Oftentimes we take our common luxuries for granted. When it comes to household appliances, we fall into the feeling that every time we plug them in, they will work properly and safely. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes appliances can be faulty, and this can result in a dangerous scenario for you and your home or business.
At TRS Electrical, we aim to ensure that every home and business in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire is safe from the dangers of electronics failure. We do this through our licensed PAT testing. But, what is PAT testing, and why is it really that important?
What is PAT Testing?
PAT stands for ‘Portable Appliance Testing’. It is the process of making sure that all of the portable appliances in a business or home are safe to use, and won’t pose any immediate danger when plugging them in and leaving them in operation for extended periods of time.
In the case of PAT testing, the term ‘portable’ is used for any appliance that plugs into the electrical socket in the wall. This can be your toaster, your blender, or even your refrigerator or TV. Anything and everything that requires a plug to be inserted into the socket is considered a portable appliance. Inspecting these for potential fault or failure points is crucial for guaranteeing safety.
While some damage to a portable appliance can be seen on a surface level by anyone who takes the time to inspect them; other damages or failure points are much more difficult to see–and require a professional. These can include:
- Signs of excessive protective conductor current.
- Damaged or unsuitable fuses.
- Insulation integrity.
- Earth continuity.
- And more!
The process of PAT testing investigates all of the crucial points within the appliance itself as well as within the plug and wiring. This ensures no damage could lead to disaster.
What Are the Dangers of Portable Appliances?
Portable appliances are one of the most common causes of electrical fires in the home. Faulty wiring or damage within the system can easily lead to a spark that can ignite insulation or baseboards, and result in an inferno that will expand rapidly–before you even know what caused it. This is the primary reason for PAT testing. It ensures that when you plug in an appliance, it will be safe to do so.
PAT testing inspects a multitude of areas on the appliance. Such as:
- Grounding verification.
- Visual inspection of the appliance and plug.
- Insulation tests.
- Examination of exposed metals.
This results in a certified, professionally inspected appliance that you can sleep at night knowing won’t fail on you.
Final Thoughts
At TRS Electrical we want to be your #1 choice for your residential and commercial electrician in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide certified, professional PAT testing on your home or commercial appliances.