What are the benefits of offering PAT testing?
PAT testing can be a practical way to get more from existing customer relationships and to pick up work from new ones.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), also known as Electrical Equipment Testing (EET), is widely used by businesses, landlords and other organisations to check that electrical equipment is safe to use.
For anyone already working in the electrical industry, PAT Testing is a useful extra skill to have, and one that will fit neatly alongside other electrical work.
Why should electricians offer PAT testing?
If you're already carrying out electrical work for customers, you may also find that they need their electrical equipment inspected and tested.
GTEC's wider electrical training courses cover a range of skills that can help electricians broaden the services they offer.
Of course, electrical equipment does not stay in the same condition forever, so inspection and testing may be needed again.
Who needs PAT testing services?
Landlords, schools, and many other workplaces that all have electrical equipment in regular use have a responsibility to make sure that this equipment is safe.
Having electrical equipment PAT tested is the most practical way of meeting these responsibilities on a regular basis.
Electricians looking to develop their inspection and testing skills can explore GTEC's 2391-52 Combined Initial Verification & Periodic Inspection course, providing them with a broader electrical service offering.
Do you need a qualification to offer PAT testing?
PAT testing needs to be carried out by someone who is competent to do the work.
That means having the knowledge and skills needed to inspect equipment, carry out the appropriate tests and understand the results.
Recognised training gives you the chance to build those skills properly and demonstrate your competence to customers.
There are no formal prerequisites, although candidates should already be familiar with electrical systems and all of the associated hazards.
Training covers areas including electrical safety, insulation and earthing, appliance classification, preliminary inspections, test precautions and how to use a portable appliance tester.
Candidates will be trained in cover labelling, reporting, recording results and putting a testing programme in place. All of which are important parts of offering PAT testing professionally.
The course includes both theoretical and practical elements, with a multiple-choice City & Guilds examination and a short practical assessment.
Add PAT testing to your electrical services
PAT testing can also bring in additional income, create opportunities for repeat work and make your offer more useful to commercial customers.
GTEC's two day PAT Testing Training Course provides the skills and knowledge required to undertake PAT and electrical equipment testing in accordance with the Code of Practice for In Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Successful candidates achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Testing (2377), providing a recognised qualification that can help you add PAT testing to your electrical services with confidence.
Find out more about GTEC's PAT Testing Training Course and view the latest available training dates.
