What is Portable Appliance Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company's or individual's responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.

What does a PAT test consist of?

We start with a visual inspection checking for:

• Damaged flexes
• Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)
• Correctly wired plugs
• Correctly rated fuse

Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include

• Earth continuity testing
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity test
• Earth leakage test

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test both 110 volt and 230 volt wet weather equipment.

Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?

The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use. See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989.

With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use.

In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?

This will be dependant on your company's risk assessment and maintenance schedule. It is commonplace for annual tests to be carried out.  If your company does not have maintenance schedule in place we can help with this.

Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?

Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.

Why should I use SPT to do my PAT testing?

We exclusively offer Portable Appliance Testing services, and all our testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers' (IEE) code of practice.

We pride ourselves on a flexible, efficient service customised to suit all clients' needs.  We are an honest and customer focussed business who aim to expand by customer recommendation and therefore customer satisfaction is of utmost importance.

What areas do SPT cover?

We PAT test across Swindon and the surrounding area, However if you have a requirment further afield please contact us and we may still be able to help.

How much will my PAT testing cost?

This will depend on how many items need testing. See our pricing guide.

If you have a quote from another company give us a call and we may be able to beat it.

How long will the testing take?

We can do between 10 and 15 electrical tests per hour, this is dependant on access and availability of the items.

Will the testing be disruptive?

During Portable appliance Testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them.

We can work outside of business hours or at weekends if this helps.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.