What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing, also known as PAT test. Is a test that examines electrical products to verify their safety. In addition, A PAT test can also be referred to as a ‘service inspection and electrical equipment testing’. The test will check electrical devices for signs of damage, measure the quality of insulation, and determine if the earthing conductors can protect against electric shocks. So, what are the PAT testing regulations in the UK?

 

PAT Testing Rules & Regulations

PAT testing is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, with the focus on ‘Health & Safety’, conforming to PAT testing regulations will help to maintain the safety of your business and help you to avoid violations. PAT testing legislation was put into place to ensure all UK companies conform to the following acts:

1. Health and Safety at work act of 1974
2. The electricity at work regulation of 1989
3. The provision use of work equipment regulations of 1998
4. The management of health and safety at work regulation of 1999

 

All homeowners and business owners need to ensure their portable electrical equipment is safe and maintained in a decent manner. Additionally, HMO Landlords must conduct annual PAT tests to ensure that all electrical appliances are safe. Lastly, private firms currently do not have exact requirements for testing on their properties.

 

Who can conduct a PAT Test?

PAT Testing can be conducted by an individual who has been deemed competent by taking a PAT training course and holds a certificate of competency in PAT testing. Generally, already established electricians will hold this certification and offer PAT testing as one of their services. When booking a PAT test, it’s important for you to hire an electrician who has experience in the industry. An experienced electrician will great knowledge and will be able to advise you correctly.

After PAT testing has been completed, you will receive a certificate that confirms the when the test was conducted. However, the certificate does not have a specific expiration date. So, how often should you have a PAT test? The answer to this relies of a variety of factors but to simplify matters. We recommend that hotels, shops, or offices conduct a PAT test at least every 2 years. Schools, colleges, universities, cafes, or workshops may require frequent testing. Every year or less. This is because the electrical appliances in these places generally have a high usage.

 

How much does PAT testing cost?

 

The cost of a PAT test depends on many factors. For example, Number of appliances, travel, parking, and the location of the appliances. Although these factors may cause your overall quote to increase or decrease, below is a rough estimation for typical pricing in the UK.

If your building has hundreds of appliances to be tested, you may be looking at 70p – 80p for each item. On the other hand, if you have few items, you may be charged between £1.00 -£2.00 or more for each item. Lastly, the charges for high-risk environment such as building sites or industrial sites may be higher than the prices we’ve listed. This is because, factors such as built-in desks or hard to reach outlets will make the testing more difficult than usual.

 

Other articles about PAT Testing

What is a PAT Test

PAT Testing in the workplace

 

 

 

 

What Factors Should Be Considered in an Electrical Installation?

Electricity is an essential element in modern life. Without electricity to power our day-to-day Iives, society would look very different. Thankfully, electricity is an established presence in our lives, and it isn’t going anywhere soon. Accordingly, electrical installations are commonplace in our homes and businesses, but we don’t necessarily know too much about them.

What is an Electrical Installation?

Electricity is carried by wiring and, as such, wiring is at the heart of all electrical installations. But electricity and wiring are complex components. Therefore, there’s a little more to electrical installations than just wiring and a power supply. Crucially, it’s important to distinguish between electrical products – such as a television – and an electrical installation. A television, for example, will be served by an electrical installation. But what exactly do we mean by electrical installation?

An electrical installation is the process whereby electrical wiring along with electric outputs are installed in buildings. This provides a power source for electrical products and, typically, these are installed during construction or renovation projects. The installation process, however, does not refer simply to the power supply and the electrical wiring. It also refers to the labour involved in planning and completing such a project.

Electrical Installation Requirements

Electrical installations should always be safe, but the involvement of electricity and its many dangers means that this needs to be guaranteed. And this is why there are a number of specific requirements associated with electrical installations.

The BS 7671 UK wiring regulations is the national standard by which all electrical installations must be measured. These requirements have been developed to ensure that electrical installations can be deemed safe to use. The regulations cover a series of periodic tests and inspections which must be carried out to satisfy the BS 7671 requirements. Completing these tests successfully will act as proof that your electrical wiring and outlets are considered safe against electric shock and fire risks.

Once a BS 7671 inspection on a new installation has been completed successfully, an electrical installation certificate can be issued. This certificate will deem an electrical installation as safe to use for up to five years.

How to Choose the Right Electrical  Contractor

Electrical installations need to be installed by professionals, you can’t just watch a YouTube video and do it yourself! But it’s vital that you choose the right contractor, so make sure you consider the following:

• Get Quotations: Your budget is an essential part of any electrical installation project, so one of your first steps should be to get quotations. Speak to several different contractors to get a selection of prices and to understand which ones will satisfy your budget.

• Always Check Credentials: A contractor with credentials is infinitely better than a contractor with no credentials. These credentials will demonstrate that the electrical contractor is qualified to complete electrical installations and that they have been accredited by a professional body.

• Ask About their Experience: Don’t be afraid to ask an electrical contractor about their experience when it comes to electrical installations. Any good contractor will be more than happy to discuss previous projects and provide references so that you can verify their word.

• Get Recommendations: Your network of friends and family can prove invaluable when it comes to choosing a suitable contractor. It’s likely that people in your network will have undertaken similar projects, so their recommendations can be highly useful when it comes to making a decision.

 

Electrical Installation Surveys

We offer free surveys on electrical installation projects. Likewise in certain cases we are also able to undertake these remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom

Contact NM Cabling  for a free review  01923 888588

Electrical systems can be complicated and if not handled correctly, the damage can be very severe. By taking simple precautions you can reduce the risk of bodily injuries, death, and fire. As a business owner there are a few preventive assessments you can do. For example, PAT Test, Visual analysis of your electrical equipment/search for any electrical socket damage. In this article we focus on the latter. So, how can you tell if you have electrical socket damage?

 

Warning Signs

• Flickering/Dimmed Lights
• Smell of smoke or burning
• Tripping Electrical breaker
• Cracked and corrosion

 

Flickering lights

When your lights are flickering, dimming, or buzzing, this can be a sign of an electrical issue. The cause of this could be a loose connection, faulty electrical outlets, or the plug sockets are unable to withstand the load of the electrical appliances. In addition, The plug socket maybe outdated or faulty due to mechanical wear and tear. These power sockets are prone to short circuits that may cause heavy damage. We advise you to get this issue checked by a qualified electrician as you may need to replace the power socket with a superior model that can deliver a high-quality performance.

 

Smell of smoke or burning

If your power sockets have visible heat scorch marks or producing a burning plastic odour, they may have already suffered from an electrical fault. There are several reasons as to why this has happened; overloaded socket, damaged wires, dust build up, faulty appliances, corrosion, or poor installation. To rectify this fault, contact an emergency electrician such as our team of engineers. We will guide you through the process of safely switching off the power in the affected area. Following this we will inspect your electrical system to locate the problem.

Tripping electrical breaker

If your building's constantly losing power in certain areas, this is a sign of a tripped electrical breaker. Commercial electrical wiring is split into separate electrical circuits, when a single circuit has a problem that breaker will trip. If the affected area continuously trips you should take this as a sign that the power is being overworked. To resolve this, the power system will often need to be replaced to help increase the power supply and restore the functionality of your electrical wiring. Because commercial units are split into electrical circuits, you can continue your business operations in the non-affected areas. This split also plays as an advantage because it means the electrician will be able to locate the problem a lot quicker.

Common faults causing the trip

• Grounding fault
• Arc fault
• Overloaded circuit
• Short circuit

 

Cracked or corrosion

Wear and tear can sometimes cause the plastic of an electrical socket to crack or accumulate dust. When a device is plugged into the power socket filled with debris, the dust build up will eventually lead to the formation of an electric arc. Electric arc’s can lead to electric shocks or fires of high intensity. In addition, if ignored the dust build up can lead to corrosion of the electric socket. If you notice a corroded socket, it should be replaced immediately.

 

In Conclusion

To summarize, it’s important to remember that the damage caused by electricity can be very severe. When you’re experiencing an issue with electrics, taking short cuts can lead to property damage or death. We highly recommend you contact a fully qualified electrician. If you have a commercial building, risk assessments, PAT testing and EICR tests are a requirement by law.

If you wish to read up on related topics, please follow the links below.

What is a PAT Test?

When are emergency electrical services required?

Ensuring Electrical Safety in your Workplace

The potential dangers of electricity vary in severity depending on the specific circumstances. Even a relatively low voltage, such as 50 volts, can cause a current to flow through the human body, disrupting the electrical signals between the brain and muscles. This can lead to serious consequences, such as muscle spasms, heart failure, and respiratory arrest. Higher voltages increase the risk of injury and can result in fatal outcomes or severe damage to property. Because of these risks, electrical safety must be a top priority during both project planning and ongoing maintenance.

For more detailed guidance on electrical safety, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website offers additional resources alongside this article.

When it comes to safety, precision is crucial. Electricity can be deadly if not handled with care, but our team of highly skilled electricians ensures that every measure is taken to prevent accidents. Fully qualified and with extensive post-apprenticeship experience, our electricians are dedicated to delivering safe and reliable solutions.

---

Warning Signs for Electrical Safety
It’s important to stay vigilant and recognise potential electrical hazards. Watch out for the following warning signs:

• Burning, smoky, or unusual odours
• Discolouration, scorching, or visible smoke
• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Buzzing, dimming, or flickering lights
• Hot or burnt electrical sockets

Have you experienced any of these issues? Don't hesitate to contact our accredited team of electricians to ensure your home or workplace remains safe and secure. With vast experience across a range of environments, from private residences to large commercial properties, we’re here to help safeguard your electrical systems.

Minimizing the Risk (risk assessments)

As an employer, conducting risk assessments is a legal requirement. While these assessments might seem like a bureaucratic task, they are essential for protecting not only yourself and your employees but also members of the public. These safety measures help identify potential hazards and ensure that the appropriate precautions are taken to minimise risk.

Although risk assessments are not mandatory for private homes, they are still highly relevant when it comes to ensuring the safety of your family. By identifying and addressing electrical hazards at home, you can take proactive steps to prevent accidents and protect your loved ones.

 

Damaged Sockets

Electrical sockets showing scorch marks, heat damage, or emitting a plastic odour may have already experienced an electrical fault. These sockets should not be used under any circumstances, as they pose a serious risk of fire or further electrical hazards. The damage could be caused by several factors, such as dust accumulation, faulty appliances, corrosion, or poor wiring.

To address the issue, it’s essential to have the main electrical wiring checked and tested, as the underlying cause of the damaged socket may lie within the system itself. Prompt professional attention is necessary to ensure the safety of your electrical setup and prevent further damage.

 

Faulty Lights

Flickering, dimming, or buzzing lights can often be more of an inconvenience than a direct safety concern, which is why they are sometimes overlooked. In many cases, the cause can be simple, such as a loose light bulb, an incompatible bulb type, or environmental factors like weather. However, if these common causes aren’t to blame, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as a circuit overload, a faulty connection along the circuit, or insufficient current supply.

For example, if your lights dim when you plug in certain appliances, it’s a sign that the electrical circuit is overloaded and cannot provide enough current to support both the lights and the appliances.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is essential to consult with one of our fully qualified electricians. Ignoring these problems can lead to severe damage, including electrical fires or equipment failure, so prompt attention is crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical system.

 

Electrical Safety - Did you know?

Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and Fire Safety Standards

The Construction Product Regulation (CPR) is a regulatory framework designed to oversee construction products, ensuring they meet safety standards. Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, CPR regulations were reviewed and updated to enhance fire safety measures. As of 1st July 2017, all building and construction cables must be accompanied by a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and bear a CE marking under the CPR. These requirements focus specifically on the ‘Reaction to Fire’ performance of cables.

Cables are now rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest level of fire performance and F the lowest. The UK has a long-standing history of developing low fire hazard cables, which are halogen-free and produce minimal smoke, improving safety in the event of a fire. However, it’s important to note that cable ratings and regulations can vary between countries. While the UK has a relatively low rating requirement, higher fire performance ratings are always recommended to ensure the utmost safety.

In the UK, electrical professionals can obtain training and qualifications in fire safety and CPR compliance through recognised bodies such as NICEIC and NAPIT, which help ensure adherence to safety standards in electrical installations.

Read more on these CRP cable regulations by Clicking Here

 

How do I find electrician companies near me?

When looking for a qualified electrical company, the choice will be based on several different factors. Factors such as are they specialised in commercial or residential. Furthermore, what is their experience in those specific fields? However, when considering electrician companies near me, the majority of companies will all need to have similar basic electrical qualifications and attributes. Below we discuss and list these

 What Electricians Do

First and foremost electricians undertake all aspects of electrical work. We work with electricity and all the variations of electrical installation work that it covers. However, what is electrical work exactly? What does an electrician do in a typical electrical installation?

Electricians have various considerations. These include assigning electrical systems in either commercial buildings or residential homes. Furthermore, this can include industrial, warehouses, data centres, and many other industries

However, what are the daily tasks that an electrician may perform during their various activities. Some of the activities an electrician may incur on a project include:

1. Reading plans to understand where electrical circuits, sockets, fuse boards, and other electrical elements are to be found
2. Designing the layout of the electrical wiring within a building. Furthermore, this can be several buildings
3. Installation of electrical equipment. This can include hardware, systems, and building control. Furthermore, examples can include access control and CCTV
4. Maintenance of the completed or ongoing electrical wiring, fuse boards, or sockets
5. On-site inspections due to electrical faults
6. Continuing education and training

Of course, these are only a few choices of activities. There are many others throughout the typical electrical installation

What types of electricians are there

Electrical companies and electricians may perform comparable works on projects. However, due to differences in industries. There are variations of electrical installation companies and electricians. Some will specialise in a single field and others will cover multiple.

Electrical installations can be summarised in 4 starting areas

1. Residential and Homes. A residential specialist will mainly focus on electrical jobs in homes and places of residency. This can include apartment blocks, hostels, and HMO's
2. A communications electrician focuses on projects associated with communication systems. Examples would include telecommunication poles and data cabling, PCs, and telephone systems. This type of engineer is commonly a structured cabling installer. However, data cabling is a specialist field and best undertaken by a structured cabling specialist. Some companies will undertake both as a specialist field. NM cabling has separate data cabling and electrical divisions for this purpose. More information on data cabling can be found here
3. Commercial Electrical Installations. These projects include more detailed and larger scaled requirements compared to residential installations. Thus, typically larger buildings. Examples would include offices, warehouses, shopping centres, data centres, and hotels
4. Outside electrical installations. These electricians are more focused on external projects. Thus, installing the cables that go from power plants to buildings and homes. These works usually involve a great deal of civil construction works also

Although these areas cover the spread of electrical installation, each will have its specialities and focus

What electrical skills are needed to be effective for an installation?

Being an electrical installer or electrician requires comprehensive training. Furthermore, an electrician needs to acquire knowledge in the industry.

The following skills are those we feel are important for our electricians and engineers

1. Solution minded. An electrician is required to have a solution focus and good at solving problems. Furthermore, they will be able to identify and diagnose electrical issues and determine the best solution.
2. Hands-on Skills. Being an electrician is all involving job. Thus, a good electrician will have no issue working with their hands. Furthermore, they will have the dexterity for working with hardware and electrical equipment.
3. Physicality. Electrical installations are a physical job. They at times require physical effort and endurance. Also, the role requires constant movement that includes moving electrical equipment, wiring, and site equipment
4. Communication Skills. Project design and implementation constantly change. Therefore, on-site communication is key. Furthermore, on longer projects, there will be a requirement to correspond and work with the following stakeholders. All form part of the successful delivery of the project
   1. The end client
   2. The main builder
   3. Other trades
   4. The electrical company team
   5. Suppliers, plant, and deliveries
5. Customer communication. In the majority of projects, the projects are undertaken directly for the end client. The first consideration is designing the right system for their requirements. Clarifying this before starting is key. Once started, the skill is then in updating and informing the client of progress and if things change or need to change. By good communication, the project and budget are maintained and all parties are satisfied.

How to Find Reputable Electricians

Finding a reputable electrician requires careful consideration. Start by asking friends, family, or neighbours for recommendations. Online reviews on trusted platforms can also provide valuable insights into past customer experiences. ¹ Check if the electrician is properly licensed and insured – this is crucial for your protection. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of qualifications and experience, especially for specialized work. Get multiple quotes from different electricians, comparing not just price but also the scope of work and proposed solutions. ² Finally, trust your gut instinct. A reputable electrician will be communicative, professional, and willing to answer your questions thoroughly. ³

Is Electrical Installation Work Dangerous?

Electricity, of course, can be dangerous. That's exactly why you need to ensure electrical work is always undertaken by a qualified electrical installer. Firstly, to protect yourself and secondly to maintain a safe system after the works have been completed.

Safety comes in the form of the correct training and longevity of installation experience. Experience is the greatest teacher.

Some of the precautions we use include the following. The starting basis is always personal protective clothing. The choice of the following will be based on the project type and external factors

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Fire-resistant clothing
3. Vests and overalls
4. Electrical gloves and hand protection
5. Boots suitable for electrical installation
6. Work protection such as barriers, signs and electrical isolation locks and equipment

As well as keeping our electricians safe, a large part of our focus is keeping our customers safe. Therefore, safety equipment can be for our engineers or to protect you from the works. This can be something as simple as working when the office is closed, so you are not exposed.

What qualifies someone as an electrician?

Qualifications and certifications vary to qualify as an electrician. There are different standards boards. However, they are all based around the wiring regulations training. We ensure that all our electricians are qualified and supervised appropriately when training

Why should I employ and qualified electrician?

There are many reasons to employ a professional electrician to undertake any electrical installation work. Furthermore, repairs, fault-finding, maintenance, or new systems

Firstly, ensuring safety on the job. Electrical installations are dangerous and electrical installers are qualified to identify these hazards. When electrical installations are done poorly, the hazards can be life-changing. Fire and electrical are the two main hazards common with poor installations

The correct and training and experience will ensure the work is designed and undertaken correctly. Thus saving you money, time, and complications in the long run. A personally installed electrical system could create electrical hazards and damage to your office, building, or home. This can cause total damage or unwanted repair costs. Hiring a professional electrician helps to alleviate this potential problem

The experience of many projects allows a qualified electrical company to pass that experience on to your project. The design will correct due to experience, fault-finding will be seen before, solutions with in the industry will be known from previous projects

Our professional team of electrical installers is here to advise and guide you for all your electrical requirements

We value our customers and value correctly doing each project.

If you need an electrical installation, call our team for a free survey or advice on your requirements