Rank: Forum user 
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I'm hoping for some practical solutions to managing the control and PAT testing of extension leads in a construction setting.
My concern is that tags will fall off the cables and it is impossible to differentiate one lead from another as they will all be identical. Therefore icould end up using cables which are outside of PAT test date.
I was thinking different coloured leads for different time periods, but this would require purchasing at least twice as many leads as necessary. Are there any other suggestions?
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi
Either PAT test all leads on the same day or don't PAT test at all,,,,just make sure you do pre use checks?
PAT test just indicates that is OK on a particular day at a particular time, you still need to do electrical checks ie visual, so if you have a lot of leads in an aggresive environment, where many leads probably won't make it to the next PAT test, it seems worthless PAT test in the first place?
No legal reqt to PAT test and I'm not a big fan of PAT testing everything all the time!
And I know it should be PA Testing!
Holmezy
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Rank: Super forum user 
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It's the visual (whether formal or user check) that will catch the nicks, insulation damage, failed cable restraint etc. that a dumb machine won't. Frequency HSE suggest for construction environment is I recall quite stringent.
Not being an electrician, I'm guessing it's important to ensure the earth continuity to a cable supplying a CTE transformer. For the cables on the output side, I'm not sure a PA Tester is going to tell you anything useful?
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Rank: Forum user 
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We test all our leads every 6 months.
Use scafftag Microtags and inserts with different colours for different expiry dates, attached tightly with cable ties at the plug end.
Have also just fitted everything with plain coloured tags to indicate their normal location (vehicle).
PAT testing with a machine tells us very little but can indicate poor earths etc.
Visual checking is more important we find and they are all checked regularly.
We work in high voltage areas and high risk so our clients are always right on the ball with this stuff.
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Rank: Super forum user
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For leads then a visual inspection is vital (in particular on-site). Do this every time you use an unfamiliar lead and keep an eye on your own.
An insulation test at 500v between poles (no live and neutral on 110v cte just 2-poles) and between poles and cpc.
Continuity test on poles and cpc with ohm meter (same machine as insulation tester) A high reading will show either poor connections or that the copper conductors are failing within the cable.
PAT machines will do this on a lead and far more when testing drills, washing machines etc.
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Rank: Forum user
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In our experience testing is the easy bit...
it's when you introduce site workers the problems begin!
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