Portable
and
Fixed
Appliance
Testing

What is PAT Testing?

Portable and fixed appliance testing, otherwise known as ‘in-service inspection and testing’ or most commonly as ‘PAT testing’ is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.

Businesses must ensure that any electrical appliances capable of causing harm are safely maintained. JFN can make this a stress-free process by providing a professional and cost-effective testing service. As an ongoing solution, JFN optimise the frequency of testing to ensure compliance whilst maintaining cost efficiency.

Service

Our fully qualified engineers deliver a cost effective service which covers:

Visual assessments
Fixed appliance testing
PAT testing labels (pass/fail)
PAT testing certificate
Automated and instant reporting
Retest of failed items (repaired on site and returned to service)
Full inventory generated via software and available immediately
Scheduled future testing based on testing frequencies required
Fully qualified team (minimum of City and Guilds 2377) and enhanced DBS checked (renewed annually

Frequency of PAT Testing

The frequency of portable and fixed appliance testing varies depending on multiple factors including the type and location of the device.

Heavy industrial and high risk equipment may need to be tested as regularly as every six months, whereas some cables, leads, plugs, and stationary office equipment (e.g. desktop computers, photocopiers etc) may only need to be tested once every five years.

Thanks to the comprehensive, state of the art equipment and software employed by JFN, the frequency of tests can be optimised to ensure compliance whilst simultaneously maintaining cost efficiency.

JFN offers a fully managed inventory for all customers, including the scheduling of re-testing when required.

PAT testing frequencies based on device type – click the table to view more detail

PAT Testing Requirements

The need to keep property and people safe from electrical faults lies at the heart of portable and fixed appliance testing. Testing upholds and maintains the safety of electrical appliances, helping to reduce and prevent electrical accidents.

All electrical equipment used in the workplace must be safely maintained in order to meet the legal requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Portable and fixed appliance testing is a recognised method of inspecting and determining the safety of such appliances to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Relevant guidance documents relating to these requirements include:

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

IET 5th Edition Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

BS7671 18th Edition