Frequently Asked Questions?

PAT TESTING & EMERGENCY LIGHTING FAQ`S

NVPAT LTD operatives perform expert electrical PAT testing in the UK, helping you meet electricity at work regulations and reduce insurance premiums.

Portable Appliance testing is a specialised process that goes into detail, ensuring that electrical appliances fully comply with UK Health and Safety at Work directives.

As the owner of a workplace, with recent regulations, it is your duty to ensure that all workplace appliances fit strict health and safety standards with high standard PAT testing equipment.

NVPAT LTD PAT testing is a speedy, cost-effective and efficient process, granting your business complete peace of mind, ensuring onsite and offsite equipment is safe to use.

A PAT test can also aid in reducing insurance premiums, by acting as a risk assessment aid making it well worth keeping on top of.

NVPAT LTD takes pride in our excellent customer service. As a result, once you have received your PAT test certificate, we will contact you to conduct a short survey. This is simply to ensure that you are happy with the service you received from us and our engineer.

 

PAT Testing FAQ

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

Currently, there is no definitive legal requirement for the process of PAT testing. This said however, the government does have regulations that have been put into place to keep businesses and people safe. The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will require you to perform PAT tests in commercial settings to comply with various health and safety regulations, these include:

 

  • Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999

 

 

What does PAT testing stand for?

Portable appliance testing (PAT), sometimes written as PAT testing is the examination of electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they are in a safe condition.

 

What is PAT testing?

Portable appliance testing is the visual inspection and testing of business premises to ensure that the appliances are safe to use. It is the legal responsibility of a business owner to ensure electrical safety within their business, a PAT tester will test equipment for many potential faults including insulation resistance, earth continuity, and lead polarity.

 

How often does PAT testing need to be done?

As a general rule of thumb, PAT testing is conducted every year. However, this can vary depending on other factors and circumstances such as the location of the equipment, type of equipment and more.

 

What needs PAT testing?

By basic definition, any portable appliance or equipment needs to be tested. Essentially if the equipment uses a flexible wire or cable to connect to a power supply it qualifies as a portable appliance and needs to be checked.

This includes anything from extension leads to a vending machine. Wireless appliances such as cordless drills do not require a portable application test, however, their battery chargers that plug into the wall in order to charge the equipment does.

 

How long does a PAT test last?

A PAT test will result in a PAT certificate, this doesn’t have a specific expiration date but instead depends on other factors. Portable equipment within Hotels, Offices, and Shops should have a new test every 24 months. Class 1 equipment which includes IT and stationary equipment should have their certificates renewed every 48months.

 

What is the legal requirement for PAT testing?

Under the portable appliance testing (PAT) law all employees, landlords and even anyone who is self-employed is required to ensure their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for use.

 

Do rental properties need PAT testing?

It is a requirement for all HMO landlords to conduct annual PAT tests on all electrical appliances within the property. Private landlords currently have no obligations to conduct PAT testing within the properties.

 

Do I need a PAT test certificate?

Regulations implemented by the Government require electrical appliances to be maintained to a certain degree. If you’re an employee, landlord or self-employed it is your legal obligation to meet these regulations, the most effective way to do this is through PAT testing.

 

Is PAT testing required annually?

PAT testing does not have specific frequency requirements and instead it is recommended based on factors including the location, frequency, and type of equipment. Portable equipment such as extension leads within Offices, Hotels, and Shops should be tested every 24 months.

 

How much does a PAT test cost?

PAT Test costs are calculated per device and not for the entire testing service. The size of the business, and the amount of equipment that needs testing can alter the price, ultimately the more testing required the cheaper the cost will be per item.

 

Who can perform a PAT test?

By law, a PAT test must be conducted by a competent person, you may wish to either take a PAT testing course yourself to achieve a PAT testing qualification of sorts, or employ a qualified safety engineer who can do it on your behalf. The IEE Code of Practice defines a competent person as having:

  • Sufficient experience of electrical work
  • An adequate understanding of the system
  • Practical experience in that class system
  • Appropriate electricity knowledge
  • The capability to perceive whether or not it is safe for work to proceed
  • An accurate perception of the hazards that could arise surrounding the equipment
  • Knowledge of what precautions are required to avoid potential hazards occurring

NVPAT LTD remedial works quote

At NVPAT LTD we’re here to help. That’s why we are happy to offer free quotes on any remedial works you may require on your property or premises. If one of our specialist engineers finds anything that needs to be re-serviced or rectified we offer a free no obligation quote with any of our services. 

This service is available on all the services that we offer, including emergency lighting testing, feel free to speak to your expert advisor today, or contact us on:

T: 0333 339 9615
E-mail: Newvisionportableappliancetesting@outlook.com

 

Fill out our request for a quote form to receive a quote from our business so you can be assured that your business and premises will be kept safe with us. 

Emergency Lighting FAQ

Who can carry out emergency light testing?

Any competent person can carry out emergency light testing. This can be the owner of a business or a responsible person within the workplace, who can be trusted to carry out tests and adhere to safety regulations.
 

What is the Emergency lighting testing procedure?

Emergency light testing procedures are carried out to make sure that the lights on emergency exits work and will do if there is an emergency.

To test an emergency light, press the ‘push to test’ button on the casing. Hold this button down for 30 seconds, which will test to see if the bulb and battery are working.

 

What is the frequency of Emergency Light testing?

Emergency light testing must be carried out monthly. They should simulate complete electricity and lighting failure, lasting as long as a real-life emergency situation. Do keep in mind that these tests should not damage lighting and equipment.

 

What are the legal requirements for Emergency Light Testing.

Legally, all businesses need to have emergency lighting and they need to be tested monthly, with a full test being carried out once per year. This is to ensure all corridors, emergency exits and routes are illuminated and can be easily navigated in the event of an emergency.


 

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