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PATtest4U™ are proud to be able to offer registered charities, community groups and voluntary organisation a special discounted rate on all their Portable Appliance Testing requirements, just ask for more information.
Do you have more PAT Testing questions?
Portable Appliance Testing FAQ
If you still have question about Portable Appliance Testing [PAT testing] please call us and one of our staff will be more than willing to assist you.
What is Portable Appliance Testing aka PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company’s or individual’s responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.
How to correctly wire a 13A plug
How to correctly wire a 13A plug
When wiring a standard 13A plug people often get confused on what wire goes where.
One way to remember which colour goes where is to look at the second letter of each word:
bLue – Left
bRown – Right
If you have a 3rd wire this would be the earth and that need to go to the top pin.
All terminal screws should be tight and secure. There should be no loose strands sticking out from the pins. The outer insulation cable should be securely fasten using the provided cable grip.
What is an ASTA Diamond Mark?
ASTA Mark - BS 1362
The ASTA Diamond Mark is one of the few certification marks that the United Kingdom (UK) authorities accept for 3-pin plugs.
UK law requires that 3-pin plugs be certified against BS1363 by an accredited certification body like Intertek. The ASTA Diamond Mark fulfils the mandatory requirements for the approval of 3-pin plugs to BS1363 for sale in the UK and over 40 other countries.
Can I reuse an old plug?
All standard 13A plugs now sold in the UK are required by Law, The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 to conform to BS 1363, which requires pins to ve sleeved. This legislation does not apply to old plugs already in use, BUT these none compliant, unsleeved plugs must not be reused or fitted to new cords.
 13A Plug with Sleeving | 13A Plug without Sleeving |
What fuse rating should I use?
For the convenience of users, appliance manufacturers have standardised on using two plug fuse ratings namely a 3A & 13A.
So what fuse should you use on your portable appliances?
| Power Rating | Fuse Rating | Fuse Colour | Example |
| Appliances upto 700W | 3A | Red |  Standard UK BS 1363 3A Fuse |
| Appliances over 700W | 13A | Brown |  Standard UK BS 1363 13A Fuse |
| Certain IT Equipment | 5A | Black |  Standard UK BS 1363 5A Fuse |
All fuses should conform to BS 1362 standard, an ASTA Diamond Mark shows that this has been approved.