PAT testing is abbreviated as Portable Appliance Testing and is the most widely used method for businesses and companies to make sure that their electrical appliances are safe for use by employees as well as the general public who visit their premises.
Specialized testing equipment conducts test of electrical power on devices to make sure that they’re operating in accordance with established guidelines to ensure safety. All equipment in business location should be tested. the tests should be carried out by an expert who can perform the tests.
This typically means that someone has completed training to conduct these tests in a recognized manner and has been certified competent to conduct PAT testing on devices.
A company or business hires a PAT Engineer to test appliances at their workplace. The Engineer will then conduct various tests visually, and with their testing equipment for PAT in order that the appliance is classified as safe or not to use. Appliances that pass the tests and considered safe will be issued a label that is passed and then entered into the engineer’s database as passed. Items that fail the tests will be assigned a failed label and added to the database as failing. The items that fail are deemed unsafe until repairs are completed or the appliance is replaced.
The electrical appliances used in commercial premises must be safe to use. Testing for PAT is the simplest and most comprehensive method to ensure that businesses comply with this legal requirement.
But, not every appliance are required to be tested as frequently as other appliances. Some appliances require to be tested more often due to the fact that they are in highly-trafficked locations and are often used or are located in places in which damage is more likely to happen.
To determine which appliances should be tested more often, it is suggested that risk assessments be conducted on appliances in order to determine when a retest is required.
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These risk assessments are carried out often and help determine what the ideal time for a testing schedule is needed for the specific appliance.
The role of Testing Equipment for PAT
Testing equipment for PAT is the method through which test for electrical safety are performed on appliances. Without the PAT equipment these tests wouldn’t be performed.
Tests conducted by testing equipment PAT include the following: the earth-bond test leakage/touch current test as well as tests for extension and cable leads.
Apart from the electrical tests additional tests are conducted such as the visual inspection which is crucial to identify any physical issues in the appliance.
Testing equipment for PAT is varied and varies in cost from low-cost models to expensive models that have more advanced functions. Every model comes with its advantages and advantages, and before you can make a decision on which one is the best for your requirements it is essential to determine whether a simple, mid range , or more advanced model is required. It’s based on the specific conditions in addition to the quantity of test that an Engineer is planning to perform.
When selecting a PAT tester, it is important to decide if a downloaded or manual tester is required , and whether a basic test for passing or failing is appropriate or if something more advanced is required.
If you’re having difficulty choosing which PAT tester is right for you, get in touch with us at 01642 987976, and we’ll review your requirements with you , and help you choose the right tester for your needs.
Who Carry out the Tests?
PAT testing is performed by qualified PAT testing engineers and technicians. Many people who conduct PAT testing have completed an education course on PAT testing, and have successfully completed the course and obtained a certificate of competency. The certificate of competence proves that they can effectively and safely conduct tests on devices and declare them safe or unsuitable for use.
To become a PAT tester, There are many classes that you can carry out. These include:
City and Guilds PAT testing course 2377-22
Test Course for PAT
PAT Testing Business Start-up Course
Which PAT Tester Brand Do I Need to Choose?
There are many PAT tester brands and each manufacturer offers an array of devices for different budgets and needs.
Certain manufacturers have testers targeted at people looking for a basic tester while others have models targeted at people who require more advanced designs. A few offer both.
Instead of focusing on what type of tester you should buy, it’s important to determine the type of tester you’re looking for:
Do you want to download a machine?
Do you need advanced capabilities?
Do you want your product to be light and portable?
Do you want a device that has pre-determined pass marks or would you prefer an electronic readout?
Do you wish to have the keyboard to be part of the machine?
Do you wish it to be able to have an enormous onboard memory?
Each of these questions, as well as others need to be addressed in order in order to narrow your choices of PAT testers and choose the best one for your particular situation and testing requirements.