The term PAT Testing has been around for decades but the rules behind it have changed. The process is now officially known as ITEE, or Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, and the scope has broadened significantly.
Under the updated IET 5th Edition Code of Practice, it is not just portable appliances that need checking. Any electrical equipment that could pose a risk must be inspected. This applies to businesses of all sizes and across all sectors.
What The Law Requires
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring electrical equipment is safe to use. This obligation sits under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Your insurance provider will also expect ITEE testing to form part of your Health and Safety compliance records.
Why The Name Change Matters
The shift from PAT to ITEE was not cosmetic. The old terminology created a blind spot. Equipment that was not strictly portable was being overlooked, and that created real risk.
A useful example of this involved USB cables at a large office. The chargers were tested regularly but the detachable cables were not, as they fell outside the old guidelines. Many of those cables were frayed and running hot from being left plugged in constantly. During a planned shutdown one of them overheated and started a fire. The sprinkler system contained it but the damage had already been done.
Under the current ITEE guidelines those cables would have been included in the inspection from the start.
What Testing Covers
Our engineers carry out a full visual inspection of every item followed by electrical testing. Anything that fails is photographed and recorded in your report. We also note advisory issues such as worn cables or damaged sockets so you have a complete picture of your equipment.
After The Inspection
We will go through the report with you once testing is complete. If items need replacing or repairing we will advise on the right course of action and help you keep your compliance records current.
About TISS Electrical
We carry out thousands of ITEE tests every month and have experience across a broad range of commercial and industrial premises. Our engineers work with minimal disruption and make sure everything is documented correctly.
Our PAT testing services are available throughout Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Whether you are based in Harwich, Bar Hill, Brentwood, Saffron Walden, Burwell, Woodbridge, Cottenham, Ely, Halstead, Teversham, Frinton, Cambridge, St Ives, Sawston, Manningtree, Beccles, Great Shelford, Peterborough, Bures, Felixstowe, Fulbourn, Needham Market, Histon, St Neots, Mildenhall, Chelmsford, Soham, Wivenhoe, Lawford, Clacton, Leiston, Tiptree, Stowmarket, Brightlingsea, Walton, Wisbech, Kesgrave, Balsham, Wrabness, Brandon, Huntingdon, March, Linton, Lowestoft, Ipswich, Marks Tey, Basildon, Bungay, Bury St Edmunds, Waterbeach, Hadleigh, Haverhill, Milton, Great Bentley, Cambourne, Newmarket, Halesworth, Sudbury, Trimley St Mary, Braintree, Colchester or Mistley, we can help you stay compliant.
For full details about PAT Testing, please visit here.
Contact Us
To book ITEE testing for your business or to find out more, get in touch with our team. Email us at enquiries@tisselectrical.co.uk or call 01245 377 625.
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