Posted By Exdeeps
Kev,
In my opinion it is a generator not an appliance ie it makes electricity not consumes electricity. If you rent them in then they should come with relevant test certificates etc regarding the output voltage, max current etc. Ask for a pre start check list and details of the maintenance carried out. If you own them then you need to ensure that a competent generator engineer carries out the correct maintenance etc. as per the manufacturers guidance. PAT is purely for equipment that you plug into a supply, not for the supply source itself, even if it is "portable" because it has wheels.
Of course, I may well be wrong but hopefully I am not too far of the mark,
Jim

Posted By Kev S
We own the generators, that have been especially built/modified to our spec, (by a reputable company, 'certified company') we currently carry out daily visual checks (and record them on a tick list sheet arrangement) and we then fill in a weekly inspection record; however I was informed by a safety rep that they do not display a current PAT label, I was 99% sure PAT was not applicable? but I need to be 100% sure before I address the issue...

Thanks Kev

Posted By Exdeeps
Morning,
Just to confirm my previous post I have had a look at the 16th edition and it defines "Appliance" as "an item of current-using equipment other than a luminaire or an independant motor". Being as how a generator makes electrical current it can not be defined as an appliance and PAT would not be appropriate or cover the safety features of a generator set. Also, the generator may well have solid state electronics to control the voltage regulator so PAT testing could actually damage the device making it dangerous to connect appliances to,
Jim

Posted By andrew morris
Sorry to throw another one in - as you may be happy with the response recieved to date. PAT testing is not a legal term, and there is no requirement persay to do PAT testing. What there is, is a requirement to maintain the system which includes appliances. As portable appliances are not all routinely checked when the building electrical certificate is done, PAT testing is created as a side order.
The generator needs to be maintained for electrical safety but not under the banner of PATs. It still forms part of an electrical system and as such PUWER does not apply - Elec at Work regs do... have a look at them on www.opsi.gov.uk to read the exact wording...

Posted By Phil Rosenberg
When a PAT test is done portable generators are always done at my firm as it is an integral part of any tool it is powering .Be safe and get it done .

Posted By Raymond Rapp
PUWER DOES apply to generators, other regulations i.e. the Electricity at Work Regs may also apply, there may be some overlap as is often the case.

Posted By Christopher Kelly
Generator comes under Elec@Work Regs whatever the IEE 16th edition says.

As regards potentially damaging the generator by PAT testing, the competent person should draw up a suitable examination scheme using whatever tools necessary, this might only be a visual inspection.

They are also covered under PUWER (need to restrict access to dangerous - hot / moving parts).

There may also be some obligations under other regs such as petroleum ? Basically you need to start off by carrying out a PUWER risk assessment then following this through to identify any other obligations. The fact that the current generating unit is integral within it is irrelevant - it contains electrical transmission equipment inside it and has potential to give you a shock so is covered under Elec@Work .

Similarly engine powered steam / hot water cleaners - I seem to remember that before Elec@Work Regs came out there was specific guidance on these from HSE, following a couple of fatalities.

That's my 3penn'orth anyway for what it's worth.
Regards,
Chris