A portable appliance
is any piece of equipment that can be moved from area to area and reconnected to the
supply via a plug and socket system. During everyday use such appliances become worn
or damaged which can lead to them becoming unsafe if not properly maintained. PAT
Testing is a documented method of electrical maintenance.
The reasons to undertake PAT Testing include complying with the Electricity at Work
Regulations - to minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances,
to remove the risk of your insurance company disputing a claim for damage from fire
through insufficient maintenance, and to comply with ISO Quality Assurance.
1.
Testing Guidelines - Testing will be carried out under the IEE's Code of
Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing. This testing includes all
electrical equipment of the following types (as detailed in the IEE Code of
Practice): portable appliances, movable or transportable equipment/appliances,
hand-held appliances, stationary equipment/appliances, fixed appliances,
appliances/equipment for building in, IT equipment and extension leads.
2.
Inspection
- The flex will be inspected for any damage, ensuring it is free
from cuts, fraying or stress.
3.
Testing - Only when we are satisfied that the equipment has passed the visual
inspection, a series of tests using specialised equipment are carried out to detect
hidden faults and potential hazards. This ensures the electrical safety and good
working order of each item.
◦
Earth Continuity Test (not carried
out on Class II appliances that have no earth).
◦
Insulation Resistance Test.
◦
Earth Leakage Test (if Operational
Test carried out)
◦
Tests on computer
equipment are "soft tests" of 100mA on earth continuity. No operational tests
are carried out on computer CPUs.
◦
All detachable IEC
leads are checked and tested.
◦
All minor faults
found during the course of the inspection can be repaired as we find them and
the appliance re-tested. More serious faults will always be quoted for first.
◦
We will replace all
plugs free of charge that have un-sheathed pins to the new type with sheathed
pins regardless of quantity required.
◦
All incorrect plug
faces will be replaced free of charge.
4.
Labeling - A label will be attached to each appliance that passed testing with
the Appliance ID and "Retest Due" date. This label will be of the type "mark and
seal".
5.
Labeling - A label will be attached to each appliance that passed testing with
the Appliance ID and "Retest Due" date. This label will be of the type "mark and
seal".
6.
Documentation - We will complete an Appliance Asset Register and provide a
folder/ring binder with all test certification required and an electronic copy
using Patguard Plus software.
7.
Risk Assessment - Before any work is carried out a written risk assessment can
be provided.
8.
Engineers - All PAT testing is carried out by ECA registered/qualified
engineers.
To discuss your
appliance totals and costs please contact us on 0161 427 0541 or via email at
enquiries@techniheat.co.uk.
