Regulated PAT testing electricians
If you are looking for a regulated PAT testing specialist in Cambridge, MS Electrical Services have been serving customers since 2007.
What is PAT testing?
Electrical equipment testing (often referred to as PAT testing) is the in-service inspection and testing of any electrical appliance or equipment, to ensure its ongoing safety for use, as set out in the IET Code of Practice for the In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment 5th Edition.
MS Electrical’s PAT testing service comprises various tests to measure compliance, including:
- Function testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Earth leakage testing
- Earth continuity testing
We also undertake a thorough visual inspection of the appliance.
Is there a legal requirement for PAT testing?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places upon ‘duty holders’ a duty of care which applies both to the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of everyone using the premises. The Provisions & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 state that every employer shall ensure that ‘the result of an inspection made under this regulation is recorded and kept until the next inspection under these regulations is recorded’. These regulations apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work.
Can anyone carry out PAT testing?
In reality, anyone can qualify to carry out PAT testing, but our advice is to engage a qualified electrician – and ideally a specialist electrical safety testing company such as ourselves – to do it. That way you can rest assured that the PAT testing is being carried out in line with all the regulations and your workspace will be safe as a result.
How long does PAT testing take?
This will depend on how many appliances you have that need testing and also their location, especially if you have multiple sites. In general, a single appliance will take between five and ten minutes to test.
How long does a PAT testing certificate last?
There are no specified timescales in law, or within the code of practice, for the frequency of how often pat tests should be completed. The frequency of inspection and testing may vary for different equipment, workplaces & users. There may also be requirements specified by insurance companies, landlords or interested parties. A risk assessment must be undertaken by the duty holder to determine the frequency of inspections & tests. This will also help comply with the legal part of the Electricity at Work Regulations part 4(2) & The Provisions & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
To ensure that you remain compliant we also issue a reminder email before your PAT testing is due so that you don't miss the risk-assessed deadline. To view feedback from our satisfied customers please visit our testimonials page.
We offer commercial & domestic rental PAT testing in Cambridge, so to learn more or to make an appointment, please call us on 01223 850301 or complete our enquiry form.