Interim test instrument cuts the cost of PAT

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 30, 2005

PowerPlug UK is encouraging regular clients to save money in between regular scheduled test programmes by conducting their own legally required PAT tests using an 'interim' test instrument.

Portable electrical appliance test (PAT) specialist PowerPlug UK is encouraging regular clients to save money in between regular scheduled test programmes by conducting their own legally required PAT tests on new appliance introductions for IEC leads and equipment Classes I and II within the office environment.

Using IntroPat - a small and simple 'interim' test instrument - PowerPlug's clients are trained to test newly acquired low-voltage appliances and field workers' equipment, such as laptops and phone chargers, prior to placing such equipment into service, thereby avoiding the need for frequent emergency PAT call-outs.

"Some in the industry will be astounded that we are encouraging our customers to conduct their own interim PAT tests on new introductions.

"But we are committed to safely saving our clients money in this important area.

"We only recommend this action after staff are trained appropriately and a thorough on-site programme of inspections and PAT tests has been carried out by PowerPlug engineers, "says Alan Preen, managing director of PowerPlug.

PowerPlug operates 'Safe System', a method by which appliances are scheduled for testing according to their location, type of use and 'Defect Rate'.

This enables the frequency of testing to be extended, sometimes by as much as 48 months, and minimises the total cost of PAT testing by up to 60 per cent.

IntroPat carries out a series of basic yet prescribed tests for 230V Class I and Class II appliances in the low-risk environment.

Record forms, bespoke labels, an IEC supply lead, test probe and a user manual are all included.

PowerPlug is running a series of low-cost user seminars to provide their customers' administrative staff with a basic level Certificate of Competence in the Inspection and Testing of Portable Electrical Appliances.

The seminars cover the Electricity at Work Regulation 1989 (EAWR) as well as the principles of electricity, insulation, earthing, correct fusing, RCD protection and even the practicalities behind PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).

Alan is enthusiastic about the cost benefits, which the introduction of IntroPat is already bringing to PowerPlug's client base: "Unfortunately the Regulations do not differentiate between newly purchased equipment and equipment already used in the workplace; neither can it be assumed that new equipment is safe, correctly wired, correctly installed or even correctly earthed/fused or RCD protected.

"We uncover a sufficient number of non-compliant new items which fail our tests to cause us concern.

"Those who pride themselves in safe work practices recognise the need to test such items before their introduction into the workplace and service.

"After the relevant training our customers will be able to test new acquisitions quickly and at minimum cost without the need for PowerPlug to attend their site until the next programmed test round".

Similarly, where more frequent yet uneconomic testing of smaller numbers of portable electrical items is identified (typically for smaller companies), use of the IntroPat instrument will save companies money and enable compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulation 1989.