The biggest danger to the health and safety of employees and tenants across the UK in terms of electrical safety is neither ignorance nor neglect, but rather a widespread level of misunderstanding in terms of PAT testing. As of now, there are hundreds of thousands across the UK who assume that PAT testing is a relic of the 70s and 80s when electrical safety was in general not nearly on the same level as it is today. Sadly however only half of this is right as while electrical safety standards have indeed never been higher, testing is just as important today as it was when government legislation was first passed.

Perhaps even more so as the abundance of electrical circuits, sockets and appliances in the average home and workplace has never been higher, which in turn multiplies the number of potential risks. Devices like the Flir E40 have been created and introduced to take PAT testing to an all-new 21st Century standards and should not be considered optional by any business or building owner.

Another common cause of confusion is that of when and how frequently PAT testing should or must be carried out. While some remain convinced that an annual test is the national standard, others are adamant that a one-off test following purchase is more than enough. Again, neither is close to correct and while each and every appliance and circuit will need retesting from time to time, the frequency depends on the type of item, its quality, its purpose, it environment and how it is used. As such, it is a good idea to search for information on all specific appliances for guidelines on frequency of testing.

Another common misconception is that of pretty much anyone being able to carry out their own PAT tests the DIY way, simply by investing in a Flir E40 for example which can be bought easily online from http://www.pat-services.co.uk/flir-e40-thermal-imaging-camera-1844.htm. If this were in fact that case then there would of course be no place on the market for the professional PAT tester - which of course there very much is. Accurate, safe and effective PAT testing takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to say the least, which it precisely why the professional route is the only truly viable route for those looking to measure up to national regulatory standards and applicable law.

The government doesn't state that PAT testing must be carried out by law, but all competent businesses wouldn't consider overlooking something so important.