PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. Mains-powered devices should be regularly tested to ensure that they are electrically-safe. This is especially important in the workplace, and for equipment that is moved around a lot, increasing the risk of damage.

It’s important to test equipment in accordance with the recommendations contained within the IEE Code of Practice.

A PAT test on a piece of equipment typiucallyonly takjes a few minutes. First, a visual check is carried out to make sure there is no obvious cable or plug damage.

Assuming the item passes trhe visual check, then it is connected to a Portable Appliance Tester, which runs through a number of basic checks.

If the equipment passes the Test Equipment’s own tests, then the item under test “passes”. An appropriate sticker is attached, to indicate the date of the test, and when the next test is recommended. If an item fails, then it is marked accordingly.

Typically, a certificate is issued, and a log of all items that have been tested, is kept.

There is no fixed schedule as to when testing needs to take place – it depends on the environment and the way that the equipment is used. For example:

• A photocopier or printer in a small office may be rarely moved, making it potentially low-risk and only needing checks every 4-5 years
• A kettle, vacuum cleaner or portable heater in a busy office tend to get moved around a lot, and may need to be inspected for damage and tested annually.
• Power tools, hire equipment may need more frequent checks.
• Extension leads also need to be checked
• If you buy (or borrow) a new piece of equipment, this should be tested too, just to be safe.