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Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the recognized method to ensure that electrical appliances are safe and do not pose a risk to users. It is now very common for insurance companies to require formal testing to be conducted on portable electrical equipment.
The frequency of portable appliance testing depends on the type of equipment, how frequently it is used, and the environment in which it operates. Guidance is given by the Health and Safety Executive in HSG107 Maintaining Portable Equipment.
In most cases electrical equipment is tested annually, with the exception of 110V equipment used on construction sites which should be tested every 3 months, and industrial environments such as commercial kitchens where the recommended testing interval is every 6 months.
Visual Inspection
Portable appliance testing comprises a visual inspection to check for physical signs of damage to the cord, plug or equipment casing which will result in failure of the test. The plug is checked for the correct fuse size, adequate cord grip, correct polarity and tightness of terminations, cracking, heat damage and insulating pins to ensure conformity to current BS standards. The casing of equipment is checked for any visual damage, loose parts and cracks. Holes or vents that are apparent must not have a radius greater than 6mm. A visual inspection is responsible for finding around 90% of obvious faults with electrical appliances.
Plugs that do not conform to British Standards (counterfeit) will be “Failed” and the customer notified. Old-style plugs with non-insulated pins will be documented and in agreement with the customer will be replaced. Plug fuses must meet British Standards and be the correct rating for the appliance. BS1363 has standardised on just two preferred fuse ratings, 3 amp and 13 amp, however any fuse rating up to 13 amp can still be used.
Plugs for appliances rated up to about 700 watts should have a 3-amp fuse.
Plugs for appliances rated between about 700 watts and 3000 watts (the maximum rating of a wall socket) should be fitted with a 13-amp fuse.
Once the appliance has passed the visual inspection, a formal test is conducted using a portable appliance test machine.
The Class of the appliance is dictated by the danger they pose to the user. There are three Classes; Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Class 1 is considered the most dangerous, and Class 3 the least. They are categorised as follows:
Class 1
These appliances hold limited insulation and require an earth to protect both appliance and user. Examples include Freezers, Irons, Photocopiers and Microwaves.
Class 2
These appliances hold greater insulation and therefore do not require an earth – making them safer. Examples include Lawn mowers, TVs, Lamps and Drills.
Class 3
These appliances have a low voltage and pose the lowest risk to the user however, any charging leads that accompany the device may need testing. Examples include Laptops, Phone mobile chargers and Cameras.
Class I appliances which have an earthed plug will be given an Earth Continuity test, followed by an Insulation Resistance Test to ensure that the insulation is intact to prevent electric shocks. Class II appliances are only given the Insulation Resistance Test. A functional check will then verify the appliance operates correctly. Other tests such as a polarity check, earth leakage test, or load test may be conducted depending on the appliance.
After testing, each appliance and its mains lead (if detachable) will be labelled with a unique ID code on a pass or fail sticker, together with a detailed report and a site certificate for compliance purposes.