PAT Testing Questions

mickmac · Jun 17, 2011

Hi All

This is my first post, names Mickmac, got a few questions to ask regarding PAT testing. The IEE code of practice states the following with regard to earth bond testing 'that one of the following two tests should be carried out, 'hard test or soft test'. I realise the difference between both and that we do a soft test to prevent any damage to sensitive electronic equipment. But are there any disadvantages of doing a 'soft test' only? Will you get the results doing both 'hard' and 'soft' tests on the same piece of equipment and is it safe to just do a 'soft test' on say a cooker or could I miss something that may be picked up on a 'hard test' only? I am looking to purchase a PAT tester to use and would prefer a battery operated instrument but most of these only do a 200mA test suitable for IT equipment, is this adequate for PAT testing all appliances? From what I can gather the code of practices says yes but I'm not too sure, please help.

Also I have been asked by a friend to PAT test his equipment and am happy to do this for him but by law am I covered to do this or do I need to take out any insurance? I am a competent PAT tester and the equipment I will be using has a valid calibration certificate and I have downloaded all the certification off the internet for recording the results. I am doing this as a favour for a friend and will not be charging him but I intend to do this on a yearly basis for him but will I covered by his insurance? He owns a pub. How does this work?

Few questions to answer, but if you can help be appreciated.

Cheers

Mickmac

i=p/u · Jun 17, 2011

just pay the 200 quid for pi insurance and then you can advertise for other work and claim to have what people would want, regards to the 25A earth bond test, well anything with electronic equipment is a risk, especially these days which most appliance have electronics its upto you as the tester to decide which test to carry out, but then again why would you pay 200 for pi insurance and advertising to maybe get little work back..

Michelle2909 · Jun 17, 2011

mickmac said:
Hi All

This is my first post, names Mickmac, got a few questions to ask regarding PAT testing. The IEE code of practice states the following with regard to earth bond testing 'that one of the following two tests should be carried out, 'hard test or soft test'. I realise the difference between both and that we do a soft test to prevent any damage to sensitive electronic equipment. But are there any disadvantages of doing a 'soft test' only? Will you get the results doing both 'hard' and 'soft' tests on the same piece of equipment and is it safe to just do a 'soft test' on say a cooker or could I miss something that may be picked up on a 'hard test' only? I am looking to purchase a PAT tester to use and would prefer a battery operated instrument but most of these only do a 200mA test suitable for IT equipment, is this adequate for PAT testing all appliances? From what I can gather the code of practices says yes but I'm not too sure, please help.

Also I have been asked by a friend to PAT test his equipment and am happy to do this for him but by law am I covered to do this or do I need to take out any insurance? I am a competent PAT tester and the equipment I will be using has a valid calibration certificate and I have downloaded all the certification off the internet for recording the results. I am doing this as a favour for a friend and will not be charging him but I intend to do this on a yearly basis for him but will I covered by his insurance? He owns a pub. How does this work?

Few questions to answer, but if you can help be appreciated.

Cheers

Mickmac

There is no Legal requirement for you to have insurance. but if something happened that is attributed to you you could then be personaly liable.
As to his insurance I think you will find its only his Emplyees that are coverd on that.

mickmac · Jun 17, 2011

Hi, not really interested in setting up a business though, could earn more working overtime and weekends in my main job, dont want the hassle of setting upa company, just want to do a favour for a friend so dont want to pay insurance, not sure where that leaves me though?

i=p/u said:
just pay the 200 quid for pi insurance and then you can advertise for other work and claim to have what people would want, regards to the 25A earth bond test, well anything with electronic equipment is a risk, especially these days which most appliance have electronics its upto you as the tester to decide which test to carry out, but then again why would you pay 200 for pi insurance and advertising to maybe get little work back..