As a potter, your work combines creativity, precision, and hands-on craft. From shaping clay to firing kilns and finishing pieces, your studio is filled with essential electrical equipment: kilns, pottery wheels, mixers, heaters, lighting, and even computers for design or order management.
While your focus is on creating beautiful ceramics, electrical safety is just as important. Faulty plugs, damaged cables, or overloaded circuits can cause electrical shocks, fires, or damage to expensive equipment. That’s why PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is vital for potters.
What Is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. A qualified engineer visually examines each device and performs electrical tests to detect potential hazards such as faulty wiring, loose connections, or damaged plugs.
After testing, appliances are labelled and logged, providing proof that your studio complies with UK electrical safety standards.
Why PAT Testing Matters for Potters
1. Studios Depend on Electrical Equipment
Kilns, pottery wheels, mixers, heaters, and studio lighting are all electrical devices essential to your craft. Over time, constant use and environmental factors can cause faults.
PAT testing helps catch issues before they become serious, keeping your equipment reliable and your studio safe.
2. Protecting Yourself, Staff, and Visitors
Whether you run a solo studio or host apprentices, assistants, or visitors, safety is critical. PAT testing reduces the risk of electrical shocks, fires, and accidents in your workspace.
3. Compliance With Legal Requirements
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), all electrical equipment in professional settings must be maintained to prevent danger. Regular PAT testing ensures your studio meets legal obligations, even for small or home-based workshops.
4. Insurance and Equipment Protection
Kilns, wheels, and mixers are valuable investments. Electrical faults can lead to costly damage or void insurance coverage. PAT testing protects your tools and ensures your insurance remains valid in the event of an incident.
5. Professionalism and Reputation
Using PAT-tested equipment demonstrates professionalism to clients, galleries, and collaborators. It shows you take safety seriously, which is especially important if you sell your pottery or run workshops.
How Often Should Potters Get PAT Testing Done?
For most pottery studios, annual PAT testing is recommended.
If equipment is heavily used or exposed to dust, moisture, or high temperatures — common in workshops — six-monthly testing may provide extra safety and reliability.
Why Choose PAT Checked for PAT Testing for Potters?
At PAT Checked, we specialise in PAT testing for pottery studios, ceramic workshops, and creative businesses. Our qualified engineers work efficiently to minimise disruption while ensuring your studio is safe and compliant.
We offer:
- Flexible appointment times to fit around your studio schedule
- Experienced engineers familiar with workshop environments
- Comprehensive reports and safety certificates for compliance and insurance
- Affordable rates for independent potters and small studios
Keep your studio safe, your equipment protected, and your creativity flowing — let us handle your electrical safety so you can focus on your craft.
👉 Book your PAT test today or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.