HOW IS PAT TESTING CARRIED OUT?
PAT Testing - What To Expect On The Day?
PAT Testing Herts assigned PAT test engineer will make himself known to the client’s representative upon arrival on site.
The schedule and purpose of work to be carried out will be explained. This person will then be asked to accompany our engineer around the site to give instruction on which appliances are to be tested in accordance with Risk Assessment undertaken by the duty holder (if applicable), to highlight out any sensitive areas and confirm any arrangements/appropriate times that have been made for shutting down any equipment. This person will be advised of any concerns and items that fail.
The schedule and purpose of work to be carried out will be explained. This person will then be asked to accompany our engineer around the site to give instruction on which appliances are to be tested in accordance with Risk Assessment undertaken by the duty holder (if applicable), to highlight out any sensitive areas and confirm any arrangements/appropriate times that have been made for shutting down any equipment. This person will be advised of any concerns and items that fail.
PAT Testing Standard For Testing
Portable Appliance Inspection & testing will be carried out in accordance with the new: 2020 IET’s Code of Practice for Inservice Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment. This includes the following types of electrical equipment as detailed in the Code of Practice:
portable appliances; moveable or transportable equipment; hand held appliances; stationary equipment or appliances;
fixed equipment or appliances; appliances or equipment for building in; IT equipment and extension leads; and multiway adaptors
portable appliances; moveable or transportable equipment; hand held appliances; stationary equipment or appliances;
fixed equipment or appliances; appliances or equipment for building in; IT equipment and extension leads; and multiway adaptors
PAT Testing Herts Inspection Procedure
Equipment Identification
For each appliance, a decision shall be made as to which tests are appropriate depending on the type of equipment,
e.g, Class 1, Class 2, etc.
Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance will be carried out prior to any testing. The inspection includes the following:
Plugs
This is examined to ensure it is in physically good condition, is free from cracks, or damage and signs of overheating, and that the pins are insulated. The plug top is removed to establish the outer sheath of the flexible cable is securely gripped by the cable clamp, the terminals sufficiently tightened, and is correctly wired. The fuse is examined to ensure it is of the correct rating for the type of appliance. Flex – this is inspected ensuring its length is suitable and safe for the equipment and the way it is used; it is in good condition and free from splits, fraying or damage. Appliance – the appliance, its casing or cabinet is inspected to ensure it is free from damage, cracks, etc., that could allow access to live parts; that it switches on & off properly; is in good working order and operates safely.
For each appliance, a decision shall be made as to which tests are appropriate depending on the type of equipment,
e.g, Class 1, Class 2, etc.
Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance will be carried out prior to any testing. The inspection includes the following:
Plugs
This is examined to ensure it is in physically good condition, is free from cracks, or damage and signs of overheating, and that the pins are insulated. The plug top is removed to establish the outer sheath of the flexible cable is securely gripped by the cable clamp, the terminals sufficiently tightened, and is correctly wired. The fuse is examined to ensure it is of the correct rating for the type of appliance. Flex – this is inspected ensuring its length is suitable and safe for the equipment and the way it is used; it is in good condition and free from splits, fraying or damage. Appliance – the appliance, its casing or cabinet is inspected to ensure it is free from damage, cracks, etc., that could allow access to live parts; that it switches on & off properly; is in good working order and operates safely.
What Tests Are Performed During PAT Testing?
Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, the following tests will be carried out were necessary:
Earth Continuity Test – applies to Class 1 appliances only
Tests on computer equipment are “soft tests” of 200mA on earth continuity
Insulation Resistance Test
Operational Test
No operational tests are carried out on computer CPUs
Earth Leakage Test
Only carried out if operational test applies
Polarity Test
Only applicable to power leads and extension cables
Each piece of equipment will be labelled with a unique code number; this will be used to identify it against the test results report.
For appliances that pass the Inspection and Test, a ‘Passed Electrical Safety Test’ label will be attached stating the date tested, along with the initials of the engineer conducting the testing. Failed appliances will be labelled with a ‘Failed Do Not Use’ label, then removed from service and brought to the attention of the client representative on site.
For Clients’ peace of mind, PAT test results are kept on our database for a minimum of 10 years. Documentation On completion of testing,
a report will be issued listing all appliances by Identification number, description, location at the time of testing, any repairs carried out and the result of all tests performed. Appliances that fail testing will be listed separately and highlighted in red.
This report can be produced on paper format in a bounded file, or electronically, to suit the client. In addition to the report, a certificate shall be provided for display on the premises to advise that all portable electrical appliances have been tested for electrical safety.
