Last updated 07/01/2010 01//02/009

We can also test the safety of electrical equipment in a domestic situation. Perhaps you are concerned about an elderly relative or friend. Although this is not a legal requirement, you can minimize the risk of accidents caused by faulty electrical appliances. 

Tests are carried out using the very latest SEAWARD SUPERNOVA PLUS and EUROPA computerised Pat Testers.  TheSupernova can to test 110 volt and 240 volt appliances from either 110 volt or 240 volt supply, allowing us to test any appliance, with any supply, giving us absolute flexibility in our testing procedures. 

Both can store up to 6,000 records, and are fully equipped to carry out the very latest test procedures as recommended in the   IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment - 3rd Edition.  

These days test procedures are often subject to review and change.  Both  the Supernova and the europa can be upgraded via downloads direct from Seaward's  website!  so our customers can be sure that their electrical appliances are being tested to the very latest standards, using the very latest state-of-the-art test equipment.

Tests and site records are logged using SHIRE SAFETY1st for Windows 95/NT software

The ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989 and HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 puts the duty on employers and employees, including the self-employed, to ensure the safety of everybody at work. They require that, as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger. This includes electrical equipment. The regulations apply to all places of work including the entertainment industry and rented properties (including caravans) etc. Regular inspection and testing is designed to protect you, the employer, your employees and other people (customers etc) in the workplace, against the risk of personal injury, fire, or even death from a faulty appliance during work or social activities. The scope of the legislation is very wide and includes all portable and transportable electrical equipment.

DEFINITION OF PORTABLE APPLIANCE

A portable electrical appliance is defined as any electrical equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains via a flexible cable/plug and socket (usually a 13 amp outlet). It does not imply that the appliance is readily portable, only that it can be moved without unwiring. Portable electrical appliances owned by employees are occasionally brought to and used in the workplace. This policy applies to such appliances as if they were the property of the business.   Portable appliances are not just specialised pieces of electrical equipment that require testing routinely.  They include everyday appliances such as :-

Visual display units; Computers; Kettles; Hand Drills; Photocopiers; Fridges; Mobile Phone Chargers;  Vacuum Cleaners; Televisions; Video Recorders; Musical Instrument Amplifiers and PA systems; Heaters;  Church Organs and even PAT Testers!

The IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment provides specific information on the inspections and tests necessary.   The following is our PAT testing policy which incorporates the recommendations of the code.

The Code requires that in addition to user checks, formally documented visual checks are routinely carried out.

Earth Bond Test.

Class I equipment normally conducted from 4A to 25A.  This test is for checking the integrity of the resistance of the safety earth connection 

Earth Screen Test.

Used to test I T equipment (e.g. computers, copiers etc) which require a low earth “screen” current of 100mA (Sometimes called business equipment or I.T. test). This is to prevent damage to the equipment. 

Insulation Test.

For class I and II appliances, this is normally conducted at 500VDC, with option of applying a 250V test where mains input filters might give misleading readings.

Earth Leakage Test.

For class I and II appliances, used where insulation testing is not recommended. The current flowing into the appliance via the supply cable, is compared to that flowing out.  Any difference must be leaking to earth, either via the earth lead (class 1) or the case or other connection (class 2).

Flash Test.

This is a very severe test and can cause damage to equipment.  Flash tests are normally only carried out to equipment that has been repaired or sustained damage. 

Inspection.

Formal documented visual checks are carried out by experienced engineers, qualified to City & Guilds 2377/01 (Certificate Of Competent Management Of Electrical Equipment) and City & Guilds 2377/02 (Certificate Of Competence For The Inspection Of Electrical Equipment) These inspections include checks for safe wiring, condition of cable/flex, correct fusing and any sign of overheating, damage or incorrect operation.

Test Equipment and Calibration

Only when the test engineer is satisfied with the visual checks, is the appliance connected to the test equipment. Modern computerised Portable Appliance Test (PAT) Equipment is used for testing. This equipment is capable of carrying out all the tests necessary under the IET Code of Practice. The test results are stored by this equipment and downloaded to a computer, to provide accurate test result documentation. The equipment used is regularly calibrated   and is also checked for accuracy before every testing session.

Disconnecting Computers and Sensitive IT Equipment.

Equipment to be tested normally has to be disconnected from the mains supply.  Equipment is only disconnected after permission to do so is obtained from the user or a department manager.  This is particularly important in the case of  IT equipment and security cameras etc.

Fault Rectification.

Equipment will not be failed because of faulty plug-tops or incorrect fuses. These will be replaced automatically before testing.

Labeling and Identification.

All appliances and cord-sets are labelled and given a unique I D. This enables us to track test results over the long term, and make sure that tests are carried out without fail at the appropriate intervals. In addition, PASS or FAIL labels are affixed to the tested appliance, with the test date and the re-test date.  The labels are affixed in a position where the user can see at a glance, the status of the equipment.  If required, we can supply labels to your specification.

Certification and Reporting.

All inspection and test results are formally recorded and provided to the customer, together with relevant certification.  Results are normally sent electronically as PDF files, but can be supplied in printed form, or on CD.  The customer also has an instant inventory of electrical appliances at their premises. 

Notification.

All records are kept on a database. This enables us to inform the customer when re-inspection and testing become necessary. All inspection and testing are carried out at the customer's premises. This can be arranged at a time to suit the customer, thus avoiding interruption of business.

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Formal visual checks.

These potentially lethal examples were discovered (and rectified!) on recent tests.  Be warned, not all dangers are this obvious.

Although electrically safe, this washing   machine was found with the top cover removed because "it didn't fit under the work top!" The "electrician friend" of the owner of  this guest house had even fitted a plastic strip at the front to make it "safe"

 It failed the PAT test of course!

We have always put safety at the top of our priority list, and have always PAT tested all the equipment we repair for some years now.  Since 1999 we have been providing Pat Testing as a service in its own right. 

With more than 30 years experience repairing and servicing electronic and electrical equipment, we are able to ensure that our customers equipment gets the best possible treatment, as well as ensuring that they satisfy the law and maintain a safe environment for their staff and customers.

We test all types of equipment from 230V as found in offices, shops etc, to 115V as found on building sites, and three-phase  equipment as found in factories and  industrial premises.

Click here to download the self-extracting file samples.exe (500k) DOWNLOAD SAMPLES

If you require an estimate, email Estimate at jabe.co.uk, giving a contact name, company/organisation name, address and phone number.  Give details of the type of business, number of buildings, any access or time restrictions and any other information that would be relevant. 

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Are you aware that there is a legal responsibility on businesses, shops, clubs, churches and other places where employees and the public have access, to ensure the safety of all portable electrical appliances? In the event of an accident as a result of neglecting to do so, the owner or person responsible could find themselves in serious trouble. 

Perhaps you are aware of your responsibilities and just haven't got around to arranging for this work to be done.  If you require any clarification of your obligations, or the legal situation,  please give us a call.