Why do I need a PAT testing certificate?

If you have electrical equipment testing (often referred to as PAT testing) carried out at your place of work or rental property, your engineer will give you a certificate of compliance.

Join us as we take a look at what this certificate shows, what it proves and what you can do with it.

What does a PAT testing certificate look like?

When your PAT testing is complete, your testing company will send you a certificate that comes in two parts.

The first part of the certificate looks like this. This is a summary of your PAT testing, which shows you are compliant.

It will include your address and how long the certification is valid for (usually 12 months).

It will also have an authorised signature from the company that carried out the testing.

The second part of the certificate lists the equipment that has been checked, broken down by room or area. 

 

• All equipment is given a reference number. At Hawkesworth, this reference number is on each individual label too for easy identification
• The test date for each piece of equipment is listed, alongside a retest date (usually 12 months)
• The name of the engineer who tested each piece of equipment will be supplied
• The report will list which equipment has passed inspection and what has failed inspection.

At Hawkesworth, we provide photos of what has failed inspection so you can see for yourself why any equipment is no longer compliant. For example, this photo of a plug that failed as the cable had melted.

 
Many customers find the photos useful as they can use them to train their staff how to look out for dangerous equipment in the future!

What does a PAT testing certificate prove?

As PAT testing is carried out by a ‘competent person’ in line with regulations including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), this certificate shows your business is compliant with legislation.

What can you do with a PAT testing certificate?

• If your business has public liability insurance, your insurance company may request a copy of your certificate to show your electrical equipment is safe
• You can include a copy of your certificate in any tender applications to show your company’s commitment to health & safety
• If you have a certification file at reception, you can include your certificate in there to show visitors you operate safely
• If you are a landlord, having a PAT certificate to show to interested tenants is an excellent way to demonstrate the electrical equipment you provide (for example fridges and microwaves) works and is safe