Why PAT testing is so important?
Of late, there has been a rise in the number of cases where electrical appliances have caused accidents both at home and in offices.
In the worst case scenarios, some people have even lost their lives while others were left seriously injured. What this tells you is that there has been a deterioration of safety practices; more reason PAT testing needs to be done competently.
So, what is a portable appliance test? Why are they important for your business?
What is PAT testing?
Portable appliance testing, commonly known as PAT testing, is the process of inspecting any electrical appliances to ensure that they are safe for use. Yes, there are some electrical defects that we can tell with our naked eyes, but some go beyond that. Some of the tests that are hard to detect with the bare eye include insulation integrity, earth continuity, excessive protective conductor current, incorrect polarity, and unsuitable fuse to mention a few.
PAT testing experts do a variety of tests depending on the appliance being tested. Well, the tests are bound to differ depending on the complexity of the device, but nonetheless, all appliances still need to go through testing. Depending on the tool set up, below are some of the steps that PAT tests include:
- Visual inspection of the electrical appliance.
- A thorough check of any metal that might be exposed.
- Examination of the cables to ensure they are in good condition.
- A test for the insulation between the parts transmitting the current.
- Verification of grounding.
After the tests are done, the experts will mark the item with either a pass or a fail. The items marked with a pass means that the appliances are safe for use, whereas those with a fail mark means that the device needs to be checked and corrected.
How to choose a PAT testing company
To have the tests done competently, it is vital to hire a reputable company that does an excellent job. As such, it is important to follow the tips explained below before choosing a PAT testing company:
1. Get references
Since many people interact with electrical appliances both at home and in the office, you can ask them of the company that conducted the PAT tests for them. This will, in turn, give you insight as well as narrow down your search. Go for companies that have a good track record and are known for their excellent work.
2. Licensing
There are many scam companies today that aim to take advantage of others and rip them off. It is therefore important to find out the legitimacy of any given PAT testing company by checking if they have a valid license.
3. Professionalism
You need to find out the equipment that the company uses to do the testing as well as their overall experience on the job. Remember, your safety, as well as those close to you, is of great importance- more reason you should insist on working with professionals only.
So why is PAT testing necessary?
One thing stands out when talking of PAT tests, safety. PAT tests are important to ensure that safety standards are maintained when using electrical appliances. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry, keeping in mind that there has been an influx of counterfeit electrical products in the market today.
In conclusion, after a purchase of any electrical equipment, ensure that PAT tests are done. Also, it is essential to have PAT testing done in intervals to uphold safety standards at all times.
Rajhu S Goraai is a regular contributor on top authority blogs. Connect him on LinkedIn.
