PAT Testing - needed for every leccy device?

Bigphil1474

 Jonboy_1984 said:

The key to your argument is really that it’s a Portable Appliance Test. If the PC, printer, fridge and microwave don’t move then don’t treat them as portable.

Visually inspect them once a year for obvious damage or deterioration, and record it in a diary or log sheet somewhere and move on. Get a a fuller inspection done every few years….if the equipment lasts in service that long.

I think we get charged 50p an item.

There's a few definitions of what is a portable appliance, but in a workplace it is generally seen as something that is plugged in to a plug socket and can be moved, whether it is or not. Don't think you can get round it by saying you never move it. It's pretty much that all your electrical items are either installed or portable.

Op, just another thought - check with your insurers. I've been to plenty of places where they get PAT done every year because their insurers require it, not because it's a significant risk.

ThisIsWeird

Eldi_Dos said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Oooh, £4 sounds much safer than 45pee to me

    Well it could be the difference between a cursory and a considered check.If the tester has say thirty twenty metre          leads to check correctly they might find themselves below NMW if only getting  45 pence per item.
    I have had a wry smile when most people seem to consider these checks a bit onerous, I used to enjoy when it            came round every year because I got a saturday and sunday shift out of it assisting the guy doing the testing.                Part of the process was that  a toolbox talk was given soon after reminding staff of their responsibility to check              equipment and leads as and when they used them and not rely on a little sticker for safety.

Yes, it could be the difference. Or it could be zero difference. Or the £4 person could be lax whilst the 45pee one is punctilious.

Anyhoo, I ain't getting paid for this, Eldi, so it remains a giant pita :-)

TELLIT01

I just had a quick search on t'interweb and ended up none the wiser.  One item stated that it isn't mandatory, supporting what many have said, but another says

 "What happens if PAT testing is not done?

If you don't, this could put you in breach of related laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Electricity at Work regulations (1989). By not paying attention to the safety of your electrical items, you would not be compliant with your legal duties as an employer."

Eldi_Dos

TELLIT01 said:

 "What happens if PAT testing is not done?

Customer will not let you on their premises is one noticeable outcome.

danrv

Eldi_Dos said:

TELLIT01 said:

 "What happens if PAT testing is not done?

Customer will not let you on their premises is one noticeable outcome.

We used to hurry around to get our PA/band equipment tested for a particular event that required it. Absolutely no check on the night asking for a certificate or to see the stickers. Organizers too busy.
Not letting the band in for a paying ticket event would leave a lot of guests disappointed but I understand the requirement for safe equipment. 
Now they tend to ask for a copy of the test certificate via email before the event date.

ThisIsWeird

danrv said:

Eldi_Dos said:

TELLIT01 said:

 "What happens if PAT testing is not done?

Customer will not let you on their premises is one noticeable outcome.

We used to hurry around to get our PA/band equipment tested for a particular event that required it. Absolutely no check on the night asking for a certificate or to see the stickers. Organizers too busy.
Not letting the band in for a paying ticket event would leave a lot of guests disappointed but I understand the requirement for safe equipment. 
Now they tend to ask for a copy of the test certificate via email before the event date.

Amps and stuff, I can understand. But did you also need to have every wee 9V PSU for your pedals and tuners checked too?

danrv

ThisIsWeird said:

danrv said:

Eldi_Dos said:

TELLIT01 said:

 "What happens if PAT testing is not done?

Customer will not let you on their premises is one noticeable outcome.

We used to hurry around to get our PA/band equipment tested for a particular event that required it. Absolutely no check on the night asking for a certificate or to see the stickers. Organizers too busy.
Not letting the band in for a paying ticket event would leave a lot of guests disappointed but I understand the requirement for safe equipment. 
Now they tend to ask for a copy of the test certificate via email before the event date.

Amps and stuff, I can understand. But did you also need to have every wee 9V PSU for your pedals and tuners checked too?

One or two at the most. Don't tend to use them in our setup.

ThisIsWeird

Thanks, Dan.

How does the PAT test work? I understand it to largely be an 'insulation' or 'leakage' test, and can use high voltages for this?
If so, what does it do when used on a double-insulated device which has a plastic 'earth' pin?

Jonboy_1984

With the double insulated black psu we used to get some fail visual inspection as the warehouse team unplugged them every night and the cases cracked over time.

danrv

ThisIsWeird said:

Thanks, Dan.

How does the PAT test work? I understand it to largely be an 'insulation' or 'leakage' test, and can use high voltages for this?
If so, what does it do when used on a double-insulated device which has a plastic 'earth' pin?

Yes, as above. Visual inspection only on plastic phone chargers and adapters as normal Class 2 test can't be done.
I take readings for earth bond resistance and insulation leakage on my band equipment with the Primetest 100.
It provides a 250v insulation resistance test.