PAT Testing Surrey | Reigate, Guildford & Appliance Safety

---

WHAT IS PAT TESTING?  PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, involves the examination of electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use. We begin with a visual inspection to check for any exposed wires or burnt cables. Following this, we employ specialized PAT testing equipment to conduct essential safety checks, including tests for Earth Continuity and insulation resistance, among others. If the appliance passes these tests, it will receive a green sticker; a red sticker indicates a failure, while a blue sticker signifies a visual inspection was conducted. After completing all the necessary electrical equipment testing, we provide an appliance register and certification detailing the pass or fail status of each item.

Is it PAT Testing or EET Testing? You may have heard the terms PAT Testing, also known as Portable Appliance Testing, and more recently, EET Testing, which stands for Electrical Equipment Testing. The new IET 5th Edition Code of Practice for the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment introduces several changes, including the transition from PAT Testing to EET Testing. While the phrase PAT Testing is still widely recognized as the standard for conducting safety checks on electrical equipment, EET Testing is expected to gradually replace it. For free advice regarding PAT Testing or EET Testing, feel free to get in contact with us.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) in Surrey is a crucial component of a Health & Safety policy for your business. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reports that 25% of electrical accidents involve portable appliances, highlighting the importance of regular electrical equipment testing. The Electricity at Work Regulations (EWR) impose legal responsibilities on both employers and employees to adhere to these regulations and ensure, as far as practically possible, that safety checks are conducted to prevent any danger from using electrical equipment.

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places an obligation on employees regarding the use of electrical equipment, impacting the public in places such as hotels, hostels, schools, and shops. This includes scenarios where appliances are supplied or hired, as well as when they are serviced and repaired. To comply with regulations, it is essential to implement a systematic regular program of maintenance, inspection, and testing of portable appliances, commonly referred to as PAT testing. Failure to adhere to these safety checks could result in a fine of £5,000 per non-compliant item, six months’ imprisonment, and potential charges of manslaughter in the event of fatalities. Landlords should note that tenants may sue for civil damages, while employers face claims from employees. Furthermore, non-compliance may invalidate your property insurance or public liability insurance.