Why PAT Tests in White Goods doesn’t always mean they’re safe to use

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Why PAT Tests in White Goods doesn’t always mean they’re safe to use

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Today we publish our PAT Testing Technical document to highlight the importance of not just trusting a PAT Test on a White Goods Appliance, if you are purchasing or repairing a Refurbished or Reused Appliance.

The type of test applied when PAT testing an appliance essentially depends of the electrical classification the appliance falls into. However, it is not always as simple as some believe it to be.

In this day of increased Reuse and Refurbishment of Kitchen Appliances, we believe it’s important more than ever to ensure the source of supply comes from a Regulated Source where a Competent Person assessed externally, has repaired the Appliance. With 2000 Fires caused by faulty large domestic appliances in 2011-2012, safety is a big concern. There are PAT Testing Courses (some online) that issue Certificates and not an actual Qualification, and there are others that complete a Qualification between one and three days. Some of these courses do not contain a Practical Assessment, which we believe is essential to put an Appliance Safely back into a home.

PAT testing procedures were not primarily designed for the specific purpose of verifying electrical safety of reconditioned/refurbished appliances. The PAT testing procedures, guidance and resulting ‘none mandatory’ ‘qualification’ target was for electrical appliances used in the work place.

Here we look at two Class 1 products a kettle and a modern electronically controlled washing machine. We have submitted this article to Government and Relevant Bodies to back up our concerns already submitted on official consultations and existing Waste Prevention Programmes. The existing Reuse Protocol PAS141 fails to acknowledge and highlight the points we make and we hold further concerns around UK proposed Housing Bills where some Groups suggest (without sufficient detail), that Appliances in the Private Rental Sector should be PAT Tested more regularly. Our concern is not that they should, but who is qualified to conduct them with the correct depth of knowledge.

There are a lot of great Appliance repair companies out there with perfectly competent repairers but we believe just saying you are isn’t enough to give consumers the assurances they need. Lets prevent rogues, professionalise the Sector, increase safety in the home and ensure more local repair work with more items to repair cost effectively. Register with us today.

Please note that EEESafe is not just about Safety. It’s also about helping retain Reusable White Goods in the Local Community to create more Repair work, offer more low cost Appliances to help impoverished groups and create more Local Jobs.