A little preparation before your PAT test visit can make the process faster, less disruptive, and more effective. Here's a practical checklist of what to do before our engineers arrive.
Before the Visit
1. Create an Appliance Inventory
If you don't already have one, walk through your premises and list all portable electrical appliances. Include make, model, and location. This helps ensure no appliances are missed during testing and gives you a baseline for your asset register.
2. Inform Your Staff
Let your team know when the PAT test is happening. Explain that some appliances may be temporarily unplugged and tested, and that they should avoid moving or hiding equipment to ensure it gets tested. In office environments, ask staff to log off their computers but leave them powered on if possible.
3. Make Appliances Accessible
Ensure our engineers can access all areas where appliances are located. Move furniture if necessary to expose hidden sockets and equipment. Pull out appliances from behind desks or in cupboards that are normally inaccessible.
4. Include Extension Leads and Multi-Adaptors
Extension leads, power strips, and multi-adaptor plugs are some of the most commonly failed items in PAT testing — and some of the most commonly forgotten. Make sure these are easily accessible and included in your testing.
On the Day
- Designate a point of contact to accompany our engineer around the premises
- Have keys or access codes ready for all locked rooms or storage areas
- Inform our engineer of any specialist or sensitive equipment requiring special handling
- Make a note of any appliances with known issues so they can be flagged for attention
After the Visit
After testing, review the test report carefully. Failed appliances must be removed from service immediately. If any appliances couldn't be accessed on the day, arrange a follow-up to ensure complete coverage. File your certificates in a safe location and note when your next test is due.
