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PAT Testing is pro-actively testing portable appliances to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; regulation 4 (2) requires that: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practical, such danger”. Regulation 4 (2) is concerned with the need for maintenance...

Although the problem isn't as common as it once was, some PAT testers have a serial port rather than a USB port. As serial connection isn't really that common on modern computing, this can lead to an issue with connecting your downloadable PAT to your PC. The solution? Buy a serial to USB connector lead. Plug one end into your...

Struggling to understand exactly what the regulations for PAT testing are, and how they apply to you? You're not alone. The first thing you need to know is that PAT testing is not a compulsory requirement. It is not, by law, a necessary part of checking an environment's electrical appliances. It is, however, the almost universally-accepted method of checking an...

When the IET included microwave leakage testing in its Third Edition Code of Practice for the Wiring Regulations in 2008 it was based on the premise that irradiation was the primary risk, whereas the main risk from a microwave oven is food poisoning caused by inadequate heating.

There has been much debating over the years about the most appropriate test current to check the integrity of the protective earthing conductor on electrical appliances. Up until recently a higher test current of between 10A and 25A was most usual as it was thought that it was most likely to detect any damaged conductors. However, it has been reported...

This week we’re looking at the visual inspection, not the user inspection but the Formal Visual Inspection carried out by PAT Technicians on appliances. A Formal Visual Inspection should only be performed by a competent person. This usually means someone who has undertaken training in PAT testing and gained a certificate of competence. When performing the Formal Visual Inspection, first...

One of the fist things new PAT Technicians learn is to identify the difference between Class I and Class II equipment. This is important as it helps to determine which electrical tests need to be carried out on appliances.

The Lofstedt Report and the changes to PAT testing procedures which followed caused a little confusion when they were first announced. However, now these changes have been in place for a while, have they simply become a part of life or are people still finding them difficult to understand?

Electrical Safety First recently worked alongside the Government’s ‘Fire Kills’ campaign to raise awareness of fires in dirty, messy homes in the UK.

The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) has warned that more budget cuts to the Trading Standards Institute will allow an influx of dangerous and counterfeit electrical goods to enter the country.