Pat Testing

ANT68 · Jul 15, 2009

just need some Pat Testing advice, hope you can help. The code of practice states that all equipment whether permanently connected or connected with by a plug and socket outlet need to be tested. Shouldn't the permanently connected items be tested under periodics and do not require a separate PAT test?
Would be grateful for any advice

plug444 · Jul 15, 2009

PAT testing stands for portable appliance testing, an item is hardly portable if connected to a spur!!

As far as I am concerned anyway

osprey · Jul 15, 2009

Portable means "movable" in this case, so if you can move an appliance a foot its portable ! crazy I know.

stephenf8542 · Jul 16, 2009

If I remember correctly anything over 25kg is regarded as movable and I think the test frequency is different

zupos40 · Jul 16, 2009

ANT68 said:
just need some Pat Testing advice, hope you can help. The code of practice states that all equipment whether permanently connected or connected with by a plug and socket outlet need to be tested. Shouldn't the permanently connected items be tested under periodics and do not require a separate PAT test?
Would be grateful for any advice

Yes I am afraid permanently connected portable equipment still needs to be PAT tested eg hand dryers, hair dryer, fridge, freezers, if you have a copy of the lastest code of practice some where near the front I thing may page 14 will also show other items.

It was the practice to put hair dryers and other portable equipment on FCU to reduce the need for PAT testing and also for theft, at PAT testing may have to done yearly yet the fixed wiring only test every 3 year 5 year etc depending on the installationtype and age.

I am afraid a lot of persons will switch off the FCU and only test the wiring when performing a PIR.

Personelly I PIR test all fixed equipment cookers, immersion heater, fridge freezers, micro wave etcapart from fire alarm, security and lifts, If am performing testing on B&B, hostels or residental homes, I thoughly inspect all fixed portable equipment and either include defects on PIR or PAT test and note comments on appriopriate forms.