Portable Appliance Testing

13A 3 Pin Plugs

13A 3 Pin Plugs

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT):

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is a combination of the visual examination and electrical testing of mains operated equipment with a plug attached to ensure they are safe to use.

Regulations

Schools and colleges fall under The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 which requires employers, local authorities or governing bodies to be responsible for the health and safety of their employees.

Certified by PASS

Certified by PASS

In 1989 The Electricity at Work Regulation 4(2) provided guidance relevant to electrical inspection and testing when it stated ‘… to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practical, such danger.’ and requires that ‘any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition’. The guidance also states ‘practicable.’The quality and frequency of maintenance should be sufficient to prevent danger so far as is reasonably

The regulations are non-specific and do not make inspection or testing of electrical appliances a legal requirement. However, HSE guidance suggests that because of the risk involved in using mains operated equipment, and in order to comply with regulations, ‘it is reasonable to expect employers to take measures to reduce the risk of accidents. Therefore, a programme of inspection and tests would be an effective means of ensuring the equipment remains safe.’

Our service

Labsolni adhere to guidance provided in Inspecting & Testing Portable Electrical Appliances (L242), Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment (HSG107) and Maintaining Portable Electric Equipment in low-risk Environments (INDG236). On request, Labsolni can provide whole-school or departmental testing only.

Labsol offer our clients four options:

  • Testing with attached PASS/FAIL labels and detailed records

  • Testing with attached PASS labels, detailed records and the carrying out of required appliance repairs

  • Testing with attached PASS/FAIL labels only (each label provides information on appliance ID, test/re-test dates, fuse rating and engineer signature). This complies fully with regulations and is an effective cheaper option when appliance management is not required or considered necessary by the client.⃰

  • Testing with attached PASS labels only and the carrying out of required appliance repairs

Please Click Here if you require a quotation for any, or all, of these options.


⃰ There is no legal requirement to label equipment that has been inspected or tested, nor is there a requirement to keep records of these activities. However, a record and / or labelling can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists. 

Testing includes:

Visual inspection of

  • Cable coverings

  • Plug casing

  • Non-standard cable joints

  • Plug cable sheath/cord grip

  • Location of appliance for conditions of unsuitable use

  • Outer cover of appliance

  • Correct fuse current rating

  • Proper fitting of wires to correct terminals

  • Internal damage to plug (overheating, entry of liquid, dust or dirt)

Note: only the fuse can be checked in moulded plugs.

Electrical testing of

Class I  (earthed)

  • Earth-bond test

  • Insulation test

  • Flash test (if required)

Class II testing

After initial testing, Labsolni will suggest a considered, appropriate inspection duration to the client. This interval is determined and dependant on the condition and usage of the appliances examined.

Labsolni will carry out complimentary 13A mains socket testing to all new customers.

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