By Richard Ayre, DRA PAT Testing
Before I became an electrical safety specialist, I spent a decade working in offices dealing with the same buzzing phones, coffee breaks, and tight deadlines as most office teams.
So when I moved into the world of Electrical Equipment Testing (PAT testing), it felt natural that offices would become my specialist area. After all, I know firsthand how important it is to keep your workplace running smoothly and safely.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve learned that testing office equipment isn’t as simple as plugging in to a tester and ticking a box. Computers, monitors, and other sensitive electronics need careful handling and proper shutdown procedures. The last thing you want is for your computer’s motherboard to go “pop” because someone pulled the plug too quickly.
That’s where experience really matters. At DRA PAT Testing, we’ve refined our methods to make the process as smooth and disruption-free as possible. My team and I know how to work efficiently in busy office environments ensuring everything is tested thoroughly without interrupting your workflow. We even have an ex-IT engineer on our team, adding another layer of expertise to what we do.
Respecting your workspace
Two things office managers often dread during PAT testing are:
1. Engineers who unplug equipment without warning.
2. Servers being accidentally shut down.
We never do that. Before we touch a single plug, we check every screen. If a user is still logged in, we’ll consult with you before shutting anything down. Even if the computer isn’t logged in, we always power it down correctly, not just yank the lead out. Once testing is complete, we’ll plug everything back in, power it up, and make sure it’s all working as it should.
Servers, of course, are another matter entirely. These are the beating heart of many offices, and shutting them down incorrectly can be catastrophic. We never power off a server ourselves that must always be done by your IT professional. Instead, we’ll work with you to find the best solution, whether that’s visual inspection, thermal imaging, or testing during planned maintenance.
Working around you
We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling to suit your business. Most of our office clients choose to have PAT testing done during the working day, and in most cases, it causes no more disruption than a coffee break. We’ve tested equipment in hospitals, police stations, and call centres all while staff carried on with their work.
If daytime testing isn’t ideal, we’re happy to arrange evening or weekend visits. Whatever works best for you, we’ll make it happen.
No shocks – financial or electrical
One of the biggest surprises for office managers comes when it’s time to count up the number of items that need testing. Many assume a “desk” equals one or two items a computer and a monitor. But when you include all the leads, adapters, and extensions, that single desk might actually have six or more items to test. Multiply that across an office, and your estimate of 200 items could quickly become 800.
That’s why I prefer to visit in person before quoting. A quick site visit means I can see exactly what’s involved, explain the process, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what the job entails. No unexpected costs, no surprises just straightforward, honest service.
Let’s keep your office safe
PAT testing doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right experience and approach, it can be simple, efficient, and hassle-free. So when you’re ready to arrange your office PAT testing, why not give me a call? I’d be happy to pop in, have a chat, and see how we can keep your workplace safe without disrupting your day.
Contact DRA PAT Testing
0191 666 1009 | 07778 416 850
www.draelectricals.co.uk