Posted By Paul Leadbetter Shaun I am no electrician but I have been told that if you do a full PAT on anything containing a processor, you fry the chips! Paul

Posted By shaun allport Thanks Paul, i didn't know that? but this still bugs me as i can't find a definitive answer come on there must be someone out there to put me out of this misery... i'm slowly getting PAT off

Posted By JOHN LEES Shaun It's true, the PAT test can damage the PC. The PAT test applies to items which would normally be PORTABLE, as in Drill, Kettle, test equipment etc. Items that will become damaged through constant movement/relocation. The Computer/Printer etc will still need testing, but that will be as with normal annual, bi-annual electrical testing for security & condition of cables and condition of item.

Posted By Ian J. Durber Shaun I'm afraid that even though pc's are double insulated they are still subject to the 'PAT' testing requirements under the EAWR 1989: The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that..."As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger". An insulation resistance test at very low current (to prevent damage to the pc) is normally carried out for this type of equipment. For the full spec. get yourself a copy of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. It tells you all you need to know about PAT testing. Regards, Ian Durber

Posted By George Wedgwood Just be sensible about your testing and inspection frequency - many PAT firms will encourage you to test regularly (after all they get around £1.49 per item) and you end up with a regular hefty bill. Properly assessed on usage and abusage of particularly cables and plugs, you will find (like your PC at home) that most don't move a lot and most have concealed cables in desk managed systems. Those can thefore be subject to much less checking and since they are double insulated, they are even less risk to an employee contacting any 'extraneous conducting metal part'. I would have said that a visual inspection to confirm low risk due to fixed position every year and a PAT test every two to five years would be sufficient. For poorly managed installations with trailing cables and multi-sockets that get unplugged regularly, a 3 monthly visual and 6 monthly PAT may be more appropriate. This should be discussed in a sensible way with your tester, preferably with an electrical engineer/technician, who can properly help assess the risks. George

Posted By Ron Hunter There is no legal requirement to test the electrical equipment - the quote from PUWER on an earlier post covers this. For PC and ancillary equipment coming into the organisation new, then there should be no need to test any of it - thorough visual examinations should be good enough, annual or on any ocassion the kit is moved.