PAT testing refers to Portable Appliance Testing. It is the testing of electrical equipment which is done to ensure their safety and proper functioning. There also exist many other reasons why such testing should be done, that too regularly. This is especially needed for businesses as well as other organisations like schools and workplaces and even rented-out premises. It ensures the safety of these places from hazards that may be posed due to the malfunctioning of electrical appliances.
Such testing is done in a variety of ways. This includes visual and technical inspection both of the outside and the inside parts of the electrical equipment that is being tested and is done to check the quality and condition of all the cables, plugs, insulated wires and other connections. It is a great option to choose a local PAT testing company to get one’s appliances checked regularly. This is irrespective of whether such a test is done at someone’s home or a company. Below are some of the main reasons which list down the importance of doing a PAT test:
1. They Reduce The Likelihood Of The Device Catching Fire
Electrical equipment, and especially wires, are vulnerable when it comes to catching fire. This can happen due to a variety of reasons like the loosening of any wire within the device, the rubbing off or accidental removal of insulation from the wires and them even sparking up and then catching fire. This is mostly a risk when the electronic equipment is not taken properly care of or is not checked timely for defects.
As PAT testing includes timely check-ups of all the equipment and its wires, it reduces the risk of the device catching fire by a considerable amount and allows one to use their devices without the fear of them being vulnerable to such a situation.
These tests also help in finding out any issue that might be there in the electrical equipment or if it might need further fixing or a complete replacement. Proper and timely repair and replacement of the device or appliance can also act as a great safety measure against the device catching fire.
2. They Can Help In Saving Money In The Long Run
Although some people might believe these types of testing to be a waste of time and money, it is important to get it done regularly since it is a more viable and economically sustainable way to go in the long run. If the appliances are not tested regularly, their issues may not be identified before it is too late.
This means that people might continue to use the electrical equipment even when they are not in its proper state and condition and might have internal defects like the insulation coming off or lose connections. If in such a case the device is overused or overheated without any prior knowledge then it might lead to the burning of wires and eventually, the device may even catch fire.
Now the overall costs of keeping the device will increase manifold as the business would have to replace the whole appliance and buy a new one and also bear the costs of any other damage that may have been caused as a result of the fire. This increases the overall costs of the business as it would have been a much more economical option to get the appliance tested beforehand when its issues could have been identified and fixed at a much cheaper price and prevented such a fire from taking place. It also takes off the psychological load of the people and businesses who might have met with such a dangerous incident at their homes or workplace.
3. They Can Help In Reducing Risks To One’s Business
Besides being economically more viable in the long run, PAT testing also helps in ensuring that the businesses that get their appliances tested regularly are at lesser overall risk than the businesses that do not. These include a lot of risks that might arise as a result of failure or damage to the electrical appliances in the workplace.
There can be physical as well as mental risks of getting hurt or injured due to malfunction or burning of the equipment while one operates it. Moreover, there is a lesser risk of such damage when the devices are checked regularly and are repaired whenever needed.
4. They Are Preferred By Insurance Companies
If one goes out to get an insurance plan for themselves or their appliances or company, one would more likely be favoured if they tell the insurance company that they get their appliances PAT tested regularly.
This assures the insurance companies that as the appliances get regularly tested there is a lesser risk of them being burnt or harmed and hence it will reduce the number of costs that the insurance company might have to incur in case a regular appliance catches fire.
As fires can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage when the insurance companies get to know that the user of those appliances or the company is getting them regularly tested and repaired, they feel like the risk on them of imbursing all that damage reduces considerably hence making it easier for them to provide insurance services for the same.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PAT testing is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of one’s electrical appliances and equipment. By getting one’s appliances tested regularly, one can identify any potential hazards and reduce the risks of electrical accidents in the future. The process of such testing is quick, easy, and relatively cheaper, making it an affordable way to keep one’s workplace and home safe.
It’s important to remember that accidents can happen at any time, and prevention is always better than cure. So, taking all these necessary steps for protecting oneself, one’s family, and other workmen by getting PAT testing can be beneficial in the long run.