Introduction
The subject itself is quite complicated, while the regulations give scope for the Inspector to adopt inspection and recording methods to suit their situation.
This document has been written to help the uninitiated grapple with the underlying principles. It does not pretend to be a comprehensive instruction manual, and further research must be undertaken if you are planning to begin your own testing programme.
The regulations require that tests should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’. Training courses are widely available to provide the knowledge necessary to undertake all but the most complicated testing.
The testing procedures involve the use of voltages and currents that have the potential to cause harm to the Inspector. It is important to ensure that the equipment under test should not be touched during the testing process.
Do not conduct any PAT tests unless you have been trained. There are hazards as mentioned above, and without proper training you cannot be sure that your test results are valid.
What is a Portable Appliance?
Generally, portable appliances can be thought of as electrical goods that can be plugged into a power socket. This includes such items as FAX machines, toasters, drills etc. Testing incorporates 110 volt and 415 volt (3 phase) appliances , not just mains powered equipment (240 volt).
When is testing required?
Testing is a requirement whenever
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in particular, and other Health & Safety requirements, it is generally agreed that a planned regime of testing is the only way to show that a proper ‘duty of care’ has been taken to protect users from electrical shock and the hazard of fire.
Unless the equipment is to be tested every time it is to be used, you will need to keep records to show when testing has been carried out, test results and who did the testing. Equipment that has passed its testing should be marked on the outside to show the date when re-testing is due. The equipment should not be used after this date. Showing the test date will have little value to the average user who will not have the knowledge to decide if the equipment is safe to use or needs to be tested before use.
Test intervals are determined by considering the nature of use, frequency of use and working environment. Equipment used in an office where it is not moved eg a FAX machine will not require testing as often as the kitchen kettle, which in turn may not require testing as often as an extension cable that is being used outdoors on a building site.
A principle of electrical safety is that there should be 2 levels of protection. Earth +insulation (an earthed appliance) are known as Class 1 appliances. Class 2 appliances are protected using insulation + insulation (a double insulated appliance).
Nearly all of the equipment we meet falls into either Class 1 or Class 2. We will concentrate on these here, but seek specialist advice if you feel that you have equipment that falls outside these classes.
All test equipment should be calibrated at intervals determined by the Test House. Without using calibrated test equipment the tests are all but meaningless. It is easiest to conduct the tests using equipment especially designed for such testing, but separate items of equipment can be used where the Inspector has sufficient knowledge. Many PAT testers are designed to store and then download the test results to a PC, although manual testers can be used where results are recorded by the Inspector.
Dökümanın tamamına ekten ulaşabilirsiniz.
The subject itself is quite complicated, while the regulations give scope for the Inspector to adopt inspection and recording methods to suit their situation.
This document has been written to help the uninitiated grapple with the underlying principles. It does not pretend to be a comprehensive instruction manual, and further research must be undertaken if you are planning to begin your own testing programme.
The regulations require that tests should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’. Training courses are widely available to provide the knowledge necessary to undertake all but the most complicated testing.
The testing procedures involve the use of voltages and currents that have the potential to cause harm to the Inspector. It is important to ensure that the equipment under test should not be touched during the testing process.
Do not conduct any PAT tests unless you have been trained. There are hazards as mentioned above, and without proper training you cannot be sure that your test results are valid.
What is a Portable Appliance?
Generally, portable appliances can be thought of as electrical goods that can be plugged into a power socket. This includes such items as FAX machines, toasters, drills etc. Testing incorporates 110 volt and 415 volt (3 phase) appliances , not just mains powered equipment (240 volt).
When is testing required?
Testing is a requirement whenever
- Employees use electrical appliances
- Customers (ie non-employees) use electrical appliances
- When electrical goods are re-sold or hired
- When appliances have been repaired
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in particular, and other Health & Safety requirements, it is generally agreed that a planned regime of testing is the only way to show that a proper ‘duty of care’ has been taken to protect users from electrical shock and the hazard of fire.
Unless the equipment is to be tested every time it is to be used, you will need to keep records to show when testing has been carried out, test results and who did the testing. Equipment that has passed its testing should be marked on the outside to show the date when re-testing is due. The equipment should not be used after this date. Showing the test date will have little value to the average user who will not have the knowledge to decide if the equipment is safe to use or needs to be tested before use.
Test intervals are determined by considering the nature of use, frequency of use and working environment. Equipment used in an office where it is not moved eg a FAX machine will not require testing as often as the kitchen kettle, which in turn may not require testing as often as an extension cable that is being used outdoors on a building site.
A principle of electrical safety is that there should be 2 levels of protection. Earth +insulation (an earthed appliance) are known as Class 1 appliances. Class 2 appliances are protected using insulation + insulation (a double insulated appliance).
Nearly all of the equipment we meet falls into either Class 1 or Class 2. We will concentrate on these here, but seek specialist advice if you feel that you have equipment that falls outside these classes.
All test equipment should be calibrated at intervals determined by the Test House. Without using calibrated test equipment the tests are all but meaningless. It is easiest to conduct the tests using equipment especially designed for such testing, but separate items of equipment can be used where the Inspector has sufficient knowledge. Many PAT testers are designed to store and then download the test results to a PC, although manual testers can be used where results are recorded by the Inspector.
Dökümanın tamamına ekten ulaşabilirsiniz.
