PAT Testing

From certified labels and logbooks to portable appliance testers and datasheets, Cromwell can supply you with everything necessary to guarantee safety and protection against electrical defects. Our selection of Portable PAT testers from leading brands such as Megger© and Seaward© offer exceptional accuracy to ensure peace of mind from those non-visible faults and keep your electrical appliances running smoothly and safely.

What is PAT testing?

Whether a rental property, the workplace, a hospital or your home, PAT (portable appliance testing) is fundamental to keeping electrical equipment safe, efficient and long lasting. Our range of PAT testing includes everything needed to tackle electrical examinations however the most important element is the PAT tester. Whilst most electrical defects can be visibly seen, PAT testers are required to ensure non-visible faults can be detected and as such, the electrician will pass or fail the electrical equipment to control the risk of electrical accidents and safety threats.

When is PAT testing used?

PAT testing is regularly recommended to ensure the safety of people and their environments. The UK law simply states that employers must ensure their electrical equipment is routinely maintained to prevent danger, therefore PAT testing becomes the foundation to ensuring legal protection and most importantly, providing electrical safety. However, there is a 3-tier category system for if and how frequently PAT testing must be carried out, thus dependant on the piece of electrical equipment, the maintenance can vary.

Considerations when choosing PAT testers

• Price - Our site offers PAT testers in a range of different prices, based on the simplicity and level of technical knowledge needed, as well as the environments each PAT tester is used for.

• Environment - PAT testers are made to suit different environments, for example, whilst some devices are made to test appliances in offices, shops and business units with easy access to plugs, others are handheld and rechargeable for environments like building sites and warehouses where electrical outputs may not be available or safe. It is important to consider the environments you will be testing within to choose the best PAT tester for you.

FAQs

Who is responsible for PAT testing and who can use PAT testers?

In any legally operating workplace, the employer is responsible for electrical appliance safety, however in larger companies there may be an appointed individual to ensure electrical and fire safety regulations are being carried out appropriately. Anybody can use a PAT tester, however it is expected that the persons have completed regulatory courses and training in electrics by a qualified trainer.

What is the legal expectations around PAT testing?

PAT testing and PAT testers are not a UK legal requirement however the maintenance of electrical equipment is a legal obligation of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Therefore, PAT testing becomes a neccesity to fire safety. There is also no legal requirement to apply PAT testing stickers onto tested appliances but they are a standard practice to help with maintenance and management of electrical safety and are massively encouraged.