Grateful for chapter and verse from someone. Our managing agents have been overseeing a contractor to carry out a mix of visual inspections or full test/inspection of electrical equipment at our sites. It's come to light that regardless as to the type of test they have done, the label they display on the plug/equipment to show it has passed its safety test is the same regardless of the type of test carried out - it shows a barcode for the item, the date it was tested and when it is next due. I'm arguing that these are two very different types of test, and therefore - even though they both have their part to play to identifying issues - the label should differentiate between whether it was visually inspected or had a full test. The managing agents say that this isn't necessary, as both tests are similar(!) as they both demonstrate the item is safe. I've said one is a check of the outside of the equipment, the other involves an actual test and possible opening of the plug/equipment to check inside. Should the label state clearly the type of test - or is it sufficient that the barcode is used to check its history? I can't see anyone taking the time to cross reference to check. Thanks in advance.

Ian, The full visual inspection does involve opening the plug or at least checking the fuse rating if a sealed unit. The visual inspection by the user is just checking for damage, etc. The full test includes the electrical insulation and earth continuity checks as well. C'mon Paul!

IanF, I can do chapter & verse if you want! Best though we do this slowly so that it is clear! Ron, Actually 17th does not apply to portable or even fixed appliances technically! ahoskins, You are correct as you know you are. There are a few other checks though. stuff, To comply with the IET CoP then the label is essential. I'll give as much info as I can as long as you all pledge your support to the Welsh team on Saturday! ;)) OK, We all know "PAT" is NOT a legal requirement. HSE have guidance which is very useful and worth checking out. Don't have a link sorry, but others may, this has been done to death on here. Search never works for me though. As far as the labelling goes,the CoP makes no distinction between the requirements of labelling following routine inspection &/or testing. Frustrating I know and, no real help, however, an item cannot go on for ever with just visual inspections according to the CoP so at some point it must be I&T'd. Now remember you are the client, you can ask for whatever you want, the report that you receive from the contractor, which if they are following the CoP which it appears they are, must contain more details. You are free to specify an alternative, but for a semi-skilled operative ding the I&T at 50p an item what do you expect? If you are paying more than this then good on you! A full and proper VI or VI&T cannot be competently done for these sorts of charges regardless of how "clever" your kit is. A full and proper I&T of an appliance is more like £3.50 worth of work due to the information that must be gathered and the checks that are supposed to be done in accordance with the CoP. Which is the "syllabus" for the C&G course and is referred to in HSE literature. There are a few disagreements with regard to the period between inspections & testing, however, the IET values err on the side of safety. The upshot of it is, that type of "test" does not matter, IF the work is done in a competent manner as the "test" should change as required following the requirements of the history from the barcode data say. "PAT" is a mine field of cut throat pricing and IMHO is almost never implemented correctly, however, due to the low number of incidents it will never be "policed". I bet very few of you actually spec up the requirements of your "PAT"? Also I would wager that you never get the full suite of documentation completed according to the CoP?... Was actually coming in here tonight to ask a Q myself!

Guys, thanks for all your responses on this: we do have an annual PAT inspection of our premises (presumably with a mix of visual inspection and test/inspection each year) - the IT stuff (which includes not just mionitors and hard-drives, but also printers, 'phones and 'copiers) is being visually inspected this year (the managing agents advise me that this is because these require a full test only every 4 years) - everything else is apparently having a full test/inspection this year. Given that there needs to be no distinction on the label, it appears they are doing what they should be. I appreciate the detailed responses.

ChrisB, You are correct my Padawan, I have taught you well! ;) Any "PAT" must be accompanied by a full report in accordance with the IET CoP if it is completed in accordance with this, and this is the Doc that HSE refer to for further guidance, so any of you who are not getting written reports which meet the guidance in the CoP then it could be interpreted that you are not meeting HSE requirements?...