The term appliance testing may be something you’ve heard of but perhaps aren’t entirely sure what it involves. In short, it’s a series of visual inspections and electrical tests carried out on portable equipment to ensure that it is safe to use. It is also referred to as PAT Testing or In-Service Inspection and Testing of Equipment and is a requirement for people in certain workplaces (for example construction sites).
The legislation states that it’s the Duty Holders responsibility to minimise the risk of injury caused by an electrical hazard. The best way to achieve this is by carrying out a formal visual inspection and PAT testing every 3 months on all equipment in the work place.
Diving into Appliance Testing: The Essentials You Should Know
In order to carry out a PAT test you will need a multimeter capable of measuring current and an appliance tester. Plug the multimeter into the outlet of the appliance that you wish to test and set it to the volts (v) setting. You will then touch the multimeter’s leads to the exposed parts of the circuit on the appliance and take a reading of the resistance in megaohms, usually displayed as a percentage of 500 v.
There are many different types of PAT testers available. The main kind for businesses are simple PASS/FAIL testers with the ability to check continuity and insulation on detachable leads, however there are more advanced testers that can provide more information about the condition of the appliances. The more advanced models will require a person with a formal electrical qualification such as City and Guilds to be used.