When gathering pat testing quotes you will probably find that the prices can range from just 0.50pence per item but be careful when selecting a pat testing contractor, the industry is extremeley competitive and as with every industry it is open to the unscrupulous.

Please bare in mind that it is UP TO YOU the duty holder to ensure that you use the services of a Professional Appliance Tester. It is UP TO YOU to ensure the contractor carries out the work correctly and that YOU hold the test results for your maintenance records or you could still fall foul of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, PUWER and other legislation. There is nothing wrong with any contractor charging very low prices as long as they do the job properly.

In order to comply with Health & Safety legislation you must have a maintenance system in place for all electrical systems and you may have to prove due diligence to prevent danger.

Some Insurance companies will insist on a regular system of maintenance for your electrical equipment including the installation.

 So what are we paying the PAT Technician to do?

The most important part of In - service Inspection and Testing of the Electrical Equipment is Formal Visual Inspection (most dangerous appliances are found just by looking) this should be carried out by somebody who is suitably trained. So you would expect the Contractor to check the flexible cable for damage and size, take the plug apart, check that it is wired correctly, no signs of overheating, no damage to plugtop, terminations are tight, and the correct fuse is fitted, check that enough insulation is entering past the cord grip and that the cord grip is tight. Obviously if the plug is the moulded type then only the flex, fuse rating and fuse cover can be examined.

Plug and/or Fuse Replacement (Where necessary).

When electrical tests are then carried out they must include an earth bond measurement (which measures any resistance against the flow of current to earth and the integrity of the connection) for earthed appliances and an insulation resistance measurement of 500 Volts (dc) to ensure that there is no breakdown of the insulation. Remember that if there is a breakdown of insulation the current may cause the appliance case to become live and yes this does happen.

If you look at the picture below you will see degradation of the insulation and a reading of 10 .5mA  was present at the case of the appliance.

  This measurement was taken from a new toaster straight from the box.

Sensitive equipment such as I.T equipment will need an alternative test to avoid possible damage to sensitive components.

Dont forget that power leads (IEC/Kettle leads connecting your equipment) and extension leads will also be tested with an additional polarity check to ensure that they are wired correctly. There are many on the market that are counterfeit, some with no fuses at all, Insulated earth pins and extension leads that are not earthed.

 There is NO protective earth conductor present in this 4 gang extension lead so even if any of the attached appliances had  passed the test they would have become potentially lethal when connected. Click on picture to see some excellent advice from fatallyflawed.org.uk

The Test Technician should then provide the following:

 PASS/FAIL STATUS LABELLING                    

DETAILED INDIVIDUAL TEST RESULTS. 

CERTIFICATE OF TESTING. 

 How much it costs depends on you, we hope that the information we have supplied goes some way to help you decide whether your chosen contractor provides value for money or has just charged you the price of a label. Any Professional Appliance Tester will be happy to discuss their procedures and dont forget ALWAYS insist on detailed itemised test results it IS what you are paying for.

Call us now for a quote!

Remember:   Everything is fine until something happens  

01443 403430                              0776 5048255