Code of Practice for the Inspection and Testing of Portable Electrical Equipment - "PAT Testing"
Introduction

The Health and Safety Executive states that about one quarter of all reportable electrical accidents at work involve portable electrical equipment, and there are about five fatalities each year involving such equipment.

The majority of these accidents are entirely avoidable, and many are due to very obvious faults in equipment.

The purpose of these inspections and tests is to check the electrical safety of all portable electrical equipment regularly so that dangerous faults can be corrected before they cause any injury.

Authorised Testers will be appointed under the code of practice, and will be given a written authorisation which clearly defines the extent of the electrical inspections and tests that they are authorised to do.

No Authorised Tester will be expected to carry out tests on types of equipment with which they are not familiar, or be expected to make judgements on matters beyond their training or experience.

Except for replacing fuses and mains plugs, any repair work required on equipment as a result of these inspections and tests should not be undertaken by Authorised Testers, unless they have the required specialist electrical knowledge and experience.

The initials of an Authorised Tester on a test label signify only that the item of equipment so identified was electrically safe in term of the inspection carried out on the stated date.

The Authorised Tester is not certifying the equipment to be safe after the quoted date.

Authorised Testers may seek further training or advice from the University Safety Office (ext 4100).


Requirements


1. All portable electrical equipment in the University is subject to regular inspection and tests as in the attached schedule, with the exception of:


(a) Rented or hired equipment or equipment on loan. No electrical tests should be made, but a visual inspection of the mains lead, mains plug, and integrity of protective casing must be made, and any defects which can not be easily corrected should be reported to the owner of the equipment.


(b) Personal domestic equipment used by students within their Halls of Residence is exempted, but students are advised to maintain this equipment in a safe condition for their own protection.


(c) Contractor's equipment. The safety of this equipment is the responsibility of the contractor.


(d) Computers, electronic typewriters, etc, should not be tested with the PAT or PAC testers, as the tests could damage the equipment. The mains lead and plug should be inspected, and the outer casing should be inspected for any damage.


2. Inspection and testing will only be carried out by people nominated and authorised as Authorised Testers.


Check List for inspections and tests


1. Check the electrical rating plate or Label

Voltage - should be 230 to 250 Vac (or) Power Rating - should be less than 3 KW Protection Class - should be class I or Class II (may be IIA or IIB) If Class II, the double insulation symbol must be shown.

2. Can the PAT or PAC testers be used on this equipment? (See Requirements sections a, c & d).

3. Visual inspection

3.1	Disconnect the equipment from the mains supply.
3.2	Is the length of mains lead suitable and safe for the equipment and the way it is used?
3.3	Is the mains lead firmly connected to the equipment with a rubber or plastic bush if it passes through a metal panel? (Try pulling, pushing and rotating the mains lead).
3.4	Are there any kinks or knots in the mains lead?
3.5	Are there any taped joins in the mains lead?
3.6	Is the outer insulation, including braid if present, intact and undamaged on the whole length of the mains lead?
3.7	Is the outside of the mains plug cracked, damaged, or very dirty?

Following this inspection, replace any suspect mains plugs and arrange for any faulty mains leads to be replaced.


4. Internal check on mains plug

4.1	Is the inside of the plug, and cover, free from cracks, burns, or other damage?
4.2	Is the cable clamp intact and firmly gripping the outer sheath of the mains lead?
4.3	Are the cable ends the right length, fully insulated almost to the plug terminals, and firmly attached to the correct terminals in the plug? Always double-check this.
4.4	Is the fuse correctly rated for the equipment?

Following this inspection replace the fuse or plug if necessary.


5. Electrical safety tests

These tests will use the PAT or PAC test instruments where appropriate.

Warning Do not touch the equipment being tested while the test is being carried out.

5.1	Does the equipment have a 3-core mains lead (Class I) or a 2-core mains lead (Class II)?
5.2	Class I (earthed) equipment, with 3-core mains lead
	5.2.1	Using the PAT tester Earth Bond Test - with clip lead connected to metal case of equipment under test. Reading should be in green band or less than 0.1 ohm (0.3 ohm in special cases, see note iii). Insulation Test - disconnect dip lead. Equipment mains switch must be ON. Reading should be in green band. No further tests should be made.
	5.2.2	Using the PAC checker Connect clip lead to metal case of equipment under test. Equipment mains switch must be ON. Press test button and hold until two lights show on PAC checker. Both lights should show PASS. No further tests can be made.
5.3	Class II (double insulated) equipment, with 2-core mains lead.
	5.3.1	Check that the manufacturer's double insulation symbol is present.
	5.3.2	Check that the outer casing of the equipment is complete and undamaged.

No tests with PAT or PAC instruments are required on double insulated equipment.


NB Items of Class O equipment may sometimes be found. These have a metal outer case, a 2-core mains lead, and do not carry the double insulation symbol. This equipment is of foreign manufacture and is not acceptable for use in the UK.

Class O equipment must never be passed as safe for use by any Authorised Tester.


NOTES