The PAT tester will carry out a visual inspection, as well as a manual electrical examination using a portable appliance tester device

Once a PAT test has been completed, the PAT testing professional will be able to make a recommendation regarding the best course of action. This may include repairing the appliance or replacing all or part of the appliance. the manager thought about the type of portable equipment that was used in their shop and the level of risk that it might create; PAT tests are recommended for allbusinesses that use portable electrical equipment. This includes office-based businesses, landlords, hotels and restaurants, healthcare settings and construction and manufacturing. Self-employed people should also carry out PAT tests on their business equipment, even in the home. Is PAT testing a legal requirement?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. Electrical Heating, Ventilation & Control (356) Apply Electrical Heating, Ventilation & Control filter Find out more about Class I and Class II electrical items How often do I need a PAT test? (In service inspection and testing of electrical equipment)

PAT testing certificates will not show specific details of each individual appliance that has been tested. The detailed report will show this information. The certificate is an official form that provides proof of property being tested so that business owners can show their compliance with regulations. A label will be attached to appliances showing which have failed and which have passed PAT testing successfully. Portable Appliance Testing, also known as PAT testing, is the examination or inspection of electrical appliances and equipment that ensures they are safe to use. PAT testing ensures the appliances and equipment are safe and helps to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace. PAT testing should be done on a routine basis and clear and concise records should be documented.Electrical equipment’, is defined in the Code as an “Any item for such purposes as generation, conversion, transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy, such as machines, transformers, equipment, measuring instruments, protective devices, wiring systems, accessories, appliances and luminaires.” Electrical equipment, therefore, includes most (if not all) of the items of electrical equipment to be found in a workplace; whether they have a plug or not. For example, some items of Class II equipment may no longer require testing, with a visual inspection being satisfactory on its own. The high-current earth bond test has given way to a preference for a lower-current one. The insulation testing voltage has also been revised, taking into account the design of modern electrical and electronic equipment. Schools – All class 1 equipment in schools should be PAT tested every 12 months. Class 2 equipment should be tested every 48 months Portable Appliance Testing – also known as PAT testing – is the examination of portable electrical equipment and appliances to ensure they are safe to use in the working environment.

The revision also reflects modern equipment and practices, with commentary on second-hand and hired equipment, as well as on the perennial issue of equipment that may be fake or sourced from suppliers where its provenance may be in doubt. Suitable for use on Windows-based computers, the software comes preloaded with all of the forms required for certifying the compliance of electrical installations with the current 17 th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671), and for providing clients with documented proof of PAT test results.

Resources

Who uses the item? A trained member of staff is a lower risk than an untrained member of the public An easy way to identify a Class I item is by looking at the type of casing it has, and its pin. If it has metal casing and a plug with a metal earth pin, it is a Class I electrical item. They also carry this symbol: Items such as electric drills, monitors, PCs, and kettles are all suitable for PAT testing. You should be aware that electrical appliances fall under categories I, II or III. Those in category 1 are rated as being the most dangerous, with those in category 3 being the least. The rating of the item will have a direct bearing on the need for PAT testing. You must ensure that all items in category 1 are PAT tested. Items in category 2 will only require an insulation test. However, testing won’t be necessary for items in category 3. Is the item regularly maintained? Planned maintenance could reduce the need for frequent ‘PAT Testing’ Whether you are an electrician who wants to supplement your formal training, a building manager who aims to learn new skills or a landlord who oversees the safety of your tenants, you can be a certified PAT tester. All you need to do is complete a course online or one that’s facilitated by a qualified instructor, then pass a certification exam.

No. The law does state that any electrical equipment in the workplace must be maintained to ensure it is safe and does not pose any danger, but it does not specify how the equipment should be maintained, or how often, nor who should carry out any maintenance.Prior to the manual PAT test, a formal visual inspection of the equipment should be carried out. According to the HSE, this process usually flags up around 90% of problems and it can be carried out by a competent member of staff with the relevant training, or a professional. The 5th Edition has been written by author, James Eade; the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association has been involved directly in the writing of it. There are no rules around how often your equipment needs a PAT test. It is entirely down to the ‘duty holder’ (the person tasked with responsibility for electrical equipment) to assess the risk level and decide on the frequency of inspections. This is usually determined by the type of equipment, how often it is being used and whether the working environment is considered high risk or low risk. A PAT test certificate is provided to a business owner by the PAT testing specialist, such as phs Compliance, after their portable appliances have been tested. It can be used to prove compliance to regulators, insurers, customers and staff. Can I do my own PAT test? This should only be carried out by a competent person with the correct training and equipment. It is strongly recommended to employ an experienced and qualified PAT tester for the safest results.