PAT, or the portable appliance testing is one of the hot topics in today’s world. As the name suggests, it is a measure to test the appliances of daily use to ensure that everything is working just fine. Moreover, this also adds to the safety for everyone around them, and reduces any chances of mishaps from the same. It is no news that many people all around the globe get electrocuted by faulty and worn out appliances and machinery, which sometimes can leave lifelong consequences.
PAT is not mandatory as per the law yet. However, it must not be meant that one can simply choose to ignore this. There are legislations in provision, which would eventually turn into law to mandate the same. Currently, all industrial and residential places are required to conduct one such testing at least once a year. There are many firms which can do the same for you, leaving a well-researched report and places of improvement for your considerations. If you are looking for a Brighton PAT Testing Company, then you follow the link mentioned.
No one wants to deal with the menace and chaos that worn-out appliances bring with them. It does not matter if you are a homeowner or a renter, the situation is the same with everyone. Therefore, PAT testing becomes even more important. And a few other reasons for the same are also mentioned below for your reference:
What Makes PAT So Important?
As stated earlier, these testing schemes are important as they ensure that the appliances are in a good condition to work with, and would not cause any sort of accident in the near future. PAT is sometimes also known as the electrical equipment test (EEP) and is an efficient way to prevent house fires caused by short circuits. The UK has a vast market of cheap appliances with poor quality. These are easily available and very lucrative to the common folks because of the deals. These are also a major contributor to electricity leakage and house fires. Therefore, the appliance testing schemes become very important to overcome these situations and tackle such problems.
What Are The Legal Aspects?
As of now, there are no legal mandates or laws that ensure that every house gets a PAT test done regularly. However, in recent years, in lieu of the increased numbers of house fires related to electrical appliances, and the injuries that followed, many housing facilities and localities are now getting these done on their own to prevent any hazard. This can also be counted against the Electricity at Work Regulations Act, 1989, which states and ensures the correct ways and other aspects of operating with electricity to protect and safeguard the working class from exploitation.
It is a good and safe means to ensure the safety of all the inhabitants of the building, along with the neighbors, and protects any damage to property, resources or life. Moreover, the PAT test is now done to all appliances irrespective of their mobility as the deciding factor. These could include big and stationery appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators.
Who Should Be Responsible – Owner Or Renter?
Generally speaking, it is the responsibility of the owners to ensure that every aspect and appliance of their home or residential complex is working properly, and check for any damages. It also means that they are required to repair any faults, and irregularities, if found. However, it simply does not mean that the renters and tenants get a free hit on this.
They are responsible to some extent as well. For instance, the owners can not legally check their appliances and machines when they first arrive. Therefore, they should be conducting the tests themselves, to ensure the safety of everyone. Or they should be contributing and participating in the PAT tests done by the owners on a regular basis.
The tenants also should be diligent enough to check and report any issue they face with the electrical systems to the owners, who would then get them fixed. All these small details become essential when it comes to the safety of all.
Steps Of PAT Test
There is no prescribed format for the test, yet. However, the most common and most used forms of the tests are widely accepted and done on a commercial scale almost every day. These include three steps, which are quite basic. The first step is the visual checks, done by the owners of the appliances. This is as simple as it sounds. All you have to do is to check for signs of tear and stress on the appliances and gadgets and their wirings. Since regular handheld devices and portable gadgets are touched and moved many times in a day, they have the highest chances of wearing out easily. These could include mobile phone and laptop chargers, kettles, irons etc.
Second steps include a formal visit from a technician or an engineer to conduct the test. They look around the objects, check everything physically first, and then they move to the third step.
The third step requires a special device called the electrical appliance tester. As the name depicts, this checks for any internal faults and calibration issues of the devices, and lets the users know about the exact root cause of the problem.
What About The Average Cost Per Test?
The testing costs vary greatly based on your geographical location and how many appliances you want to get checked. Considering all factors, on an average, the least amount per test could go up to £90. It must be noted that this is an average value, and is subject to go up or down anytime.
Conclusion:
The PAT test is one of the most convenient and sure shot ways of getting your appliances tested. These not only prevent any electrical accidents, but also provide a sense of safety and relaxation to everyone. It is not mandatory by the law yet, but is highly advised. Therefore, make sure to conduct the tests for all your appliances, whether new or old.
