PAT – Portable Appliance Testing

Computers, vacuum cleaners, toasters, hairdryers – we all have portable appliances in our homes that run off mains electricity. We acquire these items on a promise that they will work, and that they are safe to use. But over time equipment can become damaged, or simply deteriorate through regular use. Wiring may become loose, internal components may malfunction – any of which could render a once safe to use portable appliance as dangerous!

To make sure these items are always safe to use it is worth getting them periodically tested using a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) service. Many approved NICEIC electrical contractors offer this service.


Types of appliance
Any electrical appliance with a plug on it may be classed as a portable appliance and therefore be eligible for the PAT service. These include:
· Movable items that are easily transported around the room (toaster, food mixer etc) and items that are moved as part of their operation (vacuum cleaner, lawnmower etc).
· Fixed equipment and appliances that plug directly into the mains. This covers off most kitchen appliances such as washing machine, refrigerator and microwave. Included here are items like televisions and computers.
· Handheld devices can also be tested. For example a hairdryer or an electric razor.
Once an appliance has been tested it will be marked as passed. The PAT tester will also supply you with a log or report of items that have passed, and those which have failed. Any failed items will need to be fixed before use again. This can sometimes be a simple matter of opening up the plug and rewiring the item. However, if a more serious problem has been identified then the item will need to be discarded.


Gas
Portable appliance testing is not just confined to electrical appliances. Safety tests can be carried out on gas appliances too. So, your gas fire and gas cooker for example should be inspected periodically to ensure that they are safe to use and comply with existing gas regulations. A CORGI registered engineer will need to perform the safety test, and will issue a safety certificate for items that pass.


Landlords
Portable appliance testing is not a legal directive for electrical items – that is to say that there is no direct obligation on landlords to ensure portable appliances (electrical) supplied to a tenant as part of a rental property are tested on a regular basis. However, current legislation demands that all reasonable care is taken to guarantee a tenant’s safety in rental property – specifically the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. With this in mind it is strongly advisable that any electrical equipment provided to the tenant with the property be checked annually, both for yours and your tenant’s peace of mind. Should any issues then arise from problematic electrical equipment in rented property, as landlord you will be able to prove that reasonable steps were taken to ensure the tenant’s safety.