What is a portable appliance?
The portable appliance that is referred to in a pat test or a portable appliance test is often defined as any electrical item that can be plugged into a mains socket, this can include but is not limited to, computers, both PC and laptop, radios, TVs and microwaves. These are all items that can and should have a Pat test done on them at the appropriate time.
The testing should not just be limited to appliances that run off the mains 415 Volt (3 phase) and 110 volt appliances should also have tests performed on them.
When should you do a Pat test?
There are several occasions when conducting a Pat test is a good idea and these include
- The appliances are used by Employees – If people who work for you use any portable electrical appliances, and this includes things line drills, computers and fans you must ensure they are safe to use, a regular Pat test may be the best way to ensure this.
- The portable appliances have been hired out or re-sold – If you do not know how the equipment has been handled or cared for in the past, and when you buy second hand items, or have hired them out too people then it is recommended you get the equipment checked before using it.
- When people other than employees (such as customers) use the electrical appliances – If you let others that you do not employ use electrical appliances, such as vending machines and kettles these need to be in a safe working order.
- When a portable electric appliance has been repaired – If you have repaired an electrical appliance you need to ensure it is safe before using it or allowing it to be used by others.
One way to ensure the appliances are safe to use is to get them tested, the regular tests and records that you get from the Pat test will help you keep the work place safe.