Frequently Asked Questions

Based in Lurgan, County Armagh. Raymond has a proud tradition of specializing in appliance testing, instrument calibration and electrical installations.

Raymond has completed major projects across Ireland including Belfast, Lisburn, Derry, Armagh, Dublin, Cavan, Cork, Donegal. 

Raymond often gets asked key questions around PAT Testing around PAT Testing so we thought we would answer them.

A PAT Test is a routine inspection of some type of electrical appliance to ensure they are safe to use. It’s main aim is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace. 

There is a full PAT test which includes earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks.

Otherwise, other applications only need a reduced test, called a PAT insulation test.

After a PAT test, every application should be marked as ‘passed’ or ‘failed’ and the results recorded. 

It isn’t a requirement for all electrical items to be PAT tested. We have explained more in the items further down the line.

‘PAT’ stands for ‘Portable Appliance Testing’.

It is generally thought of as any application that has a plug attached to it and plugs into a wall.

There are actually 7 categories of appliance which should be considered for PAT testing or, at least, visual inspections:

–   Fixed appliances

–   Stationary appliances

–   IT appliances

–   Moveable appliances

–   Portable appliances

–   Cables and chargers

–   Hand Held appliances

The rules for PAT Testing differ between the UK and Ireland so you should read below.

PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal requirement or obligation.

However, current UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.

They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

Because PAT testing is one of the most effective ways to do this, particularly for high risk or large, complex environments, it has become a standard way of meeting this legal obligation.

If you would like to read the specific guidance concerning electrical equipment at work, you can find this in a number of pieces of legislation:

PAT Testing Regulations UK

–   The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

–   The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

–   The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

–   The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

PAT Testing Republic of Ireland Regulations

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2007 S.I. 299, it is now a requirement under Irish law that all businesses’ are obliged to carry out PAT Testing on all portable appliances to ensure the safety and welfare of both employees and customers.

The onus to carry out PAT Testing now falls entirely at the feet of the employer who is 100% responsible. In order to comply with regulations records must be kept for at least five years for random spot checks carried out by the HSA.

Irish Insurers/Underwriters are now requesting proof that all portable appliances comply with the legislation prior to the renewal of existing or commencement of new policies.

From 1st November, 2007, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2007 S.I. 299, section 81 states that an employer shall ensure that –

(1)(a) portable equipment is maintained in a manner fit for safe use and

   (c) portable equipment which is –

       (i) exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in danger,

      (ii) supplied at a voltage exceeding 125 volts alternating current, is 

      (I) visually checked by the user before use, and

     (II) periodically inspected by a competent person, appropriate to the nature, location and use of the equipment.

(2) An employer shall ensure, where appropriate, that a competent person –

   (a) tests any portable equipment described in paragraph (1)(c)(i) and(ii)

Each individual case is different, but it can lead to several penalties and unlimited financial penalties.

The ‘Employer’ is responsible for electrical appliance safety.

In larger businesses the role is often delegated to a person in the company who is responsible for it.

There are 2 main factors that determine whether or not an item should be PAT tested:

–   The electrical ‘class’ of the item

–   The ‘category’ of the item

There are 3 main factors that are taken into account when assessing the electrical risk of a business for PAT testing:

1. The risk level of the environment
2. The type of equipment being used
3. Who will be interacting with the equipment

For example, an office setting has a lower risk than a construction site which has potentially hands on equipment which is relatively static and there is a regular team using it.