PAT testing Frequently Asked Questions

'What is PAT testing?', 'Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?' 'Will the testing be disruptive?'. These and other questions frequently asked about PAT Testing are answered below. If you have a further question please don't hesitate to contact us.

What is PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing)?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company’s or individual’s responsibility to health and safety of electrical items. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.

Why should I use ACE to do my PAT testing?

We are a specialist company dealing exclusively in Portable Appliance Testing and all out testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers’ (IEE) code of practice. ACE is one of only a handful of PAT testing Companies to achieve NICEIC accreditation and all of our engineers are City & Guilds qualified.

We pride ourselves on tailoring our service to the clients’ needs, and we believe in being up front about how we do business; our customers don’t get a nasty shock when they get the bill – our prices are all-inclusive and we don’t charge extra for things like replacing fuses and rewiring plugs.

What does a PAT test consist of?

We start with a visual inspection checking for:

Damaged flexes
Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)
Correctly wired plugs
Correctly rated fuse

Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include

Earth continuity testing
Insulation resistance
Polarity test
Earth leakage test

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test 110 volt, 240 volt and 415 volt including C Form plugs.

Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?

The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use. See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989. With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use.

In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair. See also below regarding your insurance cover.

You can find out more about the Acts and Regulations that may affect you on our information page.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?

This will be dependant on your company’s risk assessment and maintenance schedule. If your company does not have these documents for PAT testing we can help with this.

Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?

Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage. Check the details on your policy if you are unsure today rather than find out too late when a claim is needed!

How much does PAT testing cost?

The costs will be dependent on factors such as your location and number of items that need testing. We can carry out PAT testing from as little as 99p per item. We are also able to price on a Day Rate basis in some circumstances. To reflect our lower travel costs we are able to give discounts to businesses within the greater Reading area. View our Pat testing prices guide page for more information.

What areas do you cover?

We PAT test across the South of England, but concentrate mainly on the M4 corridor from London to Bristol, covering Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. We are based in Reading, Berkshire.

How much will my PAT testing cost?

This will depend on how many items need testing. See our pricing guide. Remember - our cheap PAT testing relates to our lower prices and not the quality of our service! If you have a quote from another company give us a call and we may be able to beat it, especially if your premises are within the greater Reading area..

Will the testing be disruptive?

During Portable Appliance Testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them. We can work outside of business hours if this helps.

If you have any other questions about our service or PAT testing in general please don’t hesitate to contact us.