PAT test inspection
A simple P (pass) or F (fail), not quite......
The ´formal visual check´ as it is called is classed as formal because the inspection is actually recorded somewhere either on paper or computer record.
The appliance inspection will invariably have incorporated the following plus much more:
- Opening of the plug top,
- Checking for plug top damage,
- Checking the correct termination of
conductors, - Ensuring no reverse polarity on primary conductors,
- Tightening of terminals,
- Checking the flex anchorage,
- Checking the effective glanding,
- Checking for safe flex/cable routing,
- Ensuring correct fusing for both appliance and flex capacity,
- Checking current capacity of plug, flex and connectors in conjunction with the appliance load,
- Ensuring no overloading potential,
- Ensuring no damage to flex,
- Ensuring correct IP (ingress protection) of the plug for the environment,
- Ensuring safe location of the appliance,
- Checking for appliance damage,
- Checking for appliance safe working under PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998) within the limitations of the inspection
- The appropriateness of RCD protection associated with either the environment and or use to which the appliance is being put.
