PAT Testing Labels
PAT Testing Labels give the user an immediate indication of the safety status of a particular portable appliance.
After an appliance has been tested, it will receive a label stating that the test has been carried out, its status, and giving the date at which the next test is due.
PAT Testing Labels
PAT labels carry the results of vital tests conducted on an appliance by a testing engineer.
PAT Testing results
The results are in the form of ‘Pass’, ‘Fail’, or ‘Visually Inspected’. Meaning, the appliance has passed the tests, it has failed the tests, and only visual and no technical tests were carried out on the appliance.
The testing and display of the test results has legislative backing in the form of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
And also by the Code of regulations applicable to electrical safety of appliances, machines, components, and tools, which was developed by the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
Which appliances require testing?
Consequently, all electrical appliances manufactured, sold, imported, or installed in the UK should undergo prescribed testing.
In this regard, PAT labels facilitate the communication of these test results to the prospective end users.
What information is on a PAT Label?
It provides useful information about the safety aspects of the appliance. The actual information depends on, and varies according to, the individual appliance and the degree of risk involved in its regular operation.
For instance, a ‘Pass’ will mean that the appliance has successfully passed the usual testing procedures and is safe to use. Similarly, a ‘Fail’ will mean the appliance has not met all the testing parameters with success.
Another tag could be ‘Visual Inspection Made/Done’, which means that the product was only physically checked, and a thorough operation testing has not been carried out by the engineer.
How to personalise PAT Testing labels
However, you can always personalise these labels to give them a look that is specially designed for your appliance. Colour personalization is one of the most common forms of differentiating PAT labels for different appliances or companies.
In this regard, blue and green colours are usually preferred over others because of their easy recognition and significance. The ‘Green’ colour is usually associated with ‘approved’ and ‘go ahead’.
PAT labels for passed appliances
Therefore, the passed appliances usually have a green PAT label. However, it is entirely the discretion of the owner as to what colour of label he or she wishes to stick on which kinds of appliances.
The use of PAT test labels is widespread, in particular, PAT test stickers provide reassurance around the safety of electrical devices.
Importance of PAT Testing Labels
Perhaps, the most important, yet ignored, aspect of modern electrical appliances is their safety. Considering the influx of foreign cheap electrical appliances in our markets due to globalization, safety becomes paramount.
Unfortunately, some of these cheap electrical goods have not undergone rigorous testing to ensure that the users do not experience any unpleasant surprises due to electric shocks.
What to look for before buying an electrical appliance
So, what’s the first thing that must be looked at before buying any electrical appliance for home or office? Of course, safety has to be the main parameter influencing the decision.
Well, the answer is Portable Appliance Testing or a PAT testing label on the equipment. An electrical appliance without a PAT testing label has to be viewed with extreme caution.
Interpretation and Analysis
Of course, all results from a PAT test need to be interpreted by someone who’s competent to do so.
Competency is defined in health and safety law as having sufficient knowledge, training, skills and experience to carry out a certain task correctly and safely. Visual inspections can be carried out by the equipment users themselves.
Who can conduct PAT tests?
The readings from a PAT test need to be interpreted and logged properly, and this is best carried out by a trained PAT engineer or someone who has enough skill and time to get around even the largest of workplaces.
PAT testing makes up an important part of facilities management because it records the location and safety status of all portable electrical equipment.
Most large employers contract out their PAT testing to an electrical contractor on an annual basis.
Hexo Electrical Testing PAT Testing Services and Bookings
We offer a full PAT Testing service for employers, landlords, and homeowners. Our PAT Testing can be combined with our other services such as EICR and Emergency Lighting Testing.
Please see here for further details on our PAT testing services and you can request a quote here.
