A General Overview Of Administered PAT Testing
Portable Appliance Testing, also called inspections or better known as PAT Testing, is a method where electrical equipment and supplies are maintained to prevent danger from occurring. The inspections are usually performed on a regular basis to replace devices before they become harmful to those working on them and working around them. This process is practiced by in the United Kingdom.
It was the Electricity at Work Regulations policy that was established in 1989, when it was instated that regular check-ups and maintenance on electrical systems was required. Electrical systems include the system installs as well as both the transportable and portable appliances that are attached to the electrical systems. Just to list a few examples of portable appliances that are tested are things such as plugs, wires, and cables.
Public buildings, offices and structures are where PAT testing is regulated the most. There are many people that are exposed to these appliances in such places and it is very important to protect them from the danger of being exposed to so many electrical components. Maintenance and repair is typically simple to perform right in the building where the appliance is housed. Having the workers work on the devices in the buildings makes for a simpler fix as well as being less expensive and more cost-friendly to the business that is paying for the repair.
In general, anybody who has key knowledge about electrical equipment and has common sense is able to perform a standard PAT test. Though this is true, it is still very highly recommended that anybody who wants to take this on as a profession or work for a professional company should really go and take a course to teach them all the details about testing. At the completion of the course, the individuals will be officially qualified to be testers and the company they work for will have a certificate of proof showing that their electrical engineers are fit for the job.
One of the simpler ways of discovering that equipment is damaged is simply by coming across a broken wire or appliance. This is more commonly known as a user check. The name is pretty self-explanatory as the user is the one who finds that this particular device needs repair or replacement. It is best to not use the equipment in its damaged state.
Visual inspections that are performed in a more formal manner are another kind of test. This is when a person intentionally looks for any signs of damage on an electrical appliance such as a cable or an electrical plug. This is typically a pretty reliable way of locating the damaged devices.
Finally, the most formal way of testing is to have testers come into the building and check all of the electrical supplies on a routine schedule. This periodic maintenance is key in preventing damages from occurring and catching them before they cause any kind of electrical explosion. During these periodic inspections, a formal visual survey of all the equipment happens first. After the visual test, the PAT test is performed to really make sure that all of the equipment is still in good condition.
It does not seem that PAT testing is actually required by law. It is, however, required by British law that all electrical systems are regulated to avoid causing dangerous electrical outbreaks. Therefore, it is suggested by government groups that scheduled check-ups should be a habitual practice for all public places, buildings, and structures.
Looking for loads more info on PAT Testing also known as Portable Appliance Inspection ? Get the low down now in our complete Portable Appliance Testing guide.