• 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.

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:

• 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.

• Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Management of health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

The consequences of not performing inspections can result in injury or even death to persons, fines, and/or custodial sentences to employers who are found guilty of flouting the regulations. Insurance companies may also refuse to pay out on claims too.

The very first test performed in the PAT sequence is a visual check. We look for:

1. Correct fuse ratings in plugs;
2. Incorrectly wired plugs;
3. Exposed wires;
4. Broken casings;
5. Damaged plugs;
6. Signs of overheating or burns and any signs that the appliance or power cord is in a dangerous condition.

Assuming the item passes the visual inspection we then commence the test sequence.

Using an industry leading PAT machine, all appliances used by the client are tested for:

1. A good earth bond (if the appliance is earthed it’s termed a Class 1 appliance);
2. Integrity of the insulation between the live and neutral conductors;
3. Load test. Checking the correct operation of the appliance and fuse;
4. Earth leakage, measuring the current leaked to earth during operation of the appliance.

Every appliance is labelled with its own unique asset number, with either a pass label or fail label depending on the outcome of the PAT test. A by-product of performing a PAT test is that the client receives an inventory of the electrical equipment owned and used by the business, which can be valuable especially if the company has several thousand appliances.

The IEE lays out the standards and methodology to be adhered to by PAT testing companies and PAT engineers in the IEE Code of Practice – West Test strictly follows this code. Comprehensive records of testing are kept by us should the client ever need a backup or replacement asset (appliance) register or certificates.

Upon completion of our testing process you receive:

1. Certificate of electrical testing;
2. Pass or fail asset register which is a bound folder containing printouts of all results;
3. Appliance register (if required);
4. CD of results (if required);
5. Results emailed to you immediately (if required).

Pricing

Our pricing includes everything, regardless of the number of repairs or replacement components, or the time of the day the client requests the testing be performed. To discuss your needs and subsequent pricing, complete our online contact form or call Jamie for a friendly discussion.

Note: Estimates will depend on the number of items to be tested and ease of access to said items. We apply a minimum call out charge of £45.00 and this includes the first 30 tests.

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.

• 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.