ANCHOR PAT TESTING

Portable appliance testing (PAT) involves the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.

Although most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination, some can only be found by testing says the Health & Safety Executive.

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition.

The Regulations do not, however, specify what needs to be done, by whom or how frequently.

PAT testing is not mandatory, but the law requires employers to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger.

The Health & Safety Executive says that employers should take a risk-based approach based on types of equipment and their uses

No – but the person doing the testing must be competent to carry it out.

Although visual inspections by a competent member of staff with sufficient knowledge and training might be sufficient in low-risk environments, combined inspection and testing requires a greater level of competence.

That person wil be expected to have the right equipment to perform the tests and the ability both to use it properly and to understand the test results.

In the case of Anchor PAT Testing, Korena is a certified tester, uses calibrated equipment and is a fully insured tradesperson.

Class I – Items in this class have basic insulation and rely on an earth for protection. They should be given an Earth Continuity test and an Insulation test.

Examples include kettles, toasters, irons, microwaves, electric heaters, fridges, freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers.

Class II – these appliances have two layers of insulation, with basic protection provided by a plastic connector. Additional protection is provided by a plastic casing, with the double insulation removing the need for an earth connection.

Examples include hair dryers, DVD players, televisions, computers and photocopiers.