Guidance Archives

PAT testers should be replacing non-sleeved plugs

Replace non sleeved plugs Whilst it's not the 'law' the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association recommends replacing non-sleeved plugs for sleeved ones. Non-sleeved plugs have not been manufactured in the UK since 1984, and they don't meet the standard for safety - not having sleeves on the earth and insulation pins means a user could come into contact with the electricity supply when plugging in or unplugging a device, so these plugs don't meet safety standards. As the purpose of the PAT test is to make sure a plug is safe [...]

Richard Ayre2021-10-06T09:32:01+00:00October 6th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

How much should I expect to pay for PAT testing?

PAT testing is a process carried out to check electrical equipment fitted with a plug is safe to use; it is part of health and safety in the UK. A thorough PAT is crucial to find issues that may not be detected normally, so should be carried out by an experienced, skilled operator. The price for PAT testing depends on many different factors, not least geographical area, with prices in the UK ranging from 50p per item to £5.00 or more. On average we find that PAT testing of normal electrical equipment in normal workplaces, such as computers and kettles [...]

Richard Ayre2021-09-13T15:34:12+00:00September 13th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

Do I really need to calibrate my PAT tester?

PAT tester Calibration PAT tester calibration - is it really necessary? Do I really have to get it done every year? Members often ask about getting their PAT tester calibrated, and it is a question we often see pop in forums online, "do I really need my PAT tester calibrated every year? It's such an expense!" I bet your customers are asking the same question about their PAT testing! However, most responsible people, know the importance of calibrating their equipment. They know how important it is that their PAT tester operates correctly. PAT tester Calibration PAT tester Calibration is important [...]

Richard Ayre2021-09-13T08:19:12+00:00September 13th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

Fixed electrical appliances – is a PAT Tester supposed to test them?

Fixed Electrical Appliances - who should be testing them? Fixed Electrical Appliances - who should be testing them? Is a PAT tester supposed to test fixed appliances? No. Is an electrician supposed to test fixed appliances? No. So who is meant to test fixed appliances? Someone competent to do so. A PAT tester is supposed to check portable appliances (PAT) to make sure they are safe. A portable appliance has a plug. An experienced PAT tester may be competent to do other tasks, like some electrical work, or to test fixed appliances; but he is not expected [...]

Richard Ayre2021-09-13T08:40:56+00:00June 14th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

It’s time to start PAT testing again

The HSE expects businesses to resume testing of their equipment following Covid restrictions. In early April (2021) the Health and Safety Executive updated their guidance for "thorough examination and testing of equipment", which includes electrical equipment, and we, the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association, agree with them completely. The HSE have stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, businesses may have found it difficult to carry out their duty to thoroughly examine and test electrical equipment. This has been because many businesses have been closed, whilst others have reduced or even banned contractors on their sites. We know from [...]

Richard Ayre2021-04-27T18:35:18+00:00April 25th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

PAT Testing during the January 2021 Lockdown

PAT Testing during the January 2021 Lockdown Guidance Note 01/2021 Guidance Note for PATTA Members, Duty Holders and the Public PATTA is the trade organisation for PAT Testing Companies in the UK and we represent the interests of all of our members and others in the PAT Testing Industry. PATTA members might be wondering whether or not it is possible for them to continue working during the current lockdown. The view of PATTA is that, at the current time, PAT testing engineers should still continue to work, provided that their [...]

Richard Ayre2021-01-09T17:44:46+00:00January 9th, 2021|Guidance|Comments Off

Working from home, safely, during the lockdown

A guide to staying safe at home, whilst at work So, most of us are now working from home while we adapt to the impact Covid-19 is having on our lives. We have new routines, or no routine and we're trying to work whilst the kids run riot and the dogs wants to be on our lap - we're all adjusting to new ways of working such as having our meetings on the latest video conferencing platform. Whilst we are working from home we must not forget about the importance of safety, and when we are suddenly working [...]

Richard Ayre2020-04-25T11:08:10+00:00April 25th, 2020|Guidance|Comments Off

Clearing up the confusion over RCD’s

What is an RCD? An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you come into contact with a live wire or current. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide. The majority of our leads have an option to add in an RCD, to provide this invaluable level of protection. How does it work? An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution, for example if you cut through a cable and accidentally touched the exposed live [...]

Richard Ayre2019-10-22T09:57:02+00:00October 22nd, 2019|Guidance|Comments Off

Phone chargers’ guidance

British plugs & sockets are amongst the safest in the world. This is because the British BS1363 standard has been around for decades, also due to laws like the Plugs & Sockets Act 1994. In fact, it is illegal in the UK to sell an electrical item with a plug that does not conform to BS1363.They should not have a CE mark on them. However, the law becomes a very grey area when it comes to chargers & adapters for mobile phones, I pads, USB chargers, e cigarettes, mini vacs (the list is endless) most imported from abroad. These chargers [...]

Richard Ayre2019-10-22T09:55:53+00:00October 22nd, 2019|Guidance|Comments Off

Product Recalls

If you’re not already doing it, adding product recall to your business could help your USP and help your customers safety. Most people (and we’ve all done it) go out and buy that electrical appliance but take no notice of the “register my appliance” card in the box. Well it is there for a good reason and it’s not just trying to upsell you some extra insurance. Several PAT firms are registering not just the asset description but Make & Model to the PAT register. This allows clarity on any recall notices that may come up. Firms such as Electrical [...]

Richard Ayre2019-10-22T09:47:55+00:00October 22nd, 2019|Guidance|Comments Off