Jerry Brown NIC EIC Domestic Electrician Telephone: (01684) 567565

Portable Appliance Testing

Commonly known as “PAT Testing”

	P.A.T. allows, Employer, Landlord or Letting agent’s meet their legal obligations under Electricity at Work regulations with the minimum of disruption to their businesses. · Each year there are over 1200 reported accidents at work involving electrical shock and electrical burns and around 3% of these reported accidents are often fatal (click for examples of dangers) · As an Employer, Landlord or Letting agent, you have a legal Duty of care to comply with the necessary Electricity at Work Regulations. These regulations state that you are responsible by law, for the prevention of any harm coming to employees, tenants or customers when using electrical equipment provided by you or your organisation
		This Duty of care for the Employer, Landlord or Letting agent is created under: The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999; The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
		What is tested under the terms Portable Appliance? An electrical appliance may be classed as "portable" if connected to the mains by way of a flexible lead, apart from all the usual types of hand held appliances like drills, hairdryers etc. this also includes TV's, PC's, fridges Cookers, printers and microwaves, even heating systems, hand dryers & electric heaters etc fixed to the wall, are all classed as requiring testing under PAT and come under this category.
		The Testing Procedure · Visual Inspection Formal visual inspections should only be carried out by persons competent to do so. The results of the inspection must be documented. The following must be considered when carrying out the inspection · Suitability of the equipment/environment The equipment should be assessed for its suitability for the environment or the nature of the work being undertaken. When the work environment is harsh or hazardous particular care needs to be taken when selecting the equipment and assessing the frequency of inspection and testing. Checks should be made to ensure the equipment is installed and is being operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; the following are examples of items which should be checked: · Cables located so as to avoid damage · Means of disconnection/isolation readily accessible · Adequate equipment ventilation · Cups, plants and work material correctly placed to avoid spillage · Equipment positioned to avoid strain on cord · Equipment is being operated with the covers in place and any doors are closed · Indiscriminate use of multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets is avoided · No unprotected cables run under carpets/mats · The condition of the equipment Prior to testing the users should be asked if they are aware of any faults and if the equipment works correctly. The following items need to be inspected: · The flexible cable · The socket outlet, if known · The appliance · The plug head (BS1363) Some of the following checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a non-rewirable plug · Check detachable power cords to Class 1 equipment · Identify signs of overheating · Internal inspection; cord security, polarity, connections · If non-rewirable plug; cord security, burning odours · Correct size fuse fitted, BS marked, ASTA marked · Security of plug cover · Check the flexible cable connections and anchorage at the equipment, if practical · Electrical Testing The main stage of testing requires the use of dedicated portable appliance test equipment and involves the following tests. · Earth bond continuity tests · Insulation resistance testing Functional checks
		Frequency of Tests The frequency of testing depends on the workplace environment and the equipment to be tested, but is generally every 12 months however, a power tools on a building site where wear and tear is greater, the period between tests should be more frequent. We are more than happy to assist companies in choosing the correct periods between testing.
		Disconnection of equipment The means of isolation from the electricity supply must be readily accessible to the user, i.e. in normal circumstances it must be possible to reach the plug and socket without too much difficulty.
		Type of equipment tested category Class I These appliances must have their chassis connected to electrical earth by an earth conductor (colour - yellow/green in most countries). A fault in the appliance which causes a live conductor to contact the casing will cause a current to flow in the earth conductor. This current should trip either an over current device (fuse or circuit breaker) or a residual current circuit breaker which will cut off the supply of electricity to the appliance. Class II A Class II or double insulated electrical appliance is one which has been designed in such a way that it does not require a safety connection to electrical earth. The basic requirement is that no single failure can result in dangerous voltage becoming exposed so that it might cause an electric shock and that this is achieved without relying on an earthed metal casing. This is usually achieved at least in part by having two layers of insulating material surrounding live parts or by using reinforced insulation. In Europe, a double insulated appliance must be labelled "Class II", "double insulated" or bear the double insulation symbol (a square inside another square). Class III A Class III appliance is designed to be supplied from a SELV (Separated or Safety Extra-Low Voltage) power source. The voltage from a SELV supply is low enough that under normal conditions a person can safely come into contact with it without risk of electrical shock. The extra safety features built into Class I and Class II appliances are therefore not required. For medical devices compliance with Class III is not considered sufficient protection.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, reliance upon it is entirely at your own risk and no responsibility will be accepted for any loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of reliance upon it whether such loss or damage is suffered directly or indirectly.

Remember it's never worth taking a chance with Electrics or Electrical Appliances, when used by You, Employers or Members of the Public.

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