What doesn't need to be PAT tested? Any electrical item that is wired directly into a fixed circuit. This includes: Wall and ceiling lights, most electric cookers, many industrial tools etc - These items should be installed by a competent electrician!

What needs to be PAT tested? All and any electrical appliances connected to a source of electrical energy through a plug. This includes 240v, 110v and three phase appliances. Examples are: TV's, extension leads, table lamps, chargers, power tools, fridges..... Basically, anything that you plug into a power socket has to be tested!

What's involved? A full visual inspection - Our engineer checks the flex of the appliance for any signs of cuts or other damage. He will then check the plug to ensure the correct type is fitted (See image below for the acceptable 13 Amp plug) and is terminated correctly. The fuse rating will also be checked. The casing of the appliance will be checked to make sure that all its covers are present. Power switches and any safety devices will also be checked to ensure they are present and operate correctly.Earth Bond test - This is very important as the safety of a class 1 appliance depends on it having a good earth connection. This test is not performed on class 2 appliances as they do not rely on an earth connection to function safely (Class 2 items do not have an earth connection as they are double earthed internally).
Insulation test - This test ensures that there is adequate insulation between the mains supply pins of the plug.
Earth Leakage test - This test measures the current from live parts to earth on class 1 appliances or from live parts to accessible surfaces for class 2 appliances.
Polarity tests - Ensures that the correct polarity exists on extension leads and IEC leads.

Who can do the test? Only a registered engineer can carry out the tests. We only allow items to be tested by our own engineer once they are in our care.

What if my item fails?Our engineer will replace an incorrect plug, or damaged cable for a small fee. Any other failed items will be withdrawn from the auction and must be collected by the vendor ASAP.We do not supply missing detachable power leads and do not sell failed items as "Scrap".

Does this guarantee an item works correctly? No. We do try to check every item though. Anything found not to be working will be withdrawn, any minor issues we find will be mentioned by the auctioneer.

 

(Above: A 13 Amp plug conforming to BS 1363 - Moulded type)

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The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (Amended 1989, 1993 & 2008).Are UK law and are designed to ensure that upholstery components and composites used for furniture supplied in the UK meet specified ignition resistance levels and are suitable labeled.Products covered by the Regulations are: All types of upholstered seating (Including chairs, settees, padded stools and ottomans).  Children's furniture, foot stools, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles, bean bags and floor cushions.Nursery furniture and upholstered items designed to contain a baby or small child.Upholstered head-boards, footboards and side rails of beds. Furniture for use in the open air (Garden and outdoor furniture) which is suitable for use in a dwelling (Homes and caravans), upholstery in caravans (Although not vehicles or boats), cane furniture which includes upholstery. Scatter cushions and seat pads, permanent covers for furniture (Textiles, coated textiles, leather etc). Loose and stretch covers for furniture, covers for non-visible parts of furniture, pillows, and mattress pads, foam and non-foam filling material for furniture.

Divans, bed bases and mattresses:

Beds are subject to slightly different regulations to soft furnishings and are required to carry a different label (See below). Components of some convertable furniture, such as futon/zed-bed matresses etc, should also carry the same (BS7177) label.

All the furniture and products above need to comply with the regulations and must carry a correct label, properly attached.

The regulations do not apply to furniture manufactured prior to 1/1/1950.

The regulations do not apply to sleeping bags, bedclothes, loose covers for mattresses (i.e. mattress protectors), pillowcases, curtains and carpets. However, it is important to note that these products are covered under General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR).

More specific information, labelling details and exceptions are available in this guide.

 

               

(Above: Three common examples of removable fire labels)

 

(Above: Two common examples of permanently fixed fire labels)

 

(Above: A BS7177 label. Applies to beds and related components)

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