Posted By Eleanor Morris Yesterday, I managed to get into a fairly heated debate about PAT testing. It started on the seventh hole of my local golf course and continued into the 19th. The gentleman I was playing against happened to be an electrician who specialises in PAT testing equipment. So when I mentioned that I was a safety professional, he instantly decided that I would be able to refer some of my clients to him. However, I said that I didn't recommend PAT testing all electrical items, regardless of the risks, to my clients. Instead, I told him that I suggested that they should complete regular visual inspections, ensure equipment is maintained (if necessary) and only PAT test things, a) if a problem has been identified, or b) every two to three years - or even five years in a low risk environment. He said I was talking rubbish and all electrical items should be tested annually. He also mentioned that insurance companies are stating that all electrical items MUST be checked annually. Which I must admit concerned me greatly. So, although I have rambled a bit, I'd like to ask fellow professionals their view. Firstly, do you agree with me, or do you think that all portable electrical items should be PAT tested annually? And, what is classified as portable? My electrician friend suggested items such as a fridge freezer which hasn't been moved for years, should be tested. Finally, do you think (as I do) that a PAT test sticker, gives the equipment operator a false sense of security? The operator is likely to think, "It's been PAT tested, it must be safe, I won't bother checking it". Your views would be appreciated. Regards Eleanor

Posted By stevehaigh PAT test stickers state that the equipment was fine at the time of the test. PUWER STATES THAT ALL WORK EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. Seems to me theres no right or wrong answer

Posted By Tabs Eleanor, you are right, he is a money making scaremonger. Look at HSE pages and HSE INDG 236 and Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment as published by The Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Posted By Tony Priest The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 generally states that electrical equipment must not give rise to danger. If a person is electrocuted at work then would it be a breach of these regulations? As far as I am aware, there is no legal requirement to carry out PAT testing, having electrical systems tested (either fixed wiring or PAT) by competent persons show that a system is in place to so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent such danger from electrocution/fire. I agree with you that most electrical testing companies carry out PAT on all electrical equipment annually. In my opinion it is up to the employer to ascertain when electrical equipment requires to be PAT, HSE recommend office equipment to be tested every 2 years, I recommend that steam cleaners and pressure washers used in wet bays are PAT every 6 months due to the nature of the environment and the abuse this type of equipment is subject to. Regular visual inspections play an important part in electrical safety. I carried out analyses of our PAT testing and out of 5121 items tested 138 were failures, interestingly to find that most failures were down to, damaged leads and split cables all of which should have been identified by the users. There were however faults that user’s may not have picked up on, like incorrect fuse ratings, and earth leakage faults. Therefore I believe that PAT does play an integral part in electrical safety ensuring that competent people using technical equipment is checking the safety of electrical equipment to ensure it does not give rise to danger. My interpretation of portable is not how easy it can be moved, like the fridge freezer you mentioned, if it has a plug on it, it can be moved, therefore it is portable. Fixed wiring is when it is plumed into the mains electrical system. NOTE: My experience and response to this thread is based electrical equipment used in large vehicle workshops and accident repair centres. Tony

Posted By Andy Brazier Can someone tell me, if an item is 'double insulated' does a PAT test have any value? Thanks

Posted By Ron Hunter Andy Brazier: The answer is no. In fact, repeatedly zapping 3500 volts across the appliance will surely tend to degrade the safety of that double insulation. HSE and IEE both publish recommnedations for PAT Testing (not identical!).Whilst some appliances need NEVER be tested, a well managed process of Formal Visual Examination is very important.

Posted By DaveTripp As a PAT tester and a safety bod I have looked into the debate surrounding testing, under legislation there is no requirement to use a meter for testing, it is just best practice, visual inspection should be carried out under puwer anyway as pointed out earlier in this thread, difference between 'portable' and 'fixed' - plug on it, portable with the proviso you must be able to carry it, so fridges washing machines are 'not portable' by definition, but again best practice will decide if you test it or not, double insulated need to be tested as the insulation can break down and leak power i.e. drill being used outside in the rain. Hope this helps!

Posted By MungoDundas PAT Testing Guidance is laid down by the IET, therefore show me Sheriff who can be bothered to disagree with their guidance. Without being cavalier, but being honest, as an electrician – within half an hour of walking in the door you sense where you are SHE-wise, they either want everything kosher or the want you to go away. I have no figures to hand, but I'd imagine the number of people injured by workplace electricity is pretty low, say, compared with the number killed on the commute to/from work. Many times this risk assessment may take the form of a trawl back over the last 25 years to establish the jeopardy caused by an Printer, etc. in the building. Therefore 230Volts electrical danger seems unnecessarily high on the agenda, but perhaps other areas need looking at? My feeling is - in general - Great Britain has good employers who take their responsibilities seriously and act on the requirements of the most recent legislation requiring them to ensure that their electrical systems are safe.

Posted By alan brotherton I think the topic has been well covered and a good selection of opinions/ guidance given hovever I would comment on the specifics of what is "portable". Size, weight, ease of portability etc. need not be always considered as a deffinition of "portable" in my experience. It may well be best to say if it has a power lead and plug rather than permanently wired into a conduit suppy spur, then it should be considered as "portable".

Posted By Alan Hoskins Please note that there is an updated version of the IET Code on PAT testing. Apparently (among other things) it better defines portable and transportable electrical equipment and requires testing of electrical equipment connected to a fused/unfused connection unit or isolator by means of a flexible cord... Waiting for my copy to arrive. Alan