PAT testing stands for Personal Appliance Testing. It is a safety procedure which is carried out to ensure that all electrical appliances are working correctly and that they are safe to use. PAT testing is a requirement in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. There are also a number of similar procedures currently in operation in other countries around the world. This article takes a look at some of the most common methods that are used to tests electrical appliances.
Earth Resistance Test
This is a test that is used on appliances that feature earthing rods with connection leads. The test will ensure that the earth resistance level is below the safety threshold of 5 Ohm.
Earth Continuity Test
This test ensures that the resistance of the earth circuit in an appliance does not exceed 1 ohm. A qualified PAT tester will use a special piece of equipment known as a Ohmmeter to test the appliances.
Plug Tests
The plugs of an appliance can be tested to make sure that they are functioning correctly and that there is no damage to them. More often than not, this part of the PAT testing is done visually by the PAT tester.
Polarity Check
A polarity check is where the PAT tester will carry out a simple test to determine whether the active and neutral plug parts are connected to the right terminals at the socket.
If you own or manage a business premises, school or retail property, then it is essential that you have all of the electrical appliances regularly tested to ensure the safety of your employees or residents. Once the appliances pass the PAT test they will have a sticker to show that they have been properly tested. Failure to test appliances regularly could result in a fine, or in the worst case scenario the faulty appliances could cause a fire which could put members of the public’s lives at risks. Always choose to hire a trusted and reputable PAT tester so that you know you will be receiving a high quality service.
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