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Sign Up Now29 January 2025
First things first: You almost certainly need to be PAT Testing. It’s a legal requirement to have a routine inspection and maintenance program for all electrical equipment. Most insurance companies also assume you are PAT Testing and you may not be covered if you do not PAT Test but need to make a claim.
With over 25 years of experience in training and carrying out PAT Testing, we’ve gathered some top hacks to make the process easier and more efficient. Here are our best tips:
1. Share a PAT Tester. Once calibrated, a PAT Tester can be used every day for a year. Most businesses won’t use it daily, so why not share the costs with one or two neighbouring businesses? This way, you can access it when needed and save money by sharing the running costs.
2. Rent Out Your PAT Tester. You don’t have to charge for renting out your PAT Tester; it could be in exchange for other goods or services, or even charitable. Charities like Scout groups and community centres also need to PAT Test. This can help cover some costs or provide tax relief.
3. Use a Free Online PAT Testing Course to Train Staff. Train more staff to do the testing during their downtime. The free course at www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk is a great resource. You can purchase a certificate for £25 plus VAT or get multiple certificates at a discounted price. Ensuring everyone knows what to look for makes the process more efficient.
4. Make Sure Your Risk Assessment is Efficient and Effective. The IET 5th Edition recommends a risk-based frequency for PAT Testing. By understanding your equipment and its usage, you can adjust the testing frequency. For example, a frequently used kettle in a busy kitchen might need testing every 6 months to a year, while a desktop computer in a climate-controlled office might only need testing every 2 years.
5. Keep Accurate Paperwork. Accurate records can speed up PAT Testing. Note details like fuse types, equipment Class, good earth contact points, location, and any special tools needed. This makes future testing quicker and easier, especially when different people are involved.
6. Spread Out Your PAT Testing. Instead of setting aside a single day for PAT Testing, spread it out. Work through a room at a time, perhaps once a month. This makes the task more manageable and less overwhelming. PAT Testing a warm office in the winter is appealing, you can do the cold warehouse in the summer!
By following these hacks, you can make PAT Testing more efficient and cost-effective. Happy testing!
If you have any questions about PAT Testing, or would like to share your own PAT Testing hacks with us, please email us at sales@parker-bell.co.uk.
Our comprehensive PAT Testing videos can be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/user/pbpattesters
PAT Testers need to be calibrated annually to ensure they are measuring correctly and giving the correct outcomes. Any tests carried out by a PAT Tested that does not have a valid calibration certificate is void. We can calibrate the following machines:
PB500
PB500V
PB500V
PAC500 SP
PAC500XP
Seaward Primetest 100
Seaward Primetest 50
Ethos 9120
Ethos 9125
You can book your calibration online here: https://www.parker-bell.co.uk/calibration/
Or call us on 01392 364933 or email sales@parker-bell.co.uk
Labels and other PAT Testing accessories can be found in our online shop here: https://parker-bell.co.uk/products/shop/