Testing your portable electrical pieces of equipment being a landowner or a business owner is something that will make you a responsible citizen. At the same time, it is not something that the legal authorities demand but your legal responsibility to get the electronics PAT tested. It ensures that you are concerned about the safety of your employees and tenants.
It is advised that you carry out a PAT Testing depending on the condition of the electrical types of equipment and also at some fixed intervals of time. There is a different organization that will help you with the testing, like southerneettesting.com. However, this article will help you to know more about PAT testing.
Listed are a few questions that will help you in having a better understanding of PAT testing and why is it necessary.
How Regular Should One Carry Out PAT Testing?
There is no rule book that tells you what exactly is “regular” when it comes to PAT testing. Thus, giving you specific data will be misleading. There are various factors that you need to have a close eye on to figure out what is the right time for PAT testing.
One of the factors that there is no fixed data provided regarding how often the PAT testing should be conducted is:
- Each electrical equipment has various specifications, handling and working grounds.
- Each electrical equipment is handled in a different setting by a different individual.
For instance, the same equipment used by you might not need testing, while on someone else with the same equipment might need to undergo the test.
Generally, it is suggested that you carry out a test once every two years. The different factors that affect the PAST testing are:
- Type of the equipment
- Where is it located?
- How frequently is it used?
- The training of the individual regarding the handling of the equipment.
- How often has it got tested or maintained in the past?
- How was it installed?
- Whether the owner has hired the equipment.
What Are The Factors Taken Into Consideration While PAT Testing?
Considering the following factors will help you to plan the PAT testing program. The factors include:
- The class of equipment, i.e., class I or class II
- The age of the equipment
- What is the frequency at the instrument is moved from one place to another
- What is the guideline that the manufacturers present
Class I And Class II- Differentiation
The testing factors of class I and class II electrical appliance differ from each other. Before discussing the differences, let us have a look at a significant similarity- both the class types of equipment are powered by main voltage. They need to have two-layered protection for the safety of the users.
The reason behind PAT testing the pieces of equipment is to ensure that the layers of protection are performing fine so that it does not harm the user.
The class I type uses protection that is combined with essential insulation. Appliances like fridges, microwaves, toasters, electric kettles, etc., are examples of Class I electrical types of equipment.
Class II sees that the user is protected by two layers of insulation. Products like hair drier, plastic power tools, computers, etc.
What are the guidelines for PAT Testing?
There are no such specifications for PAT testing. However, here are some that are suggested:
For Offices, Hotels And Shops
IT and stationary pieces of equipment that belong to Class I types should be tested at intervals of 48 months.
The electrical items that are movable should be tested at an interval of 24 months.
Handheld equipment should be tested at an interval of 12 months.
Construction
If you are using electrical construction types of equipment with 110V, ensure to get it tested for three months.
Industrial
Industrial electrical types of equipment, such as commercial kitchen kits and hand help types of equipment, should be subjected to PAT testing at an interval every six months. Furthermore, the IT types of equipment should be tested within 12 months.
Public Use Equipment
Ensure to check the stationary and IT equipment at intervals every 12 months.
Handheld, potable and movable equipment should be tested within 12 months of intervals if they fall under Class II types.
Simile electrical types of equipment that fall under Class II must be served under PAT testing after six months.
How Important Is It To Keep PAT Testing Records?
There are no rules that you must save your PAT testing records. However, you can save them for future reference. These records might help you in case of any mishappening,
Dose Brand New Electrical Appliances Need To Go Through PAT Testing?
A piece of new equipment is always safe to use without any kind of PAT testing. To ensure that you are further saved, scrutinize a visual test to check for any faults and if they are safe to use. Follow the advice of the manufacturers to ensure that you are not injured by the use of this equipment.
The Role Of Electrician
When you hire someone to perform the PAT test, ensure that person is competent. Handling electrical types of equipment can be risky. It is crucial that you appoint someone who has the experience, training and ability to handle the types of equipment properly.
In a high-risk environment, call for someone who is more experienced, has the proper kind of tools that are needed for inspection, and has a high level of knowledge. Thus, ensure that you hire a professional electrical engineer.
Conclusion
PAT testing is a way to ensure that you are safe while you use any kind of electrical appliance. House owners and business owners should take note of performing this test in order to ensure that the people under their responsibilities are safe. Further, if you are accused of negligence by your tenants or employees, you have a record that you have done your part of the job.
