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VC Electrical Contractors Ltd
15 Muirfield Station 
Gullane
EH31 2HY

15 Muirfield Station
Gullane, EH31
United Kingdom

01620 843 804

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Read our range of topical monthly blogs providing you with top tips and best practice from our professional and experienced electrical team.

What Is PAT testing and why is it important?

Website Editor

In order to ensure the safety of both commercial and residential occupiers, PAT testing is a crucial step in operating with the confines of a safe environment. PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing and employers must provide proof that PAT testing has taken place. Our experienced electricians in Edinburgh understand the fundamental importance of PAT testing, so read on to see why you should consider it a high priority too.

Hire an electrician that is fully qualified, experienced and competent

Naturally, a high level of competence is required to carry out PAT testing, this is because it requires the testing of all appliances in a building to check they’re in working order. During a formal inspection by a qualified and trained electrician any equipment defects should be picked up.

Regular inspections are important

These inspections should be carried out on a regular basis, and as well as obvious faults which can be seen by unqualified persons, any faults which can’t be seen with the naked eye should be checked by someone who is qualified and experienced. You want electricians who good at catching these kinds of faults quickly and pointing them out, so they can be repaired.

Important PAT legislation

The Health & Safety Executive say that 25% of all accidents are caused by portable appliances, so you can imagine why PAT testing is so important – it could save a life. The legal responsibilities lie with the employer, and if you live in rented accommodation, with your landlord. For employers, they must follow the provisions made by the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and take steps to ensure the testing is carried out.

Other important legislation to look out for are:

  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

  • The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

  • Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

All relevant legislation as mentioned above insist that electrical maintenance should be carried out and emphasise the importance of PAT testing.

Records of tests

Naturally, it’s also important to keep records of all PAT testing so you can prove these tests have been carried out. The company who carry out your tests will also carry out relevant records of your testing, and that way you’ll know when you’re due to have one again. Should you need to claim on your insurance at some point, you’ll have to prove compliance with regulations such as the ones we’ve mentioned above, and if you have records of when you last had a PAT test this will help enormously.

PAT Test certificates

Computer records are kept of all certificates and yours will be emailed to you for further reference. It’s important to keep your certificates in a safe place should you need them in the future such as the scenario we’ve described above.

VC Electrical - PAT testing you can rely on

Whether you’re a landlord with several properties or a commercial business with a team of staff, if you need PAT testing carried out, please get in touch with us here at VC Electrical. We’re here to help and we’re all experienced, trained and qualified to carry out PAT tests.