PAT Testing in Eastbourne

Ensure your workplace electrical equipment is safe and compliant with professional PAT (Portable Appliance Testing). D J Fox Electrical provides comprehensive PAT testing for businesses, landlords, schools, and event organisers throughout East Sussex.

What We Provide

• Visual appliance inspection - Check for damage, wear, hazards
• Electrical safety testing - Comprehensive functionality and safety verification
• Arc fault detection - Identify dangerous electrical patterns
• Certification and labelling - Each appliance receives PAT label with test date
• Detailed reporting - Complete test records with photographs
• Remedial recommendations - Guidance on failed appliances
• Compliance documentation - Records for health and safety audits
• Scheduled testing - Ongoing contracts for regular testing

Why Choose D J Fox Electrical?

• NICEIC Approved with 15+ years PAT testing experience
• Certified PAT testing professionals
• Experience across multiple industries
• Detailed testing reports for compliance
• Fast turnaround on results
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• 24/7 service for urgent testing
• Serving Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham and all East Sussex

Legal Requirements for PAT Testing

PAT testing is legally mandated in many situations:

Employer Responsibility

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Employers must ensure electrical safety
• "Suitable and sufficient" checks required
• PAT testing is standard compliance method
• Failure to comply: fines up to £20,000 per offence

Landlord Requirements

• Electrical Safety Standards 2020 (England)
• All electrical installations must be in good condition
• PAT testing not explicitly required by law
• But recommended as best practice
• Insurance may require documented testing

Insurance Implications

• Many policies require evidence of PAT testing
• Non-compliance may void insurance cover
• Liability claims may be rejected without records
• PAT documentation proves due diligence
• Essential for business continuity

Industry-Specific Requirements

• Educational institutions (schools, universities)
• Health and social care facilities
• Construction sites and temporary structures
• Events and festivals
• Laboratories and research facilities
• Commercial kitchens

What Gets PAT Tested?

PAT testing covers portable electrical equipment:

Office Equipment

• Computers and monitors
• Printers and photocopiers
• Fans and heaters
• Kettles and coffee machines
• Desk lamps and task lights
• Surge protection strips

Hand Tools and Equipment

• Cordless drills and saws
• Angle grinders and sanders
• Electric saws and planers
• Power tools in workshops
• Extension leads and cables

Cleaning Equipment

• Vacuum cleaners
• Floor polishers
• Pressure washers
• Carpet cleaning machines

Kitchen Equipment

• Microwaves and ovens
• Cookers and hobs
• Fryers and toasters
• Dishwashers
• Hot water urns
• Refrigerators

Event Equipment

• Sound systems and amplifiers
• Lighting rigs and projectors
• Mixing desks and controllers
• Electric scenery and staging

What Does NOT Get Tested

• Permanently installed equipment (covered by EICR)
• Items under manufacturer's guarantee (within warranty)
• Double-insulated tools with no visible damage (risk-based assessment)
• Very low-risk items in low-risk environments (exemptions available)

PAT Testing Process

Each appliance undergoes thorough testing:

Visual Inspection

• Check for cracks, loose parts, damage
• Inspect power cables for cuts, kinks, deterioration
• Examine plugs for damage, proper assembly
• Identify potential hazards
• Reject obviously dangerous items

Electrical Testing

• Earth continuity test (earthing works)
• Insulation resistance test (no dangerous leaks)
• Polarity check (connections correct)
• Leakage current test (safe operational current)
• Power efficiency test (normal operation)

Risk Assessment

• Environment classification (wet, corrosive, normal, etc.)
• Equipment class determination (Class I/II/III)
• Usage frequency and history
• Previous test results
• Failure pattern identification

Documentation

• Unique appliance identifier
• Test date and next test due date
• Visual inspection notes
• Test results recorded
• Pass/fail determination
• Tester information and signature

Testing Frequencies

Recommended PAT testing intervals vary by environment:

Office Environments

• Low-risk items - every 4 years
• Computer equipment - every 4 years
• Portable heaters/fans - every 2 years
• Kitchen equipment - every 2 years

Industrial/Construction

• High-risk environments - every 3-6 months
• Hand tools daily use - every 6 months
• Portable equipment - every 12 months
• Stationary but portable items - every 12 months

Events and Temporary Sites

• Before use (event duration)
• During event (if intensive use)
• After event (if redeployed)
• High frequency (multiple tests per year)

Educational Facilities

• Laboratory equipment - annually
• Student use equipment - annually
• General office equipment - every 2 years
• Sports/PE equipment - annually

Health and Care Facilities

• Critical medical equipment - every 6 months
• General patient equipment - annually
• Office equipment - every 2 years
• Environmental equipment - annually

Sample Sizes and Compliance

Large premises use sampling approaches:

Sample-Based Testing

• Test representative sample of appliances
• Cover all equipment types and risk levels
• Document sampling methodology
• Provides cost-effective compliance
• Acceptable under HSE guidelines

100% Testing

• Every appliance gets tested
• Highest assurance of safety
• More expensive option
• Recommended for high-risk environments
• Mandatory in some circumstances

Risk-Based Assessment

• Focus testing on high-risk items
• Reduce testing of low-risk equipment
• Balance cost and assurance
• Most cost-effective approach
• Requires professional assessment

Test Failures and Remedial Action

Items failing PAT tests require action:

Minor Failures

• Cosmetic damage (replaced cable sheath)
• Minor wear (cleaning or touch-up paint)
• Recertification after repair
• Minor cost to remediate

Major Failures

• Insulation failure (unsafe to repair)
• Component failure beyond simple fix
• Item should be replaced
• Remove from service immediately
• Cost of replacement

Handling Failed Items

• Remove from service immediately
• Clearly label as failed
• Store separately until replacement
• Document disposal/replacement
• Re-test replacement items

Common PAT Testing Issues

• Inadequate testing frequency (compliance gap)
• Poor record-keeping (can't prove testing done)
• Testing non-relevant items (resource waste)
• Failure to remove dangerous items (safety risk)
• No risk assessment (wrong testing intervals)
• Expired certifications (out of compliance)

Service Coverage

Available throughout Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham, and all East Sussex locations. We handle offices, workshops, shops, schools, events, and all business types.

Pricing

PAT testing costs depend on quantity and environment:

• Small office (10-20 items) - £80-£150 visit + £3-5 per item
• Medium office (50-100 items) - £120-£200 visit + £2-4 per item
• Large facility (200+ items) - £150-£300 visit + £1.50-£3 per item
• Events/festivals - From £200 + equipment costs
• Ongoing contracts - Negotiated rates for regular testing

Final pricing depends on:

• Number of appliances to test
• Location and accessibility
• Complexity of equipment
• Testing frequency required
• Documentation requirements
• Sample vs 100% testing

Compliance Record Keeping

Maintain thorough testing documentation:

• Test certificates - Retain copies for each appliance
• Lab books - Record all testing details
• Calibration records - For testing equipment
• Staff training records - Proof of competency
• Risk assessments - Basis for testing frequency
• Remedial actions - Documentation of repairs/replacements
• Audit trail - Demonstrate due diligence

Get Your Free PAT Testing Quote

Contact D J Fox Electrical for a free PAT testing quote. We'll assess your premises, determine testing requirements, and provide transparent pricing for compliance.

Phone: Available 24/7 for PAT testing enquiries Email: Describe your equipment and compliance needs Site Visit: Book your free assessment today