PAT testing.

[eckersecker]

When PAT testing offices etc. do you test items on fused spurs? A place I am testing has put kettles and microwaves on fused spurs, i guessed that a PIR would go as far as the spur so therefore a PAT test should do the flex outlet to the kettle. Similarly hand driers on spurs in toilets should be included. I have asked others in my company and they can't agree.

 

[nickblake]

If its connected to a fused spur it becomes a fixed appliance , its not longer portable having said that it does require testing and the easiest way of doing this is to remove it from the spur and connect to a safe block and test as normal

 

[Jazza]

I agree with nick blake, but sounds like a little bit of a grey area that isnt clearly defined.

Another issue to keep in mind is that PIR testing frequency is five years, things like kettles and toasters should be checked on a more regular basis, regardless that they are on a fused spur, someone can still lift the appliance and drop it, possibly damaging the appliance, and as a result something like an earth or insulation fault may occur.

It is all too easy for someone to say, no its not my responsibility and something like that will get missed. But yeah hard to say, this type of thing needs to be clearly defined. I wouldnt call myself an expert though so it may be clearly defined somewhere. lol

 

[Jazza]

Help! PAT and Fused Spur Confusion | PAT Testers and PAT Testing Equipment

 

[Adam W]

We never agree on this forum either.
IMO yes they should be tested under the PAT test.
"PAT testing" is just a (grammatically incorrect) colloquialism for 'The In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment' so you can't say "oh well it's called Portable appliance testing so it's only for portable equipment".

As per the IEE code of practice:
A portable appliance is an appliance of not more than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved while in operation or an appliance that can be easily moved from one place to another, eg toaster, food mixer, kettle.

... So does that mean you should ignore everything else? An air compressor or electric radiator would be moveable (or transportable) appliances, an iron, hairdryer etc would be handheld appliances, a washing machine, fridge etc would be stationary appliances, and we've mentioned fixed appliances. An extension lead isn't really an 'appliance' so they're out as well.

So out of all the appliances in the building you may have tested around 20% because you don't think the description "portable" applies sufficiently to the rest?
I don't think you'd be invited back when the retest is due.

 

[Silly Sausage]

If you're not qualified to open up FCUs or can't be bothered (I won't go into that now!) you can at least test for earth continuity on FCU connected appliances by probing one of the plate screws and exposed metal on the appliance. I've had good readings (around 0.08 ohms) on hundreds of fixed heaters in hotel rooms that way. Better than just a visual.

 

[Patman]

Just check out the latest edition (3rd) of the Code of Practice - which everyone should be be working to - especially if they've done C & G 2377 - it says it all.

 

[i=p/u]

well when i done the 2377 course they said that they have to be tested but an electrician has to disable it from connection. the reason they said this is because there was people from all walks of life on the course.

 

[drew35]

I am equally confused by people asking this question. The code of practise clearly states that "fixed equipment or appliances" must be tested, there is even a picture to help drive home the point!
IEE codes of practice for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, 3rd edition.

 

[Jazza]

does that mean that a pat tester has too test a light bulb......... being a light suppling appliance that is movable.

 

[Patman]

I take you're just having a laugh here. A light bulb is fitted into the "appliance" under test.

 

[Jazza]

hahhah yeah mate, having a bit of a laugh, but also a dig as well. technically by definition a rose pendant is just the same as a lamp that plugs into the mains. ie it is movable, someone could hit there head into it..... Therefore i ask the question, does a pat tester have to test this as well. class 2 appliance test you think?

 

[Patman]

Why would you want to have a dig ?? Does a light bulb hanging from a rose come with the double insulated mark on it .... no !
So how can it be considered Class II? Your original question refered to a light bulb, not what it was connected into.

Common sense applies.......

 

[Jazza]

no but by definition of the so called guide to inspection and testing of portable appliances it comes under its scope.

it is movable, fault could occur if something hits it, it is a fixed lamp appliance,

just highlighting the face that sometimes the regs are confusing, and they have funny exceptions that dont always apply in all instances.

but you are right common sense does apply, and the thing i guess we all have to remember is that both sets of regs are recommendations.