Welcome to Cheshire Building Consult, where safety is our top priority. We provide complete PAT testing in Manchester to ensure your portable electrical appliances (PEA) run smoothly, protecting your team from potential dangers.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) ensures that electrical appliances are safe. It involves several tests and inspections of portable electrical equipment, which helps to discover any possible hazards that may result in electric shock, fire, or other accidents. PAT testing is typically conducted by trained experts who use specialised equipment to determine the safety of appliances such as computers, kettles, and power tools.
The PAT testing process involves visual checks and electrical tests. It looks for any visible signs of damage, like frayed cords or damaged plugs. Electrical tests measure the insulation resistance, earth continuity, and appliance operation. All issues are recorded in a report to determine whether they have passed or failed the tests.
Faulty electrical wiring and damaged appliances are the main culprits behind domestic and workplace fires. That is where PAT tests come in. Regular testing helps in:
Types of Appliances | Definition | Examples | Recommended PAT Testing Frequency |
Class I | Appliances with basic insulation and an earth connection to prevent electric shock. The metal parts are earthed via a protective conductor to ensure safety in case of insulation failure | Kettles, irons, refrigerators, washing machines, toasters. | Every 12 months in low-risk environments; every 3-6 months in high-risk environments (e.g., public use areas). |
Class II | Appliances with double or reinforced insulation not requiring an earth connection. They are designed to prevent electric shock even if one insulation layer fails. | Hairdryers, drills, TVs, lawnmowers and garden tools. | In low-risk environments, testing is required every 12 months; depending on usage, handheld appliances may require testing every 3-6 months. |
Class III | Appliances operating at a separated extra-low voltage (SELV) of no more than 50V AC or 120V DC. These do not require an earth connection and pose minimal risk of electric shock. | Phone chargers, laptops (via SELV adapters) and low-voltage lighting. | Visual inspections only; PAT testing of chargers every 12 months, depending on environment and usage. |
PEA refers to any portable electrical equipment with a plug and cable. This includes various appliances used daily in offices, different work environments, and homes.
Faulty electrical wiring and damaged appliances are the main culprits behind domestic and workplace fires. That is where PAT tests come in. Regular testing helps in:
By identifying potential problems before they escalate, PAT testing minimises the risk of electric shock and fires, helping to maintain a safer work and living environment.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place a legal obligation on employers to maintain a safe working environment. PAT testing is a recognised and effective method for ensuring this, demonstrating your dedication to upholding these regulations.
Where a landlord provides an electrical appliance as part of a tenancy, the law expects the appliance will be maintained in a safe condition that will not cause harm to the tenant. Failure to do so could lead to the landlord being sued for negligence.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help you detect minor issues before they develop into significant problems (both in your office and home). This extends the lifespan of your appliances and saves you money on replacements in the long run.
The answer is a resounding yes. While PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement as of 2024, it’s a highly recommended and cost-effective way to ensure the safety of the occupants and properties.
Here at Cheshire Building Consult, we are seasoned professionals in PAT testing. Our comprehensive approach involves:
Once we are done, our team will hand you an inventory list mentioning the type of each appliance, its name, location, and description, a detailed report stating the test result for each piece of equipment, and a list of failed equipment (if any) along with the reason for its failure.
By opting for regular PAT testing with us at Cheshire Building Consult, you’re protecting your employees and property from potential electrical hazards and demonstrating your commitment to upholding safety regulations.
Contact us and schedule your appointment for PAT testing in Manchester, Bolton, Blackburn, or elsewhere in the UK today. We’ll work diligently to ensure your home and workplace remain safe and compliant.
Other than this, we can also help you with fire risk assessment and building new home extensions in the UK.
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