PAT testing

[Rappid]

I need some advice.
I have recently been doing some work for a new client, he has been very happy with my work and had asked me to PAT test his equipment.
I have no experience of PAT testing an to be honest don't really have the money either.
I'm looking for the cheapest way to PAT test.
Do I need both 2377-22 and 32 operator and management courses?
Will the Kewtech PAT adapter be enough to start PAT testing as I can't see myself doing a lot of PAT testing.

Thanks.

 

[stef]

Hi Rappid,
you still need a MFT for this adaptor to work. For PAT testin you can use (if you don't want to splash out for a proper PAT test instrument) any MFT or insulation/ low resistance tester. Not the quickest way, but it can be done. As long as you can iterprete the measured test results and fill,in a PAT register then you won't need 2377.

 

[Silly Sausage]

In the sorry days I did PAT, I used my Fluke 1520 IR/LoOhm instrument.
Haven't got 2377 etc.
Get yourself the latest edition of CoP ISI&TEE.

 

[Rappid]

Hi Rappid,
you still need a MFT for this adaptor to work. For PAT testin you can use (if you don't want to splash out for a proper PAT test instrument) any MFT or insulation/ low resistance tester. Not the quickest way, but it can be done. As long as you can iterprete the measured test results and fill,in a PAT register then you won't need 2377.

Hi Stef, I have a Fluke 1652B, this should be OK.
I was thinking about doing the course as I can't prove compentancy

 

[stef]

It is a one day only course, cost about a hundred quid. I did it myself a few years ago, it was half day thentheory and form filling the other half inspection and testing.
Exam was next day, half hour multiple choice. And you get a level 3 C n G certificate.:bobby:

 

[oldtimer]

I was in the same boat as I had to have it added to my services so I spent £800 on the KT71 bundle,COPs,C&G labels 6 months ago hoping it would pay for itself in a year and so far I need another £150 to achieve this still dont want to do it but I think I will get a small profit out of it in the first year after that it will be a little earner although just doing PAT is not making decent money but having it gets me other work ie EICR,put some lights up,PAT but if no PAT no work .

So bite the bullet and do it right I thought £800 was a bit much but now its turning into a good investment

 

[stef]

Nice to see someone makes a living out of PAT. :wink5:

 

[grantr37]

you can rent PAT testing machines

 

[oldtimer]

I have no doubt you can but that was a non starter for me as the type of work I do ie rental properties I mistakenly thought I could ignore this as one of the letting agents used their own PAT specific company that no doubt paid their guy a lot less than me making my service redundant but I did not figure on the private landlord who wanted my services plus PAT or nothing now losing a couple of jobs was no big deal but after 6 calls saying I want PAT as well so I tooled at a cost of £800 and at first thought what a waste of money but 7 months later I have made £700 directly from PAT and £500 indirectly (work that came along with it) so the plan was for it to pay for itself in the first year and this is on target. Dont want to do it day in day out but on a cold rainy day when you are doing nothing then yep its a decent earner

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Do I need both 2377-22 and 32 operator and management courses?
Will the Kewtech PAT adapter be enough to start PAT testing as I can't see myself doing a lot of PAT testing.

Thanks.

You only need the operators (testers) course mate, that is unless you intend managing the maintenance of equipment within an organisation where you would require the management course.
The Kewtech Pat adaptor may be sufficient to get you started (I have one in my tool kit) if your only testing up to 50 items, beyond that it becomes a real pain and is much easier with a dedicated PAT.
Because the adaptor relies on an MFT to drive it, when doing the earth bond test you are limited to the output of the MFT on it's low resistance ranges, approximately 200mA. That is not ideal for testing Class 1 equipment where a hard test at a maximum of 26A is more appropriate, but it still complies with the Code of Practice and is similar to most of the battery driven hand-held PATs on the market.
http://www.kewtechcorp.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Datasheets/Pat Adapterflyer.pdf

 

[i=p/u]

i just need insuance then im ready to go............ and probably need it fast but either one doesnt cover indemnity or dont cover inspection and tesing..... or 3phase...


il test them without it if i have too........

 

[i=p/u]

What about this one?

A cafe which has sockets on the floor in a standard surface box I.e mopping floors etc.

Alternatives ?

 

[grantr37]

theres proper floor socket plates as you know.....

the post office does PAT testing business insurance if you phone them but it will take a while on the phone to get it sorted, Zurich insurance do it as well but its a load of paper forms sent out to you, all the other ones I tried don't cover:

Schools
Colleges
Universities
Hospital and medical centres
3 Phase
Catering and food storage facilities
professional indemnity (unless you pay 3x more)
Landlord testing

 

[i=p/u]

Post office said ring you back. Still waiting...

I wanted one that would cover all but ain't gona happen.

Going to try agas again they were cheap