Look,PAT,Testing,Portable,appl computer A Look at PAT Testing
Gone are those times when the companies and the organisations didn't need a hi-tech system to handle them. Owing to the considerable increase in the business sector and thus, an enormous increase in the complexity of the organisational struc ----------------------------------------------------------Permission is granted for the below article to forward,reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website,offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as longas no changes a
Portable appliance testing was introduced in order to allowall UK businesses to operate in compliance with The Electricity at WorkRegulations (1989), which state that 'all electrical systems should bemaintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger'.This means that both the electrical installation such as fixed wiring in bothlighting an mains electric circuits, as well as all appliances connected to themains should be properly maintained and in a good state of repair. It is theduty of the employer, the self-employed and those responsible for suchequipment with an organisation to comply with these regulations. Testing the fixed wiring circuits such as the mains electricand lighting circuits should be carried out by a qualified testing engineer,where as portable appliances such as sandwich toasters, kettles, printers andmonitors may be tested by a 'competent' individual with no formal electricaltraining. In the UK there is currently no benchmark for what deems a personcompetent, however, it is generally accepted that those undertaking portableappliance testing, also known as PAT testing, as a paid for service hold the2377-12 City & Guilds qualification. In most cases, a visual inspection is necessary to deem anelectrical appliance safe your use by either your employees or the generalpublic. A visual inspection consists of inspecting the casing of the applianceto make sure that it is in good condition; with no cracks, dents or brokensections. The power cable also needs to be inspected for visible signs of wearand tear such as the protective sleeve being split or damaged in any way.Should the coloured inner cables be at all visible then the appliance will needto be removed from use until a new lead can be fitted by a suitably skilledperson. Similarly, the power plug should also be visually inspected; checkingthat the cable grip is gripping the outer sleeve rather than the two or threeinner cables, that the fuse is of the correct ampage and the casing shows nosign of damage, blackening or any other discolouration which could be due toexcessive heat. Visual inspections such as those detailed above should becarried out on a regular basis. The frequency between inspections is dependanton the use and environment in which the appliance is used, i.e. electric toolswhich are used both indoors and outdoors, day in day out need to be inspectedand tested far more frequently than an appliance which is almost alwaysstationary. PAT testing should be carried out less frequently than a visualinspection and involves using an electronic device called a PAT tester whichchecks the earth continuity, insulation and resistance of each appliance.Although both visual inspections and portable appliance testing need not becarried out by a qualified electrical test engineer, it is always advisablethat such checks are carried out by such a person as the service they provideis far more comprehensive and reliable than having such tasks undertaken by amember of your own staff.
Look,PAT,Testing,Portable,appl