PAT Testing
Cambs-PAT provides testing that is carried out under the IEE’s Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing. This testing includes all electrical equipment as detailed in the IEE Code of Practice.
The test process consists of:
Flex inspected for damage to ensure it is free from cuts, fraying or stress. Plug opened to ensure that the flexible cable is secure and correctly wired, that the fuse is of the correct rating for the appliance, free from any sign of overheating and in physically good condition.
The Appliance is inspected to ensure that it is in good working order, including ensuring that it switches on and off properly and that there is no damage that could result in access to live parts.
• Polarity Test (carried out on extension cables and supply leads)
• Earth Continuity Test (not carried out on Class II appliances that have no earth)
• Insulation Resistance Test – Operational Test (if possible)
• Earth Leakage Test (if Operational Test carried out)
• A bar-coded label will be attached to each appliance that passes its testing.
• Appliances that fail testing will be labeled DO NOT USE Failed Safety Test.
A full-colour, comprehensive register of all equipment tested on the premises. This means that you comply with regulation 29 of the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
Cambs-PAT (UK) Ltd use all the very latest testing equipment to give superbly accurate results linked to powerful computer software. All test reporting, results, registers and certificates are emailed directly to the client. Another benefit of using cambs-PAT (UK) Ltd is that we store all of your results on our secure servers in case of loss and we store digital copies of all your registers.
Cambs PAT Recommendations
The Health & Safety Executive offers no absolute rules on the frequency of the testing and inspection of portable appliances. The Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations suggests that ‘regular inspection of equipment is an essential part of any preventative maintenance program’, but no attempt is made to specify the intervals of time implied by the word ‘regular’.
The lack of clear guidance is due to different situations requiring different measures in order to meet the requirement that the danger is prevented. The factors which affect the frequency of testing must be assessed in all cases. Cambs-PAT (UK) Ltd are able to help determine the frequency of test intervals by assessing:
Environment
Environment
Equipment installed in a benign environment will suffer less damage than equipment in an arduous environment.
Users
Users
If the users report damage as and when it becomes evident, hazards will be avoided. Conversely, if equipment is likely to receive unreported abuse, more frequent inspection and testing is required.
Equipment Construction
Equipment Construction
The safety of a Class 1 appliance is dependent upon a connection with earth of the electrical installation. If the flexible cable is damaged the connection with earth can be lost. Safety of Class 2 equipment is not dependent upon the fixed electrical installation.
Equipment Type
Equipment Type
Appliances which are hand-held are more likely to be damaged than fixed appliances. If they are Class 1 the risk of danger is increased, as the safety is dependent upon the continuity of the protective conductor from the plug to the appliance