Check your installations

Do a PAT test!

The PAT test is an important verification tool. The whole process is known as "in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment."  This routine check of all electrical appliances ensures that all your electrical installations meet the strictest safety requirements!

The PAT test complies with all legal requirements and may even qualify you for a discount on your insurance premiums, as it proves how seriously you take safety issues. In the event of any damages claims, your PAT certificate proves that your electrical installations have been tested and certified.

A simple P (pass) or F (fail), not quite......

The 'formal visual inspection' as it is called is classed as formal because the inspection is actually recorded some where either on paper or computer record.

The appliance inspection will invariably have incorporated the following plus much more:

• Opening of the plug top,
• Checking for plug top damage,
• Checking the correct termination of
  conductors,
• Ensuring no reverse polarity on primary conductors,
• Tightening of terminals,
• Checking the flex anchorage,
• Checking the effective glanding,
• Checking for safe flex/cable routing,
• Ensuring correct fusing for both appliance and flex capacity,
• Checking current capacity of plug, flex and connectors in conjunction with the appliance load,
• Ensuring no overloading potential,
• Ensuring no damage to flex,
• Ensuring correct IP (ingress protection) of the plug for the environment,
• Ensuring safe location of the appliance,
• Checking for appliance damage,
• Checking for appliance safe working under PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998) within the limitations of the inspection
• The appropriateness of RCD protection associated with either the environment and or use to which the appliance is being put
  

Non-compliance with PAT standards can lead to severe punishments for corporations and landlords, ranging from fines to imprisonment. We therefore recommend that all relevant portable appliances are tested regularly.

We look forward to discussing PAT testing with you in more detail!

The frequency of inspection & testing required will vary depending on the following.

• The environment - Equipment in a benign environment is likely to suffer less damage than equipment in an arduous environment.
• The users - If users report damage promptly hazards will be avoided. Conversely, if equipment is likely to receive unreported abuse, more frequent inspection & testing is required.
• The equipment construction - The safety of Class 1 equipment is dependent upon a connection with earth. Class 2 equipment is not dependent upon a fixed earth.
• The equipment type - Appliances that are hand-held are more likely to be damaged than fixed appliances.
  The following table provides guidance on the initial frequencies of inspection & testing. However, the frequency must depend upon the factors listed above and should be kept under constant review.

The IEE Suggested Initial Frequency of Inspection & Testing (PAT Testing) of Class 1 Equipment.