Any electrical appliance that is fitted with a 3 pin domestic plug is required to be tested on a regular basis to ensure that it is in a safe working condition.

The best way to ensure the equipments' safety is to carry out Portable Appliance Tests.

The Portable Appliance Test is a series of checks carried out on the equipment to check safety aspects meet the required standard. The tests are carried out as follows:

• Visual Inspection: the equipment is checked for signs of any visible damage such as cracked plugs or split cables.
• Earth Continuity: equipment is tested to ensure it has a satisfactory earth connection.
• Insulation: equipment is tested to ensure the insulation of the equipment is satisfactory.
• Leakage: equipment is tested to ensure that the leakage back to earth is minimal.
• Flash Test: this test is no longer carried out.

Each appliance should be suitably marked to record the examination date or display the date for retesting and the result of the test (pass or fail).

All testing carried out by MCP-Solutions (South West) is in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and all our engineers have attended and passed the City and Guilds 2377.002 course for portable appliance testing.

It is vital to provide a safe electrical environment for your staff and visitors by including PAT-testing. Failure to comply can result in prosecution and carries a maximum penalty's and/or imprisonment.

Committing offences defined by the Health Safety at Works Act 1974 can also result in penalties. The Crown Court, however, can impose unlimited fines and imprisonment.

PAT testing is essential!

The Government stresses the need for PAT testing in the new 'Fire Safety Risk Assessment -Offices and shops' which states among other references to electrics.