Portable appliance testing, also known as PAT testing is a process carried out in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. The process involves electrical appliances undergoing routinely checks for safety; PAT testing has become an integral part of any health & safety policy. It is advised that all electrical appliances within properties which are let out and commercial properties have their electrical goods PAT tested.
The need for PAT Testing has never been so great; the increased need for testing accompanies an increase in cheap electrical goods being imported from abroad. These imported products often have not been put through a rigorous testing program. Portable goods now account for a quarter of all reported electrical accidents. To eliminate the risk of injury from portable appliances, electricity at work legislation places the legal responsibility on both employees and employers to follow provisions set up. In 1974 a Health & Safety acts placed a legal responsibility on employers to take practical steps which ensure that the risk of danger from using portable appliances is eliminated…This has led to the introduction of PAT testing.
What does the test consist of?
The PAT test starts with a visual check for any damages to the wire or the plug, including any burn marks which may be present. The fuse is then checked to ensure the rating is correct, lastly the plug’s wiring is checked. Depending on the class of the electrical equipment the following tests may then be carried out; Earth testing, insulation resistance, polarity test and an earth leakage test.
Once Tested
Once the product has being tested and has being passed, a PAT label will be placed on the appliance with a ‘PASS’ This means the product has passed all tests and is safe to use. Alternatively, if a product does not pass it will be marked with a FAIL and should not be used.
PAT testing labels will also specify the date which the most recent test was undertaken, the deadline for the next test and the contact details of the testing company. PAT labels may also be coloured diffe
rently, this is simply done for convenience. A blue coloured label means additional testing is required, a red coloured label translates to that product failing and green coloured label means the product has passed.
Here at Pat Labels Online we pride ourselves on being the UK’s leading supplier of High Quality PAT test labels. We stock a wide variety of PAT labels, catering for all your needs. All our labels come with an u
ltra-strong adhesive back, are 100% waterproof, are tough, durable and they won’t rip, they are also easy to write on and are eco-friendly.
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