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One of the most common questions we are asked is “how often do I need to do the PAT Testing?”. Without sounding flippant, the simple answer is it is up to you. PAT Testing should be carried out with a ‘risk based approach’. What is meant by that is you know your appliances, staff, work environment and methods better than anyone. It is therefore up to you to decide how much risk there will be from your appliances. You should carry out a Risk Assessment which will help you determine how often the PAT Testing needs to take place in the different areas of your company. PAT testing forms are provided only by approved contractors who are registered with the NICEIC/ECA. Persons performing testing who are permitted to offer PAT testing certificates have to be deemed competent to perform these tests. For most portable electrical equipment in a low-risk workplace, a portable appliance test is not needed. Employers have responsibility for electrical appliance testing. However, it's quite common for this duty to be assigned to a ‘competent person’. The competent person should:
The vacuum cleaner was heavily used. The manager remembered that the cable was repaired 6 months ago by an electrician as it had been pulled out of the cable grip, so she knew that in future it would need to be looked at more often. It was decided that the vacuum should have a visual inspection every 6 months and that employees would be encouraged to look for signs of damage to the plug and cable before plugging it in. Schools – All class 1 equipment in schools should be PAT tested every 12 months. Class 2 equipment should be tested every 48 months Advanced PAT testing kits are suitable for users with a high level of technical knowledge and expertise. These advanced systems are particularly well suited to facilities management, as they allow for the recording of the location and test status of equipment and appliances. Some of these systems can also transfer the test results to computers for digital interpretation. Test records can be maintained with PAT software. PAT testing is key to ensuring adherence to essential safety standards. It's regarded as the easiest and most effective way of ensuring that workplace electrical appliances are safe to use. As previously mentioned, the expected regularity of PAT testing will depend on the categorisation of electrical appliances and the findings of risk assessments. How Do You Use a PAT Tester?
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The electrical class and category of the item are the two main factors specific to the requirement for PAT testing. Electrical testing should be carried out in accordance with appliance classes, which are outlined in the IET code of practice. This applies to electrical equipment supplied at voltages up to and including 1000V AC or 1500V DC between conductors, or 600V AC or 900V DC between conductors and earth.
Public use equipment – Stationary and IT equipment such as computers should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, portable and handheld equipment falling into class 2 should be tested every 12 months. Moveable, portable and handheld equipment falling into class 1 should be tested every 6 months Is the item regularly maintained? Planned maintenance could reduce the need for frequent ‘PAT Testing’ Who uses the item? A trained member of staff is a lower risk than an untrained member of the public None of the remaining equipment in use was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided that full portable appliance testing was not needed for these items. PAT testing certificates are provided to business owners after portable appliances have been successfully tested. The certificates show that the company is in compliance with regulations by having their portable equipment regularly inspected for damage and/or risks. The certificate serves as proof that the person responsible for maintaining equipment has taken steps necessary to ensure safety.
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A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Insulation testing involves connecting the tested appliance with the PAT. Typically, a test voltage of 500V DC is then applied to the mains plug terminals. This will ideally result in a high resistance reading being displayed on the PAT screen. However, insufficient insulation between the live parts and earth will result in a current flowing from the insulation to the PAT via the protective earth conductor. The low level of insulation will also be highlighted in the PAT reading. Is the item moved? Damage is associated with movement… the more it is moved, the higher the risk value
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