Nationwide PAT Testing service with unmatched standards

Why Portable Appliance Testing is key for your business

Most businesses today use portable electrical appliances in some way so it’s important they’re regularly checked and inspected. Business owners and employers are legally responsible for their people’s safety and this involves making their equipment undergoes portable appliance testing

PAT Testing is a series of tests and inspections that determine whether a portable appliance is safe to use and fit for purpose. This is vital to the safety of your people and your premises.

Everyday wear and tear can lead to damage and the risk of fire or electrical shocks, so it’s crucial all electrical equipment is checked.

What are my legal requirements?

If you have people using portable electrical equipment on-site or at home, you’re responsible for checking the appliance to ensure the safety of your employees. Periodic inspection and testing come under legal requirements which you need to abide by. These include;

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

For more information on exactly what needs to be done when testing your equipment, how often it must be done, and who needs to do it, check out our guide here.

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Who can PAT test?

To carry out pat testing and visual testing, you need to appoint an individual who has previous experience and knowledge when checking your electrical equipment. To hold this responsibility, you should have completed a PAT testing training course or a competent person scheme.

Which items should be PAT tested?

There are 2 main factors which determine whether or not an item should be PAT tested:

  • The electrical ‘class’ of the item
  • The ‘category’ of the item

How often do my appliances need PAT Testing?

The frequency of your PAT Testing depends on a number of factors – things like the appliance itself, how it’s used, how often it’s used and the industry you’re in.

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What are ‘electrical classes’ in PAT testing?

Electrical appliances are mainly categorised as Class 1, 2 or 3, with Class 1 being the most dangerous and Class 3 the least dangerous.

The class of an appliance helps determine whether it needs to be PAT tested and to what degree. Class 1 appliances need a full PAT test, Class 2 appliances need a PAT insulation test, and Class 3 appliances don’t need to be PAT tested at all.

Class 1 appliances

This type of electrical equipment has only basic insulation and relies on an earth for protection so may need an earth continuity test.

Class 2 appliances

This type of electrical equipment has extra insulation so may need insulation resistance testing but doesn’t rely on an earth for protection, which makes it safer.

Class 3 appliances

Class 3 appliances are low voltage items and are the safest class of electrical appliance. Their charging leads may need to be PAT tested.

What are the ‘categories’ of electrical appliance in PAT testing?

There are 7 categories of electrical appliance which require some level of testing, either a simple visual inspection, or a full PAT test:

  • Fixed appliances
  • Stationary appliances
  • IT appliances
  • Moveable appliances
  • Portable appliances
  • Cables and chargers
  • Hand Held appliances

How can I guarantee to pass my PAT test?

An easy way to remain vigilant is to keep an eye out for visual signs of damage to electrical systems or equipment. Make sure your whole team is aware of key things to look out for:

  • Cracked switches or loose back plates on sockets
  • Frayed wiring
  • Signs of overheating
  • Unusual sounds or smells coming from electrical equipment

If you or any of your team see any of these signs, make sure they speak up. A simple visual inspection like this can prevent risk of harm by electrical shock or fire.

Set up your free PAT Testing reminder service

It takes just one minute to fill in the form and we’ll send you a free reminder. That way you can ensure your business remains compliant at all times without lifting a finger.

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PAT Testing reminder service

Why choose Citation Fire & Electrical for
PAT Testing?

Nationwide service

With you wherever you are

No matter where you’re based, we have engineers across the country so we can be by your side when you need us – with no call out charges or hidden fees.

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Quality assurance as standard

We’re ISO 9001 certified, which means we continually monitor, manage and improve our services, so you can expect consistently high standards whenever you work with us.

Experience and expertise

Experience and expertise

Our PAT Testing engineers are audited regularly to make sure that they’re always using best-practice and the most up-to-date standards.

What our customers say...

Livewire Testimonial "I just wanted to say how wonderful the service was from the gentleman that came in to do our PAT Testing. He was a pleasure to deal with and nothing was too much trouble. Please do pass on our praise and thanks." Livewire Shiree Parsons Production Manager Avante Testimonial Avante Dental Care "I would just like to compliment your electrical engineer Andre Lockyer on his professionalism carrying out the fixed wire testing for Avante Dental Care today. He arrived punctually, was very efficient, cordial and professional." Gina Von Bradsky Welland Testimonial Welland Medical "Our PAT Testing is now complete and I wanted to pass on my appreciation for the way Ashley has worked over the last few days. I have to say that he has worked extremely hard, been courteous throughout to all out staff and communicated extremely well regarding any issues that arose." Jeff Hughes Eng MIET Engineering Manager Wydale Testimonial Wydale "I’ve reviewed the report and would like to comment on the good job that was done by your engineer Rob Christie. It’s rare nowadays getting what you ask and pay for but Rob has done a superb job listing everything as requested." Paul Perry Health & Safety

What our customers say...

Livewire Testimonial Livewire "I just wanted to say how wonderful the service was from the gentleman that came in to do our PAT Testing. He was a pleasure to deal with and nothing was too much trouble. Please do pass on our praise and thanks." Shiree Parsons Testimonial- Livewire Production Manager Avante Testimonial Avante Dental Care "I just wanted to say how wonderful the service was from the gentleman that can in to do our PAT Testing. He was a pleasure to deal with and nothing was too much trouble. Please do pass on our praise and thanks." Gina Von Bradsky Avante Dental Care Testimonial Welland Testimonial Welland Medical "Our PAT testing is now complete and I wanted to pass on my appreciation for the way Ashley has worked over the last few days.I have to say that he has worked extremely hard, been courteous throughout to all our staff and communicated extremely well." Jeff Hughes Eng MIET Welland Medical Testimonial Engineering Manager Wydale Testimonial Wydale "I’ve reviewed the report and would like to comment on the good job that was done by your engineer. It’s rare nowadays getting what you ask and pay for but Rob has done a superb job listing everything as requested." Paul Perry Wydale Testimonial Health & Safety