Monthly Archives: February 2019

FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?
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FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?

Realistically speaking a PAT certificate expires as soon as the test is over and someone starts using the appliance again, because the results obtained can't predict the future, but in reality most people consider a PAT testing certificate to last around one year. However, how long the time period should be until the appliances are tested again very much depends on a risk assessment. If you have electrical appliances in use at work you should carry out regular risk assessments to determine what is required to ensure they maintain safe standards; this could be annual PAT tests. Usually a PAT [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T20:41:34+00:00February 19th, 2019|Frequently Asked Questions|Comments Off

Socket safety – why do we use socket covers when they’re not needed?
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Socket safety – why do we use socket covers when they’re not needed?

PAT Testing Info

Socket safety – why do we use socket covers when they’re not needed?

A British safety standard from 1947 that requires the top hole of the 3-hole socket to have a "shutter" on the inside means that the live and neutral holes can't be accessed until the shutters are opened. That happens when the earth pin of the plug is inserted into the top hole, thus opening the shutter. Only by inserting a plug, with a top pin, can the shutter be opened, which in turn activates the live part of the socket... making the socket safe - so there is no need to cover it; even little children’s fingers won’t open the [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-03T19:39:00+00:00February 2nd, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off