I am looking for information on P.A.T. testing and what do I need to do so that I can P.A.T. test. Is there a web site with all the regulation and information on?
The IEE provides a comprehensive Code of Practice on all aspects of PAT testing called `Code of Practice on the In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment'.
Please see the IEE Catalogue to order. To my knowledge I am not aware of a web site that offers this level of advice.
HSE publish a comprehensive guide HS(G)107 Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment. Price £5. Available on line from HSE Publications (www.hse.org.uk).
Safety Tests are mandatory under 'The Consumer Protection Act 1987' see in particular Section 3(2) and often by way of Contractural Agreements.
As a member of the Plessey Design Safety Committee I was tasked to look for a PAT suitable for testing Plessey Products at the time there were none which would do the job adequately. We designed, built and used our own test equipment and test procedures.
2001: My current employer sent a few of our technicians to attend the IEE Course and one run by someone from Reading. The technicians passed the City & Guilds Exam, however, the information our technicians received was inaccurate, confusing and of little use to people trying to learn the correct manner of conducting safety tests.
Although they passed their exam they still could not answer my questions about safety testing. The equipment purchased does not record actual measurements made and seems to me an accountants solution not a professional engineering solution.
As this affects my and other peoples safety I am very concerned that the same may be happening elsewhere. When was the Exam on safety testing last reviewed by the IEE ? When was it decided that a tick is an acceptable safety test result ? Is there anyone else concerned ? - comments please.
