PAT testing Flashcards
What is the new updated term for PAT testing?
In-Service Inspection Testing
What is the definition of Electrical Equipment
“Any item for such purpose as generation, conversion, transmission, distribution or utilisation of electrical energy”
What are the legislative acts that Inspection testing falls under?
Health and safety at Work Act
Electricity at Work Act 1989
What does the Health and Safety at Work Act say about Inspection testing?
“Maintain, service and inspect electrical equipment in line
with current guidance”
What is the definition of Electrical Equipment?
“Any item for such purpose as generation, conversion, transmission, distribution or utilisation of electrical energy”
What are the four main people involved in Inspection testing?
1.The User
2.The Inspector
3.Test Operative
4.The Duty Holder
What is the responsibility of The User
Pre Use Checks
What is the responsibility of The Inspector
Performs Formal Visual inspection
What is the responsibility of The Test Operative
Inspects and tests on a routine basis
What is the responsibility of The Duty Holder
To keep a record of the tests and ensure devices are compliant - normally a manager or someone responsible for safety management
What are the 2 levels of inspector recognised by HSE guidance HSG107 Maintaining Portable Electrical equipment?
Level 1 – Not skilled, check instrument, but no certificate, some training and basic competency.
Level 2 – Appropriate electrical skills, calibrated test equipment, test readings, detailed technical knowledge of the test process, and certification.
Is PAT testing compulsory?
NO. The Law simply states that electrical equipment is
maintained in order to prevent danger.
How do we decide what to test?
- Risk based - High to low. For example - Desktop computers are less risk than building site tool transformer.
- Dynamic risk-based activity to reduce the risks to danger.
How often should you test appliances?
No Frequency of test specified in law.
Risk based judgement to determine the frequency of test.
What criteria should you base how often you test appliances
- Environment – Dirty, damp, clean, marine, dust, contaminants
- The users – They break everything
- Equipment construction – Class 1, Class 2 etc..
- Frequency of use
- Function and in-service life
- Monitoring and risk assessment led.
What protective measures are put in place for Protective Measure Class 1 appliances?
*Basic protection - Insulation covering, enclosing or shielding live parts
*Fault protection - Earthed exposed metalwork. Separated extra low voltage. Electrical separation.
What protective measures are put in place for Protective Measure Class 2 appliances?
Double or reinforced insulation
What are the criteria for a Protective Measure Class 1 appliance
*Must have an earth
*Must be fused
* Conductive parts bonded to the Earth
*Single insulation. Not always metallic
What are the examples of a Protective Measure Class 1 appliance
- Refrigerator
- Amplifier
- Coffee Machine
- Flood Light
- Radiator
What are the examples of a Protective Measure Class 2 appliance
- Hair Dryer
- Signal Processor
- Phone Charger/PSU
- Desk Fan
What are the criteria for a Protective Measure Class 2 FE (IT) appliance
- Must have an Earth, but for operational purposes.
- Must be fused
- Sensitive to test! Do NOT Earth Bond
- Prone to leakage
- May also be Double Insulated as in Class II
What does FE stand for
Functional Earth
What does SELV stand for
Seperated or Safety Extra Low Volatge
What is the IET
Institution of Electrical Engineers - the IET has the authority to establish professional registration for the titles of Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician, and ICT Technician, as a licensed member institution of the Engineering Council.
