable lead (Computers, Monitors, Kettles, and some AC Adapters etc.), then both the appliance and the lead must be counted – they are viewed as separate items. This is made clear in the IEE Code of Practice.
4 Responses to " Are there unexpected additional PAT costs? "
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How frequently must PAT testing be conducted?
October 29th, 2009This depends on the type and location of equipment. We adhere to guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
One Response to " How frequently must PAT testing be conducted? "
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We are a building company, What is the situation with our workmen’s tools?
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Which types of appliances need testing?
October 29th, 2009The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) – the umbrella containing the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) – code of practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment categorises the following:
- Portable appliances
- An appliance of less than 18Kg in mass that is intended to be moved while in operation or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another (e.g. toasters, food mixers, vacuum cleaners, and fan heaters etc);
- Movable equipment (transportable)
- 18Kg or less in mass and not fixed (e.g. electric fire, or equipment with wheels, castors or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use (e.g. air conditioning units etc));
- Hand-held appliances
- Intended to be held in the hand during normal use (e.g. hair dryers, drills, and soldering irons etc);
- Stationary equipment or appliances
- Mass exceeding 18Kg and not provided with a carrying handle (e.g. refrigerators and washing machines etc);
- Fixed equipment/appliances
- Fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specified location (e.g. bathroom heaters and towel rails etc);
- Appliances/equipment for building in
- Installed in a prepared recess such as a cupboard. In general, equipment for building in does not have an enclosure on all sides because on one or more of the sides, additional protection against electric shock is provided by the surrounding (e.g. a built-in electric cookers etc);
- Information technology equipment (business equipment)
- Computer and mains powered telecommunications equipment, and other equipment for general business use, such as mail processing machines, electric plotters, trimmers, VDU‘s, data terminal equipment, typewriters, telephones, printers, photocopiers, and power packs etc);
- Extension leads
- Should not be used if possible. They should be tested as portable appliances. It is recommended that 3-core leads (including a protective earthing conductor) be used.
- A standard 13A 3-pin extension socket-outlet must always use a 3-core earthed cable to ensure protection against electrical shock, if used at any time with an item of Class I equipment.
- The length of an extension lead for general use should not exceed the following:
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- 1.25mm2 x 12m;
- 1.5mm2 x 15m;
- 2.5mm2 x 25m;
- 2.5mm2 cables cannot be wired to standard 13A plugs, but they may be used with BS EN 60309 industrial plugs.
- Extension leads exceeding the above lengths must be protected by a 30mA RCD manufactured to BS 7071.
- These measurements do not apply to the flex of an appliance, refer to paragraph 15.13 of IEE‘s Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
5 Responses to " Which types of appliances need testing? "
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My employees have comapny mobile phones, the chargers are left plugged in , in the office. Do these need testing ?
cheers -
Hi, for appliances such as laptops i.e. with an ac adaptor, do you test the adaptor with the laptop connected, or do you just need the mains adaptor ? thanks.
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Is there a legal requirement to PAT test?
October 27th, 2009There is no strict legal requirement. However, The Government has put in place regulations pertaining to Electrical maintenance. By far the most effective way to adhere to these regulations is to perform PAT testing.
The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will expect PAT testing to be performed to ensure compliance with regulations; those being:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 4(2) and 2(1);
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 4(1);
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a fine up to £5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. The general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, has seen fines of up to £20,000 introduced in 1992. Moreover, offences heard in the Crown Court can carry up to 2 years imprisonment and unlimited financial penalties.
11 Responses to " Is there a legal requirement to PAT test? "
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Hi, can you clarify a point please? I understand that PAT testing is not compulsory, but i gather that by having it done i am therefore meeting certain regulations pertaining to maintenance and safety?
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My insurers have requested to see some PAT documents. I have not had testing done yet, do the documents you provide show all the information that my insurers will need to see?
Thanks -
Hi – can you clarify whether it is compulsary for Self Catering properties to have a PAT test – if so how often – or is it ‘best practice’.
Many thanks – David
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We have had P.A.T. done for the last 4 years by the same company at the voluntary organisation I work for. At this last one they found, and charged, for 15 extra items than they had ever done before. We have not added any new electrical items to our office. Could you please tell me if the requirements have changed to cover previously exempt items, i.e. extention leads etc.
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The lack of concrete guidelines is a problem for businesses. Yes, the law states they have a responsibility but what does that mean? I really believe there should be stricter rules regarding PAT testing so businesses know exactly where they stand and how often appliances should be tested.
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What does the PAT testing process involve?
October 27th, 2009Firstly there s a visual inspection which checks for:
- Damaged plugs, cables, and casing (cracks or burns);
- Correct fuse ratings;
- Plug wiring inspection.
Secondly the PAT machine checks for:
- Earth continuity;
- Insulation resistance;
- Polarity and earth leakage.
4 Responses to " What does the PAT testing process involve? "
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I understand that some appliances do not need a full test every 12 months, but that a visual inspection will suffice?
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What is the situation with PAT testing my own business equipment ?
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What is PAT testing?
October 27th, 2009Portable Appliance Testing is a specialised sequence of tests designed to confirm the safety of an electrical appliance, which is vital if a business is to adhere to health and safety regulations.
4 Responses to " What is PAT testing? "
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Does the test process differ from one PAT machine to another,or is it a universal process?
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Hi, is there a governing body overseeing pat testing?
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PAT testing services in Leeds – http://www.m-t-i.co.uk
Hello, Do you charge extra if you have to travel any distance from Bristol?
It depends on the distance from Bristol. This is worked out on an individual basis
Is it possible to have test results e-mailed to the client immediately upon completion of testng, if it is an urgent need ?
Yes, as soon as the engineer has downloaded the test results into the office computer, the final documents and results are available to be e-mailed if needed.