A Look at PAT Testing

Portable appliance testing was introduced in order to allow all UK businesses to operate in compliance with The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), which state that 'all electrical systems should be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger'. This means that both the electrical installation such as fixed wiring in both lighting an mains electric circuits, as well as all appliances connected to the mains should be properly maintained and in a good state of repair. It is the duty of the employer, the self-employed and those responsible for such equipment with an organisation to comply with these regulations.

Testing the fixed wiring circuits such as the mains electric and lighting circuits should be carried out by a qualified testing engineer, where as portable appliances such as sandwich toasters, kettles, printers and monitors may be tested by a 'competent' individual with no formal electrical training. In the UK there is currently no benchmark for what deems a person competent, however, it is generally accepted that those undertaking portable appliance testing, also known as PAT testing, as a paid for service hold the 2377-12 City & Guilds qualification.

In most cases, a  visual inspection is necessary to deem an electrical appliance safe your use by either your employees or the general public. A visual inspection consists of inspecting the casing of the appliance to make sure that it is in good condition; with no cracks, dents or broken sections. The power cable also needs to be inspected for visible signs of wear and tear such as the protective sleeve being split or damaged in any way. Should the coloured inner cables be at all visible then the appliance will need to be removed from use until a new lead can be fitted by a suitably skilled person. Similarly, the power plug should also be visually inspected; checking that the cable grip is gripping the outer sleeve rather than the two or three inner cables, that the fuse is of the correct ampage and the casing shows no sign of damage, blackening or any other discolouration which could be due to excessive heat.

Visual inspections such as those detailed above should be carried out on a regular basis. The frequency between inspections is dependant on the use and environment in which the appliance is used, i.e. electric tools which are used both indoors and outdoors, day in day out need to be inspected and tested far more frequently than an appliance which is almost always stationary. PAT testing should be carried out less frequently than a visual inspection and involves using an electronic device called a PAT tester which checks the earth continuity, insulation and resistance of each appliance. Although both visual inspections and portable appliance testing need not be carried out by a qualified electrical test engineer, it is always advisable that such checks are carried out by such a person as the service they provide is far more comprehensive and reliable than having such tasks undertaken by a member of your own staff.