PAT testing guide from our electrician in Swansea
Do you know the meaning of PAT testing?
As part of PAT testing, our electrician in Swansea must follow three steps to verify the safety of any portable appliances in use.
Here are the steps:
- As a general rule. All employees should be trained on portable appliance safety and be aware of any warning signs that could indicate a problem. Accurate and current information is required in all other circumstances.
- A formally conducted ocular examination.
- The use of a PAT Testing Device to evaluate the equipment.
Is PAT testing a legal necessity in the UK?
Health and safety regulations govern the use of electrical products. However, PAT testing is not one of these regulations. But when it comes to testing portable equipment, most experts, tradespeople and our electrical Swansea team agree that PAT Testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is the best option.
Do you know why it's vital to conduct PAT testing?
Most people are aware that malfunctioning electrical equipment can cause serious harm. Such as electric shocks, burns, and even fires in extreme circumstances. According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers and building managers, such as those in charge of student housing, have a legal obligation to make sure that electrical equipment is properly maintained and always safe to use. So if a large number of devices need to be PAT tested regularly, PAT Testing is the most cost-effective option. This makes it perfect for organisations with a lot of devices.
A PAT test consists of what?
Performing a PAT Test involves several considerations in each of the three processes listed above. Particularly concerning the formal visual inspection and the examination of the apparatus. A rigorous visual examination will be carried out to troubleshoot any early concerns after informal user checks have been carried out. In the words of the HSE via phsCompliance, “This approach normally flags up roughly 90% of issues.” As long as you have the proper training, you may do this yourself or hire an electrician to do it.
The visual inspection
Before beginning the visual inspection, make sure to disconnect and turn off all electronic equipment.
All parts of the gadget will be examined in detail during the formal visual inspection:
- Inspect the plug for signs of burns, twisted or cracked pins, or other damage. In addition, it is critical to ensure that the wiring inside the plug is correct and secure.
- A PAT test will fail if any of the device’s wiring is visible due to normal wear and tear or damage.
- Inspect the appliance for signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or other signs of normal use and wear and tear.
- You should also inspect the main socket for any evidence of damage, even though this is typically included in another electrical test.
- Additionally, it is critical to check the RCD’s operating current and that the RCD’s test button is working properly.
- Portable appliances should have their surroundings examined for concerns such as trip hazards, overloading extension cords, and water and fire threats.
The manual inspection
It is highly advised that you should hire an electrician in Swansea for the manual examination.
Pass or fail
The ground continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance will all be tested by the PAT Tester using a PAT Testing instrument. Then based on their results, the tester will determine whether or not the appliance has passed or failed.
What happens if an appliance fails a PAT test?
Both succeeded and failed appliances will have a sticker on them to show the results of the PAT Test. The appliance must be immediately shut down and withdrawn from usage in the event of a malfunction. It is crucial to remember that if an appliance is fixed, it must pass a new PAT Test before it can be declared safe to use. Alternatively, the device can be replaced.
How many PAT tests are required for each appliance?
Depending on the level of protection the user receives from a portable appliance, it is either Class I or Class II.
What is considered an appliance?
To determine whether an appliance is a portable appliance, look for a plug and lead. Also, see if it can be unplugged from an electrical source and relocated.
The following are typical small appliances:
- Laptops and desktop computers.
- Tools for the construction industry.
- The following are some of the most often used kitchen appliances: kettles, fridges and microwaves.
- Charging the chargers.
- An audio-visual system such as TVs and radios.
Conclusion
Knowing as much as possible about PAT Testing is critical to the safety of both building occupants and their personnel in a variety of scenarios. You can learn more about PAT Testing at The Electrician Swansea. This is because we provide a wide range of tools that make the testing of electrical products as easy as possible.