Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It would be wrong if we were never asked questions, but of course, there are some questions, which always have the same answer. We hope you find the below helpful. If you still have a question or query, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What is PAT Testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. Every company/business is responsible for providing a safe working environment and conforming to Health and Safety standards. PAT Testing ensures the appliances you are using are safe, in good working order and offering peace of mind to a business.

Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

We get asked this question on a daily basis, and simply, the answer is no! BUT . . . you will often find many insurance companies require PAT Testing to ensure you are compliant with current regulations. As an employer, you have the responsibility to provide and maintain a safe working area for every employee (HSE Act 1974 Section 2(a)). This requirement is endorsed by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [EAWR 1989] Regs 4(1) and 4(2) with specific reference to electrical equipment. The (EAWR 1989) Regs 3(1) also places the same duties upon the self-employed.

Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to a maximum penalty of £5,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. There are also penalties of up to £20,000 for breaches under the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

What does a PAT Test consist of?

Please visit our About Us page for more information on the PAT Test and the strict process we go through.

What does it cost?

Please visit our Pricing page for more information. We are always willing to provide an honest, fair and competitive quote.

Does it take long?

This is a tricky one to answer. PAT Testing is not hard, however it is time consuming, if done correctly, we can do around 20-25 appliances per hour. This does depend on desk and room availability. Again, we are happy to do this work out of hours/over a weekend, to keep disruption to a minimum and to enable us to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible for you.

What documentation do I receive?

Once the PAT testing is complete, we will return to the office and one of our administrators will collect the data and compile a report – this will consist of, the appliance ID, the appliance type, the location, the readings from each test and whether it passed/failed. This will be sent to you, along with an invoice. Once we have received payment, we then send a display certificate for your records.

What are the payment terms?

We require payment 7 days from the date on the invoice. You can pay via BACS, Card or PayPal.

Are you really a limited trading company?

Southend PAT Testing Ltd is a limited trading company. Our company registration number is: 10733002.

Is there VAT on the invoice?

No. We do not have a requirement to charge VAT therefore all invoices are supplied excluding a VAT charge.

How often do I need to my appliances tested?

The frequency of testing is very much dependent on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. For equipment that isn’t moved often (PC/Monitor/TV etc.), we recommend every 2 to 4 years. However, for something like a hoover, toaster or food mixer, which is often moved and cables can become snagged, we recommend every 6 months to 1 year. If you have something specific you wish to check, please do get in touch and ask.

Can someone internally within the business carry out a PAT Test?

Within reason, yes, however you would need to ensure the individual is competent to do so. The individual must have an understanding and ideally have been on a course to ensure the correct level of testing is adhered too.  We cannot stress enough the importance of record keeping (inspections and test results), correct labeling and reporting of defects to management.

Whilst it may seem a cheaper option, this is a business we have been involved in for a while. All of our PAT testing engineers are trained to the highest standard. We only deal in PAT testing therefore we believe we are in the best position to help you carry out your Portable Appliance Testing, at a honest, fair and competitive rate. We also offer an out of hours/weekend service, at no extra cost!

What sectors of business do we cover?

Predominately, we cover businesses in the following sectors:

– Healthcare,
– Schools/Colleges,
– Retail Shops,
– Offices,
– Council/Government entities
– and many more . . .

Some companies charge extra for repairs, do you?

Absolutely not! Our ethos is about helping you, the client. We carry out all repairs and fittings free of charge. So you can have as many free plugs, fuses and more on us, as you want!