"What is a PAT test?" Is a question that we are asked all the time. So we've created a guide that answers your PAT test questions in a simple and straightforward way.
When asked “what is a PAT test?”, We always take the time to understand exactly what our client really wants to know about the PAT test.
Often times we find that people are more interested in understanding the legal requirements for PAT testing.
So, in addition to answering the question “What is a PAT test?”, Our guide below will also help you understand the likely legal obligations of your business or industry.
1. What is a PAT test?
A PAT test is a routine inspection of certain types of electrical devices to verify that they are safe to use. Its purpose is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.
A complete PAT test should include both visual inspection and further verification using specialized PAT test equipment. This test includes checking the earth continuity, the polarity of the wires and the insulation resistance.
Some devices only require a reduced test, called the PAT insulation test.
At the end of a PAT test, each device must be marked "passed" or "failed". Ideally, there should be a record of the results.
Not all electrical components need to be PAT tested. We explain more in the section “Which elements should be tested for PAT?” Later on this page.
What is a PAT test? - pass / fail stickers
2. What does “PAT” mean?
"PAT" stands for "Portable Appliance Testing".
There is no definition of what is a "portable device" in current legislation, but the standard interpretation is "any device to which a plug is connected and which plugs into a wall outlet".
For this reason, the word "portable" is a bit misleading. There are in fact 7 categories of devices which must be taken into account for PAT tests or, at least, visual inspections:
- Fixed devices
- Stationary devices
- IT devices
- Mobile devices
- Portable devices
- Cables and chargers
- Portable devices
We explain more about each of these categories in the section “What are the categories of electrical devices in PAT tests?” Later on this page.Info
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