FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN ANYONE CARRY OUT PAT TESTING?

No. Only people who can prove competence for the inspection and testing of electrical equipment can carry out PAT testing.  Competence has now got to be able to be proven under the new IEE Regulations 2008.  All of our engineers hold a Level 3 Certificate of Competence for the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment issued by City and Guilds.

CAN YOU TEST IT EQUIPMENT?

Yes.  We have heard many stories over the years of 'PAT testers' blowing up and damaging IT equipment.  This should NEVER happen.  IT equipment should be tested at below 250 mA.  All of our testing equipment has this facility and ALL of our engineers know how to test IT equipment correctly.

WILL ALL APPLIANCES NEED TO BE SWITCHED OFF?

Yes.  To test an appliance it will have to be switched off and unplugged.  Each item is tested individually and then plugged back in to minimise the disruption to your working operations.  The time taken to do the necessary tests is approximately two minutes per item.  In the event of an appliance failing any of its tests we will NOT plug the appliance back in and will notify the user and/or appropriate person immediately of the failure.  In some instances failed appliances have been plugged back in by the user.  This should be discouraged - remember the possibilities of a £20000 fine and/or up to two years in prison!

WILL PAT TESTING GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF THE APPLIANCE?

At the time of the appliance test if the item passes it will be safe.  Appliances can develop faults at any time whether new or old.  In the event of an accident, fire or injury involving  an appliance which has passed  you can at least prove that you have done everything within your power to prevent danger to the users of the equipment by having them regularly tested.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PAT TEST?

As a general rule we aim to test between 150 to 200 items per engineer per day.  Due to the nature of different business some take longer to test than others, for example construction sites will as a general rule take much longer than an office with the same number of items.

HOW MUCH NOTICE DO YOU NEED TO ARRANGE TESTING?

It is advisable to book your testing at least two weeks in advance wherever possible. However it is always worth a call to us if you need testing carried out quickly as we can usually re-arrange staff rotas to accommodate your requirements.

WILL YOU WORK  OFF-SHORE?

Yes.  We have no problems working off-shore at any of the facilities around the coast of Scotland.  As long as the necessary transport and safety equipment (ie boat, life jackets, etc) are provided there is no problem whatsoever working offshore.

DO YOU ONLY WORK 9.00 TO 5.00?

No. We can work hours to suit yourselves whether they be weekends, bank holidays or overnight. Give us a call to discuss your requirements.

TO BOOK YOUR TESTING GIVE US A CALL ON 01599 511367