Pat Testing

PAT testing is required by law to ensure the safety of your workers. But what does a pat test actually involve?

Visual inspection - This will identify any knicks in the lead or cracks in the plug. Any damage which could cause the component in question to fail will be deemed a failiure.
Connection to a PAT testing machine which checks for:
- Class I Test
- Class II Test
- Leakage Current Test
- Extension Lead Test (if applicable)
  
  This is the main part of a PAT test, the compotent person will connect the appliance to a dedicated test rig and it will feed out the results.
Labeling and reporting of faults and passed tests - You probably will have seen the evidence of PAT testing in the form of labels stuck on the leads and plugs of portable appliances around workplaces and commercial areas.

It is critical to keep your electrical system up to date with a regular PAT testing schedule. Under most circumstances it is acceptable to carry out pat testing on an annual basis.

The work must be carried out by a competent person. This is deemed someone with a working technical knowledge of the task in hand.

The IEE Code of Practice states: "Those carrying out the inspection and testing must be competent to undertake the inspection and, where appropriate, testing of electrical equipment and appliances having due regard of their own safety and that of others.

What should be considered is that the 'danger' to be prevented, includes not just the dangers which may arise during the testing procedure to the tester and others, but also the dangers which may arise at a later date as a result of using equipment which has not been effectively tested.

The tester must have an understanding of the modes of electrical, mechanical or thermal damage to electrical equipment and appliances and their flexes which may be encountered in any environment."

This leaves two main options for pat testing either contract a specialised firm to do the work for you or to train someone in house to do the work...

For further information and advice on pat testing please contact us