PAT Testing - Frequently Asked Questons (FAQ)

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

Why should I use DB Pat Services to complete my PAT testing?
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 both 110 volt and 240 volt wet weather equipment.

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.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?
This will be dependant on your company's risk assessment and maintenance schedule.

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.

Which areas do you cover?
We PAT test throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Redditch, Stratford, Leamington, Worcester, however nowhere is too far and no job is to small.

How much will my PAT testing cost?
We charge a minimum call out of £40-00p. For a detailed quote please contact us.
If you have a quote from another company give us a call and we may be able to beat it.

How long will the testing take?
We can do between 10 and 15 electrical tests per hour, this is dependant on access and availability of the items.

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 or at weekends if this helps.