Do you need to PAT test / test fixed appliances

[Dozer 73]

Been asked this question today by one of our engineers , do you need to pat test / test fixed appliances / equipment ( hand dryers , heaters etc )
My opinion Yes he thinks no
Something we don’t really do but know we really should and keep records of these tests

 

[Dozer 73]

Thanks to the four members who actually (even the two who disagreed) passed on how this is practically done ,the reason I asked was all I've known is testing portable appliances. It must be a right faff disconnection these appliances and reconnecting .

It’s a big job , to be honest we don’t do it at the minute but looks like we soon will be , the circuit / spur should be isolated at dB and locked off , rather than unscrew the spur live and disconnect the load side

 

[DPG]

You should definitely not disconnect it without making dead first. If you did do this and anything went wrong you would be in court. Or someone may be in hospital.

 

[Dozer 73]

You should definitely not disconnect it without making dead first. If you did do this and anything went wrong you would be in court. Or someone may be in hospital.

Or end up having their eyebrows tattooed back on

 

[Toneyz]

Now I don't think this goes on with a majority of testing it is just only items with plug on done.

 

[Dozer 73]

Now I don't think this goes on with a majority of testing it is just only items with plug on done.

Yes sure not many companies do fixed equipment testing , when it should be , something to put to your company , but with the cost implications good luck with that one

 

[Dozer 73]

Now I don't think this goes on with a majority of testing it is just only items with plug on done.

What’s your opinion on this , should it be done ?would you like to do it ? Do you think management realise this should be done ?

 

[Toneyz]

How was these items tested in the past ?.

 

[Dozer 73]

How was these items tested in the past ?.

Same method if ever , visual ? Replace when broken ?
Times are changing, everyone , every thing must be traceable and some one made liable for
Who ever compiled electricity at work regulations was/is a very clever person and compiled a almost timeless regulation covering anything electrical

 

[Pete999]

The item needs to be disconnected from its fixed wiring point and connected to a suitable adaptor to enable the testing to be undertaken, the inspection is no different from any other item, except you do not need to inspect the plug, and only comment on the point of connection instead of the socket.

Thanks Richard not rocket science is it?

 

[westward10]

By the length of this thread it seems to be.

 

[Davisonp]

When I quote for PAT testing, I inform the client that the rule is all electrics must be maintained. The fixed wiring by EICR, the fused spur items (hand dryers Etc) can be done either during an EICR, during PAT testing or by being serviced (EG. If the boiler and air conditioning is serviced regularly, it does not need to be PAT tested) and I will do everything with a plug for a fixed price per item, and if they want the fused spur items testing as part of this process those items will be tested on a per hour basis.

 

[Toneyz]

By the length of this thread it seems to be.

Then it just goes to prove what a misassumption the whole thing is ,there are people on here that just because the have/had an employer who engaged them on the latest regs etc. and paid for their courses thing all of us have/had an employer like them. I may have a few years experience behind me but I don't know everything or had the experience in everything. As PAT testing or whatever the new name for it is the only time I had to do this was with my previous employer who just plonked a pat tester in my hand and expected me to get on with it and at that time it was just items that plugged in. Whenever I have done a EICR on a radial circuit I've always taken the testing up to the supply terminals I asked the question to gain knowledge from other members for how they approach this.Yes I know that I missed some members answers of which I thanked in a later post .

 

[westward10]

I agree with you Ant on a Periodic the appliance becomes part of the test with regards to IR and earth continuity. Complying with statutory requirements which is not PA Testing or Codes of Practice is based on a lot of risk assessment and clueless guessing.

 

[Pete999]

When I quote for PAT testing, I inform the client that the rule is all electrics must be maintained. The fixed wiring by EICR, the fused spur items (hand dryers Etc) can be done either during an EICR, during PAT testing or by being serviced (EG. If the boiler and air conditioning is serviced regularly, it does not need to be PAT tested) and I will do everything with a plug for a fixed price per item, and if they want the fused spur items testing as part of this process those items will be tested on a per hour basis.

Can't agree with you on the point of when the A/C and gas boiler are serviced the PATesting isn't required, when the A.C is serviced the engineer will clean the cond and evap coils check the fan, he will, I doubt do any elctrical testing, same with the gas boiler, check the flue gases, give it a bit of a clean and check gas pressure no electric tests other than it works when you switch it on.