FabSwingers.com forum: Electrician Help !

By *uckoo clock OP Couple
over a year ago

Merseyside

What exactly is a 'P.A.T' test. Does it just relate to portable appliances within a household and not mains wiring stuff ?

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Portable appliance test.

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By *ndykayMan
over a year ago

Falkirk

It is a legal requirement to have all electrical equipment tested within a business or public environment such as hospital or doctors surgery

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By *ecor atorMan
over a year ago

York

Yes it is annually!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

PAT testing is NOT a legal requirement,

The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often. Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot e.g. a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain equipment including the use of PAT.

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By *my-blackTV/TS
over a year ago

Poole

PAT was introduced as a way of trying to make sure the workplace was a safer place to work in.

There is a regulations/guidance book which tells you how often each type of equipment should be checked and what should be checked on it.

The sort of things the person will check for is damage to mains leads. cracked case. the sort of things that make something unsafe. electrical checks are also done. so a pat tester will check for things like how much earth leakage current the equipment produces and how good the earth connection is.

Then if all good then they usually put a sticker on saying it passed and when next test is due.

Frequency of testing. depends on what it is and where its being used.

When it was introduced it was seen as a good moneyspinner. but then there was competition and then firms were advertising 50p an item and so on which usually means they are barely even looking at the kit and only just got time to write the sticker out.

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"What exactly is a 'P.A.T' test. Does it just relate to portable appliances within a household and not mains wiring stuff ?"

Has someone told you that your house needs PAT testing, if they have they are wrong unless you are employing staff or running a business from there and only then to easily comply with HSE and insurance requirements.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What exactly is a 'P.A.T' test. Does it just relate to portable appliances within a household and not mains wiring stuff ?

They were told by a renting agent they needed one for a house they might be renting out, They meant a electrical safety check

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By *its_n_piecesCouple
over a year ago

they're more than likely talking about what's known as a "Periodic Electrical Inspection" normally done on a rented property every 3-5 years. once the inspection has taken place an "electrical installation condition report" will be issued.

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be 'unsatisfactory', meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises. if there are no problems or any repairs necessary are carried out and the installation is safe what's commonly known as a "landlord certificate" will be issued. Basically an electrical MOT for domestic buildings.

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By *ackandkateCouple
over a year ago

Truro

PAT Testing is a requirement under PUWER 1998, (Provision and Use of Works Equipment Regulations 1998).

All equipment provided by an employer or that is used by an employee to carry out their job must be fit for use.

All equipment must be periodically tested and examined by a competant person. Records of maintenance and inspections must be kept.

Household goods dont have to be periodicaly tested under these regs.

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

Its normaly done on hospitals , care homes , etc

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'll take the test now watch me rise

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

"I'll take the test now watch me rise"
lol take your finger out the plug socket

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket. "
sounds like the snake in the wall was still watching

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket. "

Is the socket discoloured? Could be a loose connection in the back of the socket.

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By *nigmatic1Woman
over a year ago

A seaside town near you!

PAT testing is not a legal requirement according to the HSE but Local Authorities can insist on it if you want to meet their contractual requirements! It's yet another bullshit thing in business!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

Is the socket discoloured? Could be a loose connection in the back of the socket."

Or over loaded socket

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

Is the socket discoloured? Could be a loose connection in the back of the socket.

Or over loaded socket "

That would trip the fusebox usually.

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By *nigmatic1Woman
over a year ago

A seaside town near you!

PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

Is the socket discoloured? Could be a loose connection in the back of the socket.

Or over loaded socket "
not got an extension lead there. Tv is plugged into the wall socket.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing. "

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

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By *nigmatic1Woman
over a year ago

A seaside town near you!

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification..."

That's the one

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket. "

A mouse doesn't share your taste in viewing......

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

if it is mains wired it doesnt need a PA Test

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"PAT testing is not a legal requirement according to the HSE but Local Authorities can insist on it if you want to meet their contractual requirements! It's yet another bullshit thing in business! "

Safety is never a bullshit thing,

it there to stop muppet using equipment that is not fit for purpose

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay..."

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over "

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PAT testing is not a legal requirement according to the HSE but Local Authorities can insist on it if you want to meet their contractual requirements! It's yet another bullshit thing in business!

Safety is never a bullshit thing,

it there to stop muppet using equipment that is not fit for purpose

it is bullshit really, dont forget you can get or make your owne stickers for next to nowt of th web and there you go

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By *nigmatic1Woman
over a year ago

A seaside town near you!

The fixed electrical testing is 5 yearly... no matter what the business is ... If that's what you have to do then thats what it is!

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

A mouse doesn't share your taste in viewing......"
lol I live upstairs on a flat. Nern told might be shorting. Think will get the landlady round to hear it.

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol"

Again depends on building use, there is a guild in the guidance notes and I think on NICEIC website. As a side line if someone gets hurt with no elec cert in place the Directors are liable to a prison sentence and or fine under several different laws and the HSE are after victims

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By *nigmatic1Woman
over a year ago

A seaside town near you!

"PAT testing is not a legal requirement according to the HSE but Local Authorities can insist on it if you want to meet their contractual requirements! It's yet another bullshit thing in business!

Safety is never a bullshit thing,

it there to stop muppet using equipment that is not fit for purpose

it is bullshit really, dont forget you can get or make your owne stickers for next to nowt of th web and there you go

The actual requirement is you do a visual inspection of any electrical equipment that comes on to your premises. PAT testing is an annual thing that you choose to do to ensure that any portable electrical is fit for use.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol

It's a private medical unit..we definitely need it...lol

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol

It's a private medical unit..we definitely need it...lol"

Can not believe someone has let it slip, I would have thought sooner rather than later would be the order of the day. Whilst you are at it remember fire alarms, any medical gas alarms, calibration of all required equipment, the list is almost endless

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol

It's a private medical unit..we definitely need it...lol

They're all sorted, just the hard wiring cert. The building isn't owned by my company and according to the maintenance contract the landlords are responsible for the inspection. They're aware of it but are arguing that it's every 10yrs, which would be fine if the building wasn't 13yrs old and only had one inspection back in 2001!

Apparently we're at the top of the list and it will be done sometime this month. Not really much use when they've neglacted two inspections in total.

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"PUWER does not insist on PAT testing... It does insist on Fixed Electrical Testing.

The 5yr hard wiring certification...

That's the one

It's 10yrs on new builds and every 5yrs thereafter if memory serves.

PAT test isn't compulsory unless stipulated by local authority, which it often is.

I currently have a PAT tester and electrical socket/earth tester for sale on eBay...

Actually it is the tester that decides based on condition/ misuse of installation and in rented at the new tenant taking over

I was thinking more of business premises rather than domestic. Mainly because I'm chasing our hard wiring cert as it's long overdue and I need it for an audit...lol

It's a private medical unit..we definitely need it...lol

Apparently we're at the top of the list and it will be done sometime this month. Not really much use when they've neglacted two inspections in total."

From memory that is a fail on cert as routine maintenance is part of any installation. Do not know where they got 10 years from as because it is used for healthcare and there could be a enhanced risk to life by failure of circuits, I would put it between 3 and 5 years as long as on going maintenance work was carried out BS7671 is your friend on this one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually someone maybe able to help me. When I turn my tv off there is a hissing noise from the plug socket.

Is the socket discoloured? Could be a loose connection in the back of the socket."

Replace the socket

The connections are worn out due to a loose connection or overloading/ overheating

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