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 FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
 Q:
What is a Portable Appliance?
A:
Although there is no specific definition of a portable appliance, it is
generally accepted that portable appliance equipment is usually either hand
held whilst connected to an electricity supply, or is intended to be or
capable of being moved whilst connected to the supply. Q:
What’s involved?
A:
In-service testing will involve the following:
(1) Preliminary and visual inspection
(2) Earth continuity tests (for Class 1 equipment)
(3) Insulation testing (Which can sometimes be substituted by earth leakage
measurement)
(4) Functional checks.
Q:
Who should PAT test? A:
According to the Electricity at Work regulations:
"No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge
or experience is necessary to prevent danger, or where appropriate, injury,
unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of
supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work" Q:
Why should I use Fire Key for my PAT testing? A:
All our testers are City & Guilds 2377 approved. Q:
What legislation relates to PAT testing? A:
The legislation that is relevant to portable appliance testing include the
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Q:
How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested? A:
It is generally accepted that annually is a minimum yet should appliances
have heavy usage then more regular intervals may be required. The actual
frequency will be dependant on your company's risk assessment and
maintenance schedule. If your company does not have these documents for PAT
testing we can help with this. Q:
Who is responsible for enforcing fire safety regulations? A:
The Enforcing Authority will ordinarily be a Fire Inspector from the local
Fire and Rescue Service. In special cases the HSE or Local Authority may
also be involved. Q:
Will the testing be disruptive? A:
During testing we try to minimise any disruption by only disconnecting items
as we test them. Q:
How long will the testing take? A:
Typically we can test between 10 and 15 appliances per hour, dependant on
access and availability of the units. Q:
What will I receive after the testing? A:
Test results and certificates will be emailed to you in shortly after our
testing visit. If you require then a CD ROM or hard copy can be supplied at
no extra cost.
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