portable appliance testing (P.A.t)

What is Portable Appliance Testing? (PAT)

Visual Inspection
 Every portable appliance tested by the energy assessor is visually inspected to check the plug, flex and body of the appliance. In this visual inspection we will investigate for damaged equipment, frayed flex cords and/or flex cords taped up to cover unauthorised joints, flex wiring pulled away and exposed from the internal casing of the plug, signs of overheating on the flex and internal wiring inside the plug, cracked and damaged plugs including loose and faulty wiring connections inside the plug.

A high number of appliances fail this visual inspection due to having the wrong type of fuse in the plug, loose plug connections, exposed wiring at the plug and damaged plugs.

As part of our service, repairs such as above will be repaired free of charge, thus allowing the appliance to pass the visual inspection.

Testing Procedure
 Only when we are satisfied that the equipment has passed the visual inspection, a series of tests using the latest state-of-the-art computer testing equipment are carried out to detect hidden faults and potential hazards. This ensures the electrical safety and good working order of each item.

Computerised and industry set tests are carried out using Portable Appliance Testing equipment similar to the tester pictured above. In the testing procedure we will carry out the following tests.

  • Earth Bond Test - Tests the metal casing of equipment to confirm the integrity of the appliance earth conductor. A high A.C. current of  10amp or 25amp is passed between the earth bond terminal and the appliance's earth pin.

  • Earth Continuity Test - When testing IT Equipment - e.g. computers in offices, it is undesirable to use the high current Earth Bond Test described above as this could damage the equipment. On IT equipment our testing procedure would involve testing the equipment with a low current earth continuity test. A low current (200 mA D.C.)  is passed between the continuity terminal on the testing equipment and the appliance's test socket earth pin.

  • Insulation Test - An insulation test is carried out on all equipment to verify that the insulation resistance is correct and sufficient between the appliance wiring and internal components. In this test a 500 volt D.C. supply is used to test the insulation resistance.

  • Operation Test - This test will start up the equipment being tested as if it were normally plugged into a 13 amp socket outlet. By doing this test we will be verifying the power consumed by the appliance, which we will check against the manufacturers rating which is stamped on the appliance. This will also determine if the correct size of fuse is inserted in the plug top.

  • Earth Leakage Test - By carrying out the Operation Test we will also find out if any electrical current is flowing to earth. Normally appliances should have no or very little earth leakage current. The appliance tester will also be able to detect earth leakage in Class 2 (Double Insulated) appliances. This enable account to be taken of all leakage paths to earth rather than just that flowing in the earth wire if applicable - e.g. a Class 2 appliance could exhibit earth leakage through its mountings or by operator contact.

  • Flash Test - This test ( Dielectric Strength Test) is very rarely carried out and it is not normally carried out as routine test. The test stresses the asset insulation. This test is usually only carried out if the appliance has been completely overhauled and is being put back into working service.

Both visual inspections and instrument tests are carried out in accordance with guidelines and testing procedures laid down by the IEE Code of Practice for Inspecting and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Following testing, each appliance will be labelled “PASS” or “FAIL” and we will provide you with a detailed computer-produced electrical test certificate and a full register of your appliances. These may be used for your own and for your insurer’s records.

Should any electrical accident occur, the test certificate contained in the logbook, which is produced by The Energy Assessor is vital evidence that you fulfilled your duty to prevent electrical accidents. Remember Electrical Appliances should be tested regularly. In most cases it is sufficient to test appliances annually.

Work is carried out by a qualified person, trained and experienced in Portable Appliance Testing.

Following our first inspection visit and subsequent testing, The Energy Assessor shall arrange to contact you prior to the next required inspection to arrange a suitable time and date.

Health & Safety Regulations

In April 1990, under The Health And Safety At Work Act, Portable Electrical Appliance Testing was introduced with a view to ensuring that all places of work and accommodation, regardless of size conformed with the Electricity At Work Regulations, introduced 1974.

The Health & Safety Executive has produced statistics confirming that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances.  This is why Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) is essential to your business and should be incorporated into your health & safety policy.

The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing.

The Health  & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:

  • Where appliances are used by employees.

  • Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.

  • Where appliances are supplied or hired.

  • Where appliances are repaired or serviced.

The Legal Requirements for the Inspection and Testing of  Portable Electrical Appliances.

The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is :-
 
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974,
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999,
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed.