PAT Testing - needed for every leccy device?

ThisIsWeird

Hi.

Does every single bludy item that plugs in to the mains really need to be PAT Tested? The assorted PSUs for items like the interweb modem, each phone's charger, the PSU for the printer, the laptop, the whatevs? All these double-insulated thingies? Really?

Ta muchly.

born_again

Thought PAT testing related to Businesses or are you renting out?

Although it does cover WFH as well.

casper_gutman

Nothing in my house has been PAT tested. But in the office where I work, everything (including my phone charger which was on the desk) gets done.

So, the answer the question probably depends on what you mean by "need"!

tacpot12

The double insulated items only required a physical examination, unless they have conductive exposed metal parts. If they have such parts, they need to be tested for insulation resistance using a Portable Appliance Tester. The power contacts are not exposed in normal use, so a plastic PSU where the only metal is on the mains and low voltage power contacts don't need to be tested (but do need to be inspected), providing the contacts are not exposed when the appliance they are powering is connected. 

Cashmygiro

I used to work in a factory where nothing got PAT tested. I don't think it's a legal requirement. But then again they were a horrible firm to work for and they certainly didn't care about anyone's H&S.

ThisIsWeird

Should have clarified. This is a youth club. All the PSUs I mentioned are for staff only. The only things the yoof (along with staff) will be using are kitchen appliances, and the odd oil-filled rad. I would, of course, expect them to be tested.

ThisIsWeird

tacpot12 said:

The double insulated items only required a physical examination, unless they have conductive exposed metal parts. If they have such parts, they need to be tested for insulation resistance using a Portable Appliance Tester. 

Thanks Tacpot.

Now that rings a bell - I think the PATer said something like that last year.

It's a right pita - the guy very kindly does this for us FOC, but to compensate we offer to bring everything out for him and lay it out on a couple of tables - takes all bludy morning.

MrsStepford

NHS used to PAT everything but from what family member tells me, not all trusts do it now. This probably saves them a tonne, because some had so much testing to do, that they employed an in-house electrician to do it.

Suggest you check HSE or IET websites as they should have some info.

Section62

ThisIsWeird said:

Should have clarified. This is a youth club. All the PSUs I mentioned are for staff only. The only things the yoof (along with staff) will be using are kitchen appliances, and the odd oil-filled rad. I would, of course, expect them to be tested.

That makes it slightly easier to answer...  who uses the item shouldn't make any difference to the requirement to test/inspect in this situation.

danrv

ThisIsWeird said:

tacpot12 said:

The double insulated items only required a physical examination, unless they have conductive exposed metal parts. If they have such parts, they need to be tested for insulation resistance using a Portable Appliance Tester. 

It's a right pita - the guy very kindly does this for us FOC, but to compensate we offer to bring everything out for him and lay it out on a couple of tables - takes all bludy morning.

I used to have to do that when all our band gear needed testing for council run venues.
Would take the electrician hours to do the PA, keyboards, amps, lights etc.
All IEC cables and extension drums too.

I bought a Seaward Primetest 100 about a year ago and now do it all myself when needed. 

Mistral001

Nearly all charity shops I go into have PAT tested labels on all their electrical goods, but as far as I know there is no requirement to do this in law.  Even lamps which are selling for a fiver have the labels.  A PAT test probably costs more than that.  My guess is that their insurance might require them to do this.