Portable Appliance Testing - A Practical Guide

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This "How to PAT Test" guide will give you the knowledge to know how to PAT test to the latest IET 5th Edition code of practice.

Our portable appliance testers are the benchmark for the portable appliance testing (PAT) market and are regarded as number one by the industry. Our PAT testing equipment has always been designed with the needs of our customers in mind. Safety in the workplace is of paramount importance and our testers provide the quick and effective key to electrical equipment preventative maintenance programmes.

We have created the Seaward How to PAT Test guidance booklet because of our commitment to the PAT testing industry - Download this useful PAT testing guide today for a handy reference booklet with colour images and easy to digest chapters.

What's in Seaward's How to PAT Test Guide?

Legislation

This guide outlines the legal requirements and guidance relating to PAT testing and electrical safety including: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW 1974), Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Housing Act 2004 (England and Wales), Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.

Who has responsibility?

This section explains who holds responsibility for PAT testing in the workplace, it explains who is classed as a duty holder and what is expected of them in relation to PAT testing. There is also some responsibility

Competence, Training and Experience

Identify what competence, training and experience is required by the user, the duty holder and the test operative carrying out the portable appliance testing of workplace equipment.

Types of Equipment

This section explains the differences between electrical equipment such as portable equipment and fixed appliances.

Classes of Equipment Construction

Learn how to determine whether an item is Class I or Class II construction so the correct test is performed.

The Inspection Process

This section details the process visual inspection.

Combined Inspection and Testing Procedure

Understand what to do before and during tests including: in-service, Class I appliances, Class II appliances, fixed appliances, appliance cable sets, extension leads, multi-way adapters and RCD adapters. This section also details how to test hire equipment.

Electrical Tests

This section takes you through the following tests: earth continuity, insulation resistance, alternative or substitute leakage measurement, dielectric strength test (hipot test / flash test), preload check, load test and protective conductor/touch current measurement.

Frequency of inspection and testing based on risk assessment

This section explains in detail, PAT testing frequency based on the IET code of practice for in-service inspection.

Record Keeping

This section gives recommendations of how to keep your records.