Every business owner and facility manager is aware of EICR and PAT tests. We assume so, given their roles in maintaining the safety of electrical systems. However, they seldom share similarities given their distinct purposes. Before contacting an electrical tester in Herford to conduct one of the tests, you must learn about the two and determine which is more appropriate for your facility.
Understanding PAT and EICR Tests
As introduced, PAT and EICR tests are assessments responsible for maintaining electrical safety. Outlined is a guide to talk you through them.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
As the name of the test suggests, it is performed on plugged electrical appliances to ensure their safety. It is more meticulous when combing through defects and faults. It includes detailing electrical testing and visual checks by an electrical tester in Hertford and local electricians across London. Why so? The reason is simple. As per The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it’s important to maintain the safety of electrical equipment to prevent it from causing injury. Although it’s not a legal requirement, electrical experts recommend it for the protection of all those employed and others visiting your facility.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
For the safety of the system and its continued use, every business follows an electrical maintenance plan. EICR is a key component of it. It identifies the existing and potential threats to your business. Therefore, electrical testers in Hertford and all across the UK recommend performing the test every 3-5 years based on the commercial building, its type, and its purpose. In the UK, EICR applies to retail outlets, factories, leisure facilities, and those operating in the public sector. Every commercial building owner, facility manager, and authority responsible for the safety of industrial premises must conduct this test for compliance and protection. Insights into defective wiring, overloaded electrical circuits, lack of bonding, electric shock hazards, and the presence of damaged electrical fittings are collected through it.
What to Perform in Your Office – PAT or EICR? Insights From an Electrical Tester in Hertford
Local electricians in London offering services on behalf of Sheaworks believe businesses require both. The purpose is straightforward – to ensure all electrical appliances and installations are safe and compliant. An EICR report captures everything related to the electrical setup, including light switches, sockets, and fixed wires. It resembles a health checkup of the electrical infrastructure. On the contrary, a PAT test checks for damage in individual electrical appliances plugged into the main socket. It could be run on printers, chargers, and computers, or on any devices plugged into the system.
The best practice is to update an EICR for regulation compliance. However, if a business depends on portable appliances and has ample, the PAT test is a must-have. Schools, hotel chains, and manufacturers can relate to it more than others.
Risks of Ignoring PAT and EICR Tests in the UK
Serious consequences lie ahead for facilities failing to uphold their promises of conducting electrical tests and inspections. The issues are highlighted below:
- Hefty fines, which can go up to £30,000
- Electrical fires might break out
- Insurance may prove invalid
- Dangers of electric shocks
Contact Sheaworks for PAT Tests and EICR!
At Sheaworks, we are a team of local electricians in London. Herford is one of our service areas where we maintain the safety of properties. Our wealth of experience in dealing with electrical appliances and familiarising businesses with the execution of strict safety measures has made us a leading electrical contractor in the UK. Whether it’s a PAT test to prevent fire hazards from fixed and portable electrical appliances or an EICR check to determine the category your property wiring falls within, we conduct both to keep you and your workers safe.
