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]

Time scale wise , we will be testing these items along with our pat test items
Not whilst carrying out conditional report as they will be picked up at different test frequency's on our testing timescale regime

 

[Pete999]

No, however I'm interested to what members do on here as I've always taken the view that portable appliances with a plug was tested with a PAT tester and fixed appliances was part of the electrical installation and done on the EICR.

When conducting an EICR you are inspecting and testing the fixed wiring, power consuming items, such as hand driers etc are NOT part of the fixed wiring, to put it in perspective would you ISITEE (PATest) during an EICR? answer not unless you have charged the client for testing these items, it's a separate job to be priced separately. Unless these tests are in the price for the EICR I can visualise the EICR being very time consuming, more than you would normally expect. The need to document all these items would add hours to an EICR.

 

[DPG]

The problem is caused almost entirely by the term 'PAT testing'. a) much of it is inspection rather than test, and b) it's not just plug-in portable equipment that needs to be tested (fridges aren't portable for instance, but need inspection/test).

As Pete says above, the correct term is ISITEE, and is governed by the code of practice. All is explained in there (well mostly all - it does leave a few things open).

Some hotels put hairdriers, trouser presses etc. on FCUs, but they are not part of the fixed wiring as such, and they need testing (or inspecting, as appropriate).

The deciding factor is not whether the item has a plug on or not.

I wish the term 'PAT test' had never been invented - I spend much time explaining things to people because of this!

 

[Dozer 73]

Yeh to be honest we refer to course as pat testing course too which is incorrect

 

[Pete999]

The problem is caused almost entirely by the term 'PAT testing'. a) much of it is inspection rather than test, and b) it's not just plug-in portable equipment that needs to be tested (fridges aren't portable for instance, but need inspection/test).

As Pete says above, the correct term is ISITEE, and is governed by the code of practice. All is explained in there (well mostly all - it does leave a few things open).

Some hotels put hairdriers, trouser presses etc. on FCUs, but they are not part of the fixed wiring as such, and they need testing (or inspecting, as appropriate).

The deciding factor is not whether the item has a plug on or not.

I wish the term 'PAT test' had never been invented - I spend much time explaining things to people because of this!

Refer to part 5 of the CoP for types of equipment, the equipment does not need to be plugged in to be tested, I would suggest to those in doubt read the CoP and inwardly digest.

 

[DPG]

Yep I agree there Pete.

 

[westward10]

The ISITEE is not a statutory document but those listed in #8 are and how you comply may lead you to this CoP.

 

[DPG]

The ISITEE is not a statutory document but those listed in #8 are and how you comply may lead you to this CoP.

Not statutory, but highly recommended to use it for guidance.

 

[Toneyz]

Got to agree the word PAT has confused the situation not just to us but the general public. Apart from any appliance with a plug on it ,please give me an idea how practically the testing is undertaken for example a wall mounted hand dryer ,heater and trouser press in hotel room.

 

[Dozer 73]

Read through the link in one of above threads , code of practise for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment
It would involve disconnecting in spur say and test with adapter to you pat test machine , that way it gets stored with all your other equipments information if you have an advanced pat tester
Or old school , ins res test and earth cont , visual , but keep records of tests , model test sheets are in the book
Basically a real ball ache , something we are avoiding , keeps you in work I suppose

 

[Dozer 73]

Read through the link in one of above threads , code of practise for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment
It would involve disconnecting in spur say and test with adapter to you pat test machine , that way it gets stored with all your other equipments information if you have an advanced pat tester
Or old school , ins res test and earth cont , visual , but keep records of tests , model test sheets are in the book
Basically a real ball ache , something we are avoiding , keeps you in work I suppose

Oh and apparently if your testing a microwave oven you are supposed to also have microwave leakage detector and test this too , something else we as a company overlooked

 

[Dozer 73]

Not statutory, but highly recommended to use it for guidance.

Most company’s now a days will probably state you work to these codes of practises , ours does a long list in our electrical group rules
They do issue us with these documents (some where in the van )
If there is a fire or death through electric shock created by an appliance / equipment I’m sure the house will be looking for you maintanance / test sheets for this appliance / equipment
Including mechanical inspection sheets if required by whom ever

 

[Toneyz]

Read through the link in one of above threads , code of practise for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment
It would involve disconnecting in spur say and test with adapter to you pat test machine , that way it gets stored with all your other equipments information if you have an advanced pat tester
Or old school , ins res test and earth cont , visual , but keep records of tests , model test sheets are in the book
Basically a real ball ache , something we are avoiding , keeps you in work I suppose

I refer to your line about "old school method this is what we are doing as part of a EICR, what's the difference ?.

 

[Dozer 73]

I refer to your line about "old school method this is what we are doing as part of a EICR, what's the difference ?.

It’s the way the records are kept or ours any way on hand written sheets and the two basic tests and visual carried out
A modern testing machine stores all information , serial no’s , carries out leakage tests , carries out live functional test and stores load etc
And then prints you a cert if client requires one or your self for records

 

[Dozer 73]

Most company’s now a days will probably state you work to these codes of practises , ours does a long list in our electrical group rules
They do issue us with these documents (some where in the van )
If there is a fire or death through electric shock created by an appliance / equipment I’m sure the house will be looking for you maintanance / test sheets for this appliance / equipment
Including mechanical inspection sheets if required by whom ever

HSE not house