25/11/2025
Don't forget to test your broadband router!
1. Determine its Class. Normally a Class I as it is built with a metal chassis, the bottom of which will have several external earth points. Remove all communication cords before testing.
2. Perform a visual inspection. Ensure that the plug, lead and body of the appliance are not damaged (normal wear and tear is acceptable), that the plug has been fitted with the correct fuse, and the lead is securely attached to the body of the appliance and the plug.
3. Perform a Class I test if a Class I, then a functional test. Record the results and put a Pass label on the appliance.
If you are using a Parker Bell PAT Tester or a Primtest 50 or 100, you can call us on 01392 364933 if you need help.
28/10/2025
If you are thinking of buying a secondhand PAT Tester, check it before you buy to avoid a costly mistake. Click to read our latest article.
Buyer Beware: Secondhand PAT Testers - Parker Bell
Buyer Beware! If you are thinking of purchasing secondhand PAT Testers, they are not all the same. Check with us before you buy. Read how.
26/09/2025
If you work from home, your work environment must be safe. Ready our tips on how to make sure you work set up is safe in our latest blog.
Working from Home - PAT Testing - Parker Bell
You still need a safe working environment, even if you are working from home. Read about how to ensure your electrical equipment is safe to use.
23/09/2025
Is it better to do you own PAT Testing? Or pay a contractor to do it?
Lots of information included in our blog, but keep in mind that the responsible person e.g. Owner or Director will ultimately be held responsible were there to be a resulting accident or injury, so many companies choose to take control and do their own testing.
Contractor PAT Testing - Parker Bell
Do you need to PAT Test? Is your contractor PAT Testing. Should you do your own PAT Testing? Read our blog to make sure you are covered.
22/09/2025
You don’t need to be an electrician to do your own PAT Testing.
Any competent person can do PAT Testing, you just need to understand what to do and how to do it. For many businesses, care homes, salons, garages, warehouses, charity shops etc. it makes sense to PAT Test your equipment during quieter periods, at a time that suits you. It is straightforward to do, and Parker Bell offers a completely free online training course, to show you how.
www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk
PAT Testing is the standardised way of adhering to the legal obligation for employers to ensure electrical equipment is maintained to prevent danger. By doing our course you can see exactly what is involved and consider bringing this important function in house under your control.
Parker Bell has nearly 25 years’ experience training and selling PAT Testing equipment. If you want to know more, you can visit our website:
www.parker-bell.co.uk
Or call the team on 01392 364933 or email [email protected]
Parker Bell Home Page | Parker Bell (Instruments) Ltd
Parker Bell offers 25 years experience of PAT Testing. Selling reliable, economical PAT testing equipment, training & PAT Tester calibration services.
07/08/2025
We calibrate the PB500 range, Seaward Primetest 100 & 50. Ethos 9120 & 9125 Book online....
https://parker-bell.co.uk/calibration/
13/05/2025
Charity shops across the UK are successfully PAT Testing and selling second hand electrical goods. Find out how in our new blog....
Charity Shops! PAT Testing - Parker Bell
Charity shops can pat test and sell used electrical equipment! It's a great way to raise funds good for the environment too! Learn how in our blog.
08/05/2025
⚡ Safety first! Don’t let overlooked extension leads become a hidden hazard. These everyday essentials often suffer wear and tear—without the attention they deserve!
✅ Check for damage to the plug, lead, and sockets. ✅ Ensure the correct fuse is in place. ✅ Look out for compression under furniture or loose connections. ✅ MOST IMPORTANTLY: PAT Test each individual socket! A single failed socket means the entire lead must be repaired or replaced.
Stay smart, stay safe. Regular inspections can prevent costly and dangerous electrical failures! 🔌⚠️
28/04/2025
PAT Test Labels—Where Should You Stick Them?
Placing PAT Test labels might seem straightforward but sticking them on the plug isn't always the best option. Take a kettle, for example: it consists of two parts—the jug and the IEC lead. Both should be tested separately.
• IEC Lead: Test as a cord using your PAT Tester's cord functionality and assign it a unique appliance ID. If it passes, label the cord/plug accordingly.
• Kettle Jug: Once the cord is attached, test the complete kettle as a Class I appliance, assign a unique ID, and label the jug.
This method ensures clarity for re-testing and replacement while keeping you compliant and safe.
If an appliance fails, it's crucial to remove it from use and either repair or destroy it. You can also stick a red fail label on it to alert others that it's unsafe to use.
What Does a PAT Test Label Really Mean?
It signifies the appliance passed testing at a specific time and includes a re-test date. However, it doesn’t guarantee ongoing safety—users should visually inspect appliances before each use for damage.
Parker Bell has a range of labels on their website, click to shop…
Got questions? Call our technical team at 01392 364933 for expert advice. Make PAT Testing smarter with Parker Bell!
www.parker-bell.co.uk
24/04/2025
Ensure Electrical Equipment Safety with Parker Bell PAT Testing Kits! 🔌
Looking for reliable and easy-to-use PAT testing equipment? Parker Bell has you covered! With over 25 years of expertise, our PAT testing kits are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses, from construction sites to charity shops. 🛠️✨
💡 Why choose Parker Bell?
Comprehensive kits for all industries, including construction and retail.
Free online PAT testing course to get you started with confidence.
Exceptional customer support and technical advice.
📍 Stay compliant and efficient – order your kit today!
👉 Shop now: https://parker-bell.co.uk/products/
☝️Free Training Course. https://onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk
08/04/2025
Do I need to PAT Test?
If you run a business, if the public use your premises, if you resell, repair equipment, or if you use electrical equipment on someone else’s property. The answer is yes. In fact, even if you don’t do any of these, it might still be worth it. It certainly makes sense for everyone to know how to do ensure their electrical equipment is maintained and safe to use. As electrical fires are all to frequent in domestic settings.
What does the law say? The law says you must have a program in place for routinely inspecting and maintaining electrical equipment. This means if you are not able to produce, if asked by HSE (Health & Safety Executive) records of your schedule of inspection, maintenance, and repair. You could be in trouble. But. One of the biggest considerations, is that of your insurance company’s expectations. We have seen a rise in the number of providers who specifically say that PAT Testing should be carried out and according to our insurance broker, it is assumed with insurance companies that you will carry out PAT Testing. Which means that if you are not, you may not be paid out in the event of a claim.
Do I Need to PAT Test?
If you run a business, allow public access to your premises, resell or repair equipment, or use electrical devices on someone else’s property, the answer is a definite yes. However, even if none of these situations apply to you, PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) might still be a worthwhile consideration. Ensuring that your electrical equipment is well-maintained and safe to use is beneficial for everyone—especially when you consider how common electrical fires are in domestic settings.
What Does the Law Say?
Legally, you are required to have a system in place for the routine inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment. This means that if the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requests records of your inspection, maintenance, and repair schedule, and you’re unable to provide them, you could face serious consequences.
What About Insurance?
One of the most important factors to consider is your insurance provider’s expectations. Increasingly, insurance companies are specifying that PAT Testing must be carried out. According to our insurance broker, most providers assume that businesses conduct regular PAT Testing as part of their risk management. Failure to comply with these expectations could jeopardize your coverage, leaving you at risk of not receiving a payout in the event of a claim.