Electronic devices are machines and their efficiency level decreases over time. This is why you need to maintain your appliances to be sure they are safe for use. Portable appliances should be regularly tested by an expert with the PAT testing device. But what is that? What is a PAT test and how to use it? Most people want to know about the PAT testing legal requirements, but even though that is important, it's crucial to know what it is, how often should be done and how it should be done. A PAT test is a routine inspection for some types of electrical appliance or equipment to check if they are suitable and safe to use. The purpose of this testing is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace. What’s a PAT Test & What It Stands ForPortable Appliance Testing is the name that refers to series of inspections and electrical tests carried out on portable equipment to guarantee that can be used safely. More accurately it is known as the Inspection and Testing of In-service Electrical Equipment. Performing a Portable Appliance Test doesn't consist of plugging a piece of equipment into a PAT tester and seeing if it fail or pass. PAT test encompasses the recording and upkeep of records. PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing and there is no definition of what a "Portable Appliance" is, but the standard interpretation is that it stands for any appliance that has a plug attached and plugs into a wall outlet. The portable part is misleading since seven categories of the appliance should be considered for PAT testing including fixed appliances, IT appliances, moveable appliances, portable appliances, cables and chargers, hand-held appliances and stationary appliances. What Pat Test RequiresOne of the most common misconceptions is that the PAT test should be done on equipment that can be plugged in. The IET Code of Practice can be divided into several categories: Portable equipment/appliances that are easy to move whilst in operation (kettle, toaster). Hand-held equipment/appliances that are portable by design and require the use of hand such as drill, hair clippers and so on. Movable appliances or equipment that is similar to the first two categories but bigger and heavier such as fridges for example. Stationary equipment or appliances that are designed not to be moved and have weighed higher than 18kg (washing machines, ovens). Fixed equipment and appliances are those that are fixed in place such as pillar drills. Built-in appliances and equipment as the name suggest are built into a unit (ovens, dishwashers). Extension loads include the reel type and multi socketed types. IT equipment such as PCs, laptops, photocopiers, printers and so on. When the PAT testing device performs the test they should visually inspect the appliance or equipment to see if there are any major faults on the equipment, cables, plugs and so on. The person who performs the test should be protected. There are two methods of protection of electric shocks: Basic protection that protects the touching of parts that are live intentionally; this can be done with the use of insulation. These parts can be enclosed to prevent someone from coming in contact with them. Fault protection provides protection when exposed conductive parts of the electrical equipment are live because of the fault occurring. This can be done with the use of double or reinforced insulation or by placing the equipment on an earth path that uses the What Items Should be PAT TestingElectrical equipment in any industrial or professional location is subject to PAT testing; this way you can check if they are suitable or not. PAT testers must have knowledge of basic electrical models, as well as mechanical loss to the Appliance and what type of problem could occur in the work environment. Many people wonder if they should test new equipment. New equipment should be provided in a safe condition and doesn't need a formal portable appliance inspection or test. A simple visual check is recommended so you can verify the item has no damages. How Often Should You Perform this TestThis depends mainly on the type of equipment and where it is used in. If you have a power tool that you use mainly on a construction site, it should be tested more often than the lamps in your bedroom, for example. If the equipment is new it should be supplied in a safe condition; it doesn't need a formal PAT test, but be sure to visually check it if it is in a good state. However, many people would perform the test on newer items as well (as often as they are used, just like with the example mentioned above).
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