Please note this blog was originally published in July 2012. It was updated on the 5th May 2021 to include new, up-to-date PAT testers. 

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is well known to most people who own a business. It is the process whereby all the portable electric appliances a business owns are tested to ensure they meet high standards of safety.

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Who Can Perform PAT Tests?

A PAT test can be performed by anyone with a PAT testing machine. However, it is usually advised that the work is carried out by a qualified electrical engineer. The reasons for this are twofold: first, the work will be completed in a substantially quicker time; secondly, any repairs that may be required can be organised and dealt with as quickly as possible.

What Is a PAT Test Certificate?

Typically, once a PAT test has been carried out on an appliance a sticker will be placed on its surface to show it has been tested. To supplement this, it is important to have a log or certificate showing the details of testing. Forms of record may vary from a simple handwritten note to a personalised printed certificate.

The minimum details any PAT testing certificate/ record should contain are:

  • The details of the site that has been tested
  • An entry for each appliance along with whether it has passed or failed
  • Individual re-test dates
  • The details of the person or company that performed the test

Why Do I Need a PAT Test Certificate?

By keeping a record of all of these details it gives the company or individual the added security of knowing that they are taking precautions to ensure the safety of their equipment. Not only does this make sure equipment runs smoothly and doesn’t hurt anyone, but it can also help in the event of an insurance claim, as PAT test certificates serve as proof of compliance with health and safety regulations.

Advantages of Downloadable PAT Testers

Recording all of this on a paper-based system can be time-consuming for both the person performing the PAT test itself and the owner of the property being tested. When there are a large number of tests to administer, most people will use a downloadable tester that supports the transfer of information from the machine to a PC or laptop.

By using a computer to store the data it is a lot quicker to create certificates as most can be automatically generated for each site. All of these details are then permanently stored on the PC in case further certificates are required. Additionally, a huge amount of information can be stored on one computer and may be recalled far quicker compared to any paper-based system.

Manually producing PAT certificates can be very time consuming; after all, many large sites may have over 3000 appliances to be tested! Time can be saved with a downloadable tester as a huge quantity of professional certificates can be created and printed exceptionally quickly.

The advantages of a downloadable PAT tester are not limited to just the production of certificates. Many testers come with their own software suite, which can be used to schedule re-tests and manage a range of sites and their appliances.

Which Downloadable PAT Tester Is Right for Me?

One of the most popular downloadable PAT testers is the Fluke 6500-2. This device can store up to 1000 results and includes one-touch, automatic test sequences. For more rigorous testing many professionals use the Seaward 600+; it can store up to 50 000 records and 2000 visual inspection images, supports user-configurable electrical test and visual inspection sequences, and features a built-in universal risk assessment tool as well as additional health and safety certificates.

Further Information

Regardless of which technique you use for your PAT testing, it can all be for nothing without the correct bookkeeping and evidence. This is why it is vital to ensure that you create certificates of testing and keep them safe for at least 2 years.

For more information regarding PAT certificates or our manual and downloadable PAT testers, please contact our sales team on 01642 931 329 or via our online form.

In the meantime, please browse our complete range of PAT testers here.