Covid-19 (Corona Virus) Update from PATTA Without a doubt, we are living through unprecedented times, with much uncertainty in the business world. As you know, 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. If you have PAT Testing booked to be carried out in the next few weeks you may be thinking [...]
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? [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Nearly all Portable electrical items require a fuse for added protection in case of a fault. This fuse is designed to protect your device from harm should irregularities in current be detected. Fuse production is dictated by British Standard regulation BS1362 to ensure fuses are safe to use and are manufactured to full quality. But beware, there are counterfeit fuses which will cause more harm than good. These fake fuses could cause damage to [...]
British socket outlets are amongst the safest in the world if they are in good repair. Electrical sockets that are manufactured to BS1363 standards (including multi way adapters and flexible extensions) must prevent the insertion of foreign objects into the socket tubes by an interlocking shutter mechanism. The BS1363 standard also sets a distance which a plug pin must be inserted before coming into contact with live parts. [...]
Most people use extension leads to get more sockets in their homes or workplaces; but most people are also not aware that even though there are (for example) 4 socket spaces to plug in 4 appliances, it does not mean it is safe to use all 4 sockets. For example, are you aware that most 4-way leads have a maximum current rating of 13 amps or 10 amps; which means you could be overloading [...]
The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association was formed in 2013 to provide a voice for people working in the “PAT” testing industry when they need it and to create opportunities for like minded small business owners to network and grow their businesses together. Events and meetings are happening all the time where decisions are being made that affect our futures, but until now there has been nobody representing us, or putting across our opnions and [...]
Electrical appliances are built by their manufacturer to meet strict British Standards, including for them to be safe for use; but over time appliances can deteriorate to an extent where there is a risk of electric shock to the user or fire. Strangely, based on what some sceptics say electrical equipment built in the 60s, 70s and 80s (when PAT was starting out and developing ) was supposed to be “built to last” so [...]
A PAT Tester is like any other business, and as a business you should not attempt to trade without insurance. All PATTA members are checked to make sure their insurance is correct and up to date. When looking for insurance make sure you: Shop around Get good advice Know what cover you're going to get A question that often comes up on forums and social media groups is what insurance a new PAT testing [...]
