Portable Appliance Testing

What is a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any piece of electrical equipment that can be moved or is intended to be moved whilst connected to an electrical supply.


Portable Appliance Testing

Pat testing involves undertaking an initial visual inspection to check the physical condition of the appliance, the plug, and the connecting cable. Specialised calibrated test equipment is then employed to measure such parameters as Substitue Earth Leakage Current, Insulation Resistane and Earth Continuity. The plug cover is removed and the condition of the plug wiring is checked along with the value of the fuse fitted to ensure that the fuse is correctly specified to protect the appliance and the connecting cable. Only when these tests are completed successfully will an appliance be passed as safe to use.

A label with a unique serial number is applied to the equipment, and all test results are recorded. This information along with a description of the appliance and its location when tested is then compiled into an appliance log, a printout of which is presented to the customer for inclusion in their Health & Safety files. TPS also retains a copy of all tests carried out so that a replacement can be provided should the original become damaged or mislaid.


Did you know?

It is increasingly the case that failure to conform to regulations governing the use of electrical equipment in the workplace can result in a breach of the terms of a company's commercial and employer liability insurance policies. This in turn can lead to delays in settlement of claims for personal injury or damage to premises and contents caused by faulty electrical equipment, and may ultimately result in an outright rejection of the claim.

Contact TPS on 0151 630 5572