PAT Testing
What is PAT testing?
Portable Appliance Testing is a routine inspection of electrical appliances with a plug top to check they are safe to use, which consists of visual inspections and the testing of the appliance, each test result in either a PASS or a FAIL. Testing is carried out in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice.
Why PAT Testing is needed?
- Prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.
- To provide responsibility as an employer of a safe working environment and to prevent harm to all employees and to the public of faulty electrical appliances.
- To make sure insurance is valid.
- Meet the requirements stated in the following regulations: -
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Provision and Use of Working Equipment Regulations 1998
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
What are the type of 'electrical class' appliances?
Class 1 - This type of equipment has only basic insulation and relies on earth for protection.
Class 2 - This type of electrical equipment has extra insulation so doesn't rely on an earth for protection, which makes it safer.
Class 3 - Low voltage appliances are the safest class of electrical appliances. These don't need to be PAT tested at all, but their charging leads may need to be checked and tested.
There are 7 categories of electrical appliance which require some level of testing, either a visual inspection or a full PAT test. These are: -
- Fixed appliances
- Stationary appliances
- IT appliances
- Moveable appliances
- Portable appliances
- Cables & Chargers
- Hand Held appliances.
What is involved with PAT Testing?
Visual Inspection - Carefully looking at the appliance to check for signs of damage or overheating, carried out in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice.
Plug Top Inspection - Checking the plugs and fuses and cable are correct for the appliance and comply with the BS1363 & BS1362. Appliances with an 110v, 240v and 415v plug are also checked.
Electrical Tests - Earth Continuity (Class 1 appliances only) to ensure that it is properly earthed and then it is properly insulated by the Insulation Resistance Test (Class 1 & 2 appliances) and also a Polarity Test. This will be complete when the appliance is powered up to check it's working after testing. Emission checks are tested on Microwaves and results shown on a Microwave Emission Label.
Label - The result of the test will be shown with a PASS or a FAIL label. The PASS label will show the test date, the retest date, the engineer that conducted the testing and the asset number. A FAILED item will have a red failed label on the plug top to prevent it being used and will be recorded on a failed report.
Asset Register & PAT Certificate - A full detailed asset report including the location of each appliance and a PAT certificate will be provided after the job has been completed.
What are the Laws and Regulations?
Claims that PAT Testing is required by law and that the client is breaking the law by not having it done are simply NOT TRUE. Current UK legislations do require however that employers, including self-employed, ensure that all electrical equipment that they provide in their business is in a safe condition and properly maintained. They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the public.
Because PAT testing is one of the most effective ways to do this, particularly for high risk or large, complex environments, it has become a standard way of meeting this legal obligation and in these regulations: -
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Provision and Use of Working Equipment Regulations 1998
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
