What are the primary advantages of PAT Testing ?

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• Publié par: uncletrey7
• Publié le: 14 avril 2013
• Nombre de lectures: 16
• Licence : En savoir +
  Paternité, partage des conditions initiales à l'identique
• Langue: English

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What are the benefits of PAT Testing ? Countries like Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland have made policies to have electronic appliances tested regularly. The process is calledPortable appliance testingor PAT testing in short. This is generally in-service testing and inspection of electrical equipment. All equipment is examined to determine if it is safe to use. Testing takes care of electrical defects that are not noticeable by physical examination. However, physical examination is also important since it detects a high percentage of electrical defects.

Health and Safety Act

The health and Safety Act(1974) places legal responsibility on employers, employees and users of electrical equipment to maintain and ensure that the equipment is safe. However, it does not state when, how often and who is to carry out testing on the equipment. The testing interval of each equipment depends on the equipment and conditions in which is being used. Stickers are placed on the equipment to show that the equipment has been tested and the latest date that the equipment should be in use before being tested again. The Institute of Engineering and Technology has published general guidelines on testing of all electrical equipment. These guidelines help one to know the frequency and type of testing required for specific equipment. The law does not require one to keep records of every PAT test procedure that is done on the equipment. However, it is advisable for one to maintain records to monitor the effectiveness of the testing scheme and as proof that the scheme exists. The records also show components that are susceptible to damage for the appropriate action to be taken. New equipment does not need testing. Most of the dealers would have tested the equipment and even give a warranty certificate to cover repair for a specific period. Testing The person testing the equipment should be competent enough to carry outPAT testingof the equipment. Further, he or she should also have the right equipment for testing. The test equipment should also be used correctly to give the right results. Equipment suppliers for hire are strongly urged to ensure that they test the equipment before every hire. This guarantees the safety of the end user. The one who hires the equipment should take steps to ensure that the hired equipment remains safe during the entire period that the equipment is under hire. Tests There are several testes that are carried out on electrical equipment . Each PAT test depends on the type of equipment being tested. However, many electrical equipment require the following: Plugs: Plugs are normally fused to ensure safety. While testing, it is good to ensure that there no naked wires and that the fuse is in place. Earth Resistance Testing: The testing shows resistance offered by earthing and connection rods.

Essentially, the earthing resistance of the same should be less than 5 ohms. Earth continuity test: This is a test that is carried out on earthing protective conductor of less than one ohms. Polarity check: A test is carried out to find out whether the active and neutral of a plug end are correctly connected to the socket in a corresponding manner. Thus, it is good to carry out PAT testing procedures regularly to safeguard against human injury, damage and increase the useful lifetime of the equipment.