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Posted By RBW100
Hello all and a Happy new year to you!
I have a specific question regarding testing of new portable electric equipment. Here's an example.
We have an outside contractor perform PA testing on our office based equipment and a small staff kitchen based equipment on a two yearly basis. We recently have bought two new kettles to use in the kitchen, should I call the contractor in to test these two items (regular visit in not due for a year)? Should I not allow the items to be used until a PA test has been successfully passed?
My thoughts are if we have a PAT programme then to allow new items to be used without testing undermines this, but on the other hand it would seem impractical to have a cont actor visit every time we get a new kettle or whatever.
I'm thinking now of having a formal visual inspection by either the user or even myself (I'm the site engineer), before first use and then getting a PA test done when the next scheduled visit roils round.
What do others do on new equipment?
Rob W
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Posted By J Knight
Hi RBW,
I have personal knowledge of, e.g. new TVs being fitted with 13A fuses. New kit needs a visual inspection at least, and preferably a PAT; we have testers on site and everything gets checked out before use,
John
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Posted By ITK
As long as you buy from a reliable source and give it a visual exaination for any obvious signs of damage etc you can PA test it in the next round.
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Posted By RBW100
ITK, thanks for your response.
Is this what you do/advise on the site(s) you work at?
I have been trying to find some advice from a body (HSE or trade eg IET) on the testing of new equipment, but can find nothing specific to new items.
Is you policy based on some such advice that I've missed or is it your interpretation of the best approach? I was thinking along similar lines to you.
Rob
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Posted By Konstanty Budkiewicz RBW100, May I suggest that you visit the following link; http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/july.htmThen go to the sub-links. This site sets the scene for a rational approach to Portable Appliance Testing and may provide you with suitable advice. Regards Kon CMIOSH (EHS advisor 7 yrs)
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Posted By MS
It will also depends on where and how the equipment is to be used. (water, dust, moisture etc)
Have you ever bought a new electrical equipment with a fault?
Also you must consider the warranty, it may be void if PAT tested by A.N Other.
If in doubt, risk assess.
regards
Mark
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Posted By RBW100
Thanks Kon,
I have already seen the site you have referred to and read the HSE advice, but was looking for specific information on the inspection or testing of new equipment. I think I'll go with a visual inspection on new equipment, which will then be tested at the next scheduled testing date.
Regards
Rob
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Posted By Pete48
RBW, if you want definitive guidance, you need to check out either the IET or IEE sites and their codes and guidance. Guidance is contained within their codes and covered in C&G type training for PA testers etc.
FROM MEMORY,('cos I am a mech not a sparkie type), the gist of that guidance is that brand new, first time into service, new equipment can, in most environments and situations, be tested during the "round" of PAT Testing. A reasonable assumption can be made that whilst there is always a risk of new equipment having a defect they should generally be fit for purpose. Therefore, there is no explicit need to carry out full PAT Testing on that item every time you buy a new piece of equipment.
What you must do is ensure that you have a procedure or policy in place. e.g. new equipment is purchased from reliable sources, new equipment is visually inspected for signs of obvious damage, and you have a regular frequency of testing that matches the recommended service use standards.
Hope that helps with benchmarking.
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Posted By alan brotherton
Most points probably generally covered in other responses but I have always followed the logic that new appliances (still under manufacturer's warranty and having passed their quality tests etc.) are OK to put to use with a visual check prior to first use and general operator checks. The item should be entered in the PAT inventory and scheduled for inclusion in the next cycle of testing.
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Posted By MP
Earthed (Class I) equipment, eg electric kettles in a normal kithen type environment, get staff to make a visual inspection before use, then a formal visual inspection every 12 months
EG
Switch off and unplug the equipment before you start any checks.
Check that the plug is correctly wired (but only if you are competent to do so) However, most new plugs for "domestic" use are moulded to the cable.
Ensure the fuse is correctly rated by checking the equipment rating plate or instruction book.
Check that the plug is not damaged and that the cable is properly secured with no internal wires visible.
Check the electrical cable is not damaged and has not been repaired with insulating tape or an unsuitable connector. Damaged cable should be replaced with a new cable by a competent person.
Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged in a way that will give rise to electrical or mechanical hazards.
Check for burn marks or staining that suggests the equipment is overheating.
Position any trailing wires so that they are not a trip hazard and are less likely to get damaged.
If you are concerned about the safety of the equipment you should stop it from being used and ask a competent person to undertake a more thorough check.
Then do an inspection and test every 24 months
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