Electricity is the main source of fires that are accidental that occur in UK homes, causing more than 20 000 fires annually. Did you realize that 9 in 10 (89 percent) electrical fires result from electrical devices?
In the worst-case scenario there are people who have lost their lives while others suffer serious injuries. A lot of these electrical fires could be prevented when people follow the proper security practices.
The shocking truth this stats reveal is that there has been a decrease of the safety procedures over time. further reason to believe that PAT testing must be carried out with care to ensure the safety of all within the premises, and to ensure that you’re not responsible for any electrical injury.
In the UK the UK, the procedure of testing PAT is crucial due to the increasing number of appliances that are cheap brought in from all over the world. A lot of these appliances are not of the highest quality and should be tested prior to making use of them in your rental property.
From the year 2018 until the year 2019, there were more than 10,000 electrical fires that were caused by household appliances, and over 300 injuries resulting from them. Nearly 25 percent of electrical fires occurred caused by malfunctioning appliances in that time.
PAT tests are crucial to assure the safety of electrical appliance and to make sure that the safety standards are maintained.
There’s no legal obligation to perform these tests, however UK law states that landlords have to maintain the electrical equipment in safe condition. The most reliable method to determine if the safety of electrical equipment is to perform PAT tests.
Is PAT Testing worth it?
The short answer is yes. It’s the most reliable method to ensure that you’re in compliance to your electrical safety obligations as a landlord. You can also indemnify yourself from the risk of being penalized for non-compliance, and shield your tenants from dangers.
Portable Appliance Testing can confirm the safety of your appliance for tenants, assuring your safety as well as shielding you from claim for damages that arise as caused by dangerous electrical equipment.
As an owner, we’re sure that you would like your tenants to have the most enjoyable experience possible throughout their tenure, and this is just one of the steps you can do to ensure that you’re offering high-quality secure housing.
What is the need for PAT testing?
So, what is the need for PAT? Testing has drastically changed in the past couple of years. In 2020 it was announced that the COP (IET Code of Practice) eliminated the classifications of mobility for equipment (i.e. stationary, fixed, portable and so on) with the intent that ALL equipment will be subject to this standard, regardless of how portable it is.
In simple phrases it is that all references to the word ‘PAT were removed, while the code expanded to include various other appliances , such as stationary objects.
There are a variety of categories of electrical equipment that must be tested for PAT:
Fixed appliances are electrical appliances that are fixed to an indefinite location or secured to an support.
Stationary appliances are appliances that are stationary and not moving, like white kitchen appliances.
IT equipment It is a device that can be utilized to serve any IT use. Examples include computers, laptops, printers, etc.
Appliances that can be moved or transported The equipment is typically kept in one spot however can be moved some ease.
Cables wires, chargers, and cables A cable, wire or lead that connects to electronic devices or plugs into the wall.
Other hand-held devices – Electronic devices that can be carried in the hands including hairdryers and electric tools.
Then why is PAT Testing Required?
The most important reason to conduct the PAT test is security. PAT tests are crucial to ensure safety standards for electrical appliances within your homes.
Always remember to be secure instead of being sorry. With an increasing number of fake electrical products on the marketplace today It is essential to make sure that your electrical items are authentic and safe.
A PAT test is recommended to be carried out following any purchase of new electrical equipment and at regular intervals thereafter to look for any signs of deterioration and to ensure that the product is in compliance with security standards.
What is our PAT Testing Process?
The appliance’s plug is placed into a machine that is specially designed, and a current flows through it to perform the test.
The appliance will be marked with an inscription on it with a particular number that is specific to the device. The sticker will either pass or a fail.
Minor malfunctions (plug fuse, plug, etc.) will be repaired at no cost.
Significant failures will be highlighted immediately. The causes will be noted within the final report.
After passing the test, you’ll receive an inventory which includes every appliance tested and assigns an “sticker” code to the appliances. PAT tests cannot be considered satisfactory without an inventory.
If you’d like to arrange an engineer to conduct Portable Appliance Testing, please contact us…
Serviceteam
020 3925 6453
serviceteam.co.uk
