You might already be aware of ‘PAT testing’ as a form of preventative maintenance, but what exactly is electrical equipment testing? We’ll be going through why electrical equipment testing is important and how you can make the testing process easier with certification software.
What is Electrical Equipment Testing?
Previously referred to as portable appliance testing or PAT testing, electrical equipment testing (EET) is a way to check the safety of electrical equipment. These examinations include visual inspections and tests to identify safety defects. Carrying out both forms of tests ensures the equipment is safe to use.
Why is Electrical Equipment Testing Important?
Carrying out electrical tests on equipment is a recommended requirement in the UK. It’s important to consider carrying out these inspections for businesses and landlords. When conducted regularly, these tests can prevent long-term damage to electrical equipment and ensures they don’t cause injury.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires electrical appliances to be maintained in a safe condition. Although it is not specified how you should carry them out or how frequently, EET is an effective way to follow the regulations.
It’s particularly important for businesses to check their equipment regularly to maintain a safe environment for customers and staff. This is also vital for landlords. Although the electrical safety standards in the private rented sector do not cover electrical appliances, they recommend landlords regularly carry out PAT testing on any electrical appliances supplied to tenants.
What is the 5th Edition Code of Practice?
IET’s Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment contains guidance on the testing process to determine if electrical equipment is safe for use.
Released in 2020, the 5th Edition Code of Practice contained numerous changes to the guidance for testing electrical equipment. It reinforces the importance of appropriate safety checks and includes other changes.
One change introduced was the change in terminology to clarify which types of appliances need an inspection. In this instance, ‘equipment’ now replaces terms such as ‘portable appliances’. This encompasses all forms of equipment under the code of practice. The new definition gives a broader term to what kind of equipment falls under the inspections, as not all equipment is considered to be ‘portable’.
For more information about the 5th Edition Code of Practice, please refer to the IET’s shop page.
Electrical Equipment Testing Certificate Software
So now you know why electrical equipment testing, or PAT testing, is important, how can you carry them out effectively?
For business owners, it’s important to keep records of electrical tests. There are no legal requirements to keep records, but it’s a useful process that helps you monitor and maintain the effectiveness of your services.
Turning to digital certification is the best way to streamline your electrical paperwork processes. You won’t need to send your electricians out with physical certificates that could easily get lost.
Having to return to the office before and after every job is time-consuming. Not getting the certificates back to your team on time means payments are delayed and customers are left unhappy.
With digital certificates, engineers can fill out work directly onto the certificate when onsite. Your team can sync them back to the office instantly or complete and send them to the customer (with Cloud Numbering). In the end, you save your team from unnecessary trips, meaning more time for more jobs and more opportunities to grow your business. Professional certificates are produced every time.
Official NICEIC Certification Software
With Clik’s NICEIC Cert Software, digital Electrical Equipment Testing certificates are free to create. You can fill out certificates both in the office and out in the field using the Clik Cert Electrical app.
Start a free of Clik’s NICEIC Cert Software to see how digital certification can benefit your electrical equipment testing process.
Further Reading:
- IET: The all-new 5th Edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
- Seaward: 5th Edition Code of Practice Ready PAT Testers
- Electrical Safety First: Periodic Inspection Explained
- HSE: PAT (portable appliance testing)