Frequently Asked Questions
To help de-mystify PAT testing we have created this useful collection of frequently asked questions for you to refer to before you even call us. If you have any questions which aren't answered by this FAQ, please call us.
Q: What services do RFS Technical Services provide?
A: RFS Technical Services provide Portable Appliance Testing services for businesses on the South Coast and in the South East.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We focus on the South East and South Coast, including Hampshire, East Dorset, West Sussex and Surrey.
Q: What does PAT testing mean? A: Portable Appliance Testing is more correctly known as the 'Inspection and Testing of In-Service Electrical Equipment', but is commonly referred to as 'PAT' testing. It was introduced to enable businesses to comply with Health and Safety law. PAT testing is a thorough test carried out by trained personnel using specialist equipment to ensure electrical equipment is safe.
Q: What is a Portable Appliance?
A: Any piece of electrical equipment connected to the fixed wiring of an installation. In most cases this is anything with a plug, for example computers and powered computer peripherals such as printers and scanners, other office equipment such as fax machines and desktop fans, and kitchen appliances such as toasters, kettles and fridge/freezers. Detachable cables are also regarded as an appliance in their own right and also require testing.
A: The law states that employers must assess and manage the risks associated with the use of electrical equipment. It applies to all companies, whatever the size, the self-employed, landlords, schools, hospitals and many other places where electrical appliances are used. In practice, this means implementing an inspection and testing programme carried out by fully trained and competent personnel. Many insurance policies also specifically require companies obtain certificated inspection and testing as part of their terms and conditions. RFS Technical Services can supply this documentation.
Q: What does the Law say?
A: There are a number of articles that apply to PAT testing. They are
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (H&SWA) (places a duty of care on both employers and employees to ensure the safety of themselves and others on work premises)
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Employers must ensure that employees and the public are not subjected to danger)
The Electricity at Work Regulations Act 1989 (EAWR) (requires electrical systems to be maintained so as to prevent danger)
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (equipment must be maintained, fit for purpose and in good repair)
In a nutshell, the law requires employers and others responsible for the safety of members of the public (i.e. landlords) must asses and manage the risks posed by electrical appliances and carry out all precautions to prevent danger as are reasonably practical. Portable appliance testing was introduced to help people comply with this legislation.
Q: What equipment needs to be tested?
A: All items of in-service electrical equipment, i.e. all items connected to the electrical mains supply. This also includes equipment brought onto premises by employees and contractors as well as that explicitly owned by the business. Equipment may be 230V (normal for offices, shops, hotels etc.) or 110V (usually found on construction sites). RFS Technical Services can test both types of equipment.
Q: What about my IT server equipment?
A: Server equipment still needs to be tested. We appreciate that switching them off can cause serious disruption to your business, so call us to find out how we can PAT test IT servers without switching them off.
Q: How often should the tests be carried out?
A: The frequency of testing depends on many factors, including the class or nature of the equipment, how often it is moved and the environment in which it is used. Please consult our PAT testing engineers to determine your exact requirements. We use the following guidelines when carrying out tests:
| | Type of equipment | Frequency of Test |
Offices, Shops and Hotels | Hand held | 12 months |
| | Portable/Moveable | 12 months |
| IT | 24 months |
| Stationary | 24 months |
| | Type of equipment | Frequency of Test |
| Public Areas | Hand held | 6 months |
| | Portable/Moveable | 6 months |
| IT | 12 months |
| Stationary | 12 months |
| | Type of equipment | Frequency of Test |
Industrial Areas Including Commercial Kitchens | Hand held | 6 months |
| | Portable/Moveable | 6 months |
| IT | 12 months |
| Stationary | 12 months |
| | Type of equipment | Frequency of Test |
| Schools | Hand held | 12 months |
| | Portable/Moveable | 12 months |
| IT | 12 months |
| Stationary | 12 months |
| | Type of equipment | Frequency of Test |
| Construction Sites | Hand held | 3 months |
| | Portable/Moveable | 3 months |
| IT | 3 months |
| Stationary | 3 months |
Of course, these are only guidelines - feel free to call us to determine the exact requirements for your business.
A: The test comprises two parts - a formal visual inspection to check for damage and other defects, and an electrical test using specialist equipment to check for electrical faults.
A: It would be misleading to suggest PAT testing is not disruptive - after all it involves disconnecting equipment from the mains in order to test it properly. This can be particularly disruptive to IT users. However, the test normally only takes a few minutes per appliance. For users particularly concerned about disruption to their business RFS Technical Services can provide PAT testing services outside normal business hours, for example during evenings or weekends. This is normally done at no extra charge.
A: You could be unwittingly putting yourself and your employees in danger. You could also be breaking the law. You could be in breach of your insurance terms and conditions and you could be liable for a heavy fine from the Health and Safety Executive.
A: Yes. RFS Technical Services carry public liability insurance cover of £2million. A copy of the insurance documents is available on request.
A: Ensure your business complies with the regulations. Arrange for your electrical appliances to be regularly inspected and tested by RFS Technical Services.