PAT test white goods?

[sxdave]

I have recently been asked about some PAT testing work undertaken in a local church hall. The PAT tester did not test the free standing under worktop fridges. The are connected via standard 13 Amp BS1363 plug and socket. The PAT tester said they do not test white goods. I cannot see any logic in this. Does anyone know why this might be?

 

[LukeD]

Is there not a weight limit etc ??

 

[sxdave]

Is there not a weight limit etc ??

Hello LukeD, There may be a weight limit regarding the classification of the items as handheld/portable/free standing/ etc but I do not think that could mean PAT testing is not necessary.

 

[littlespark]

It’s not really a question of what should and what shouldn’t be tested…. It’s down to the agreement with the customer, if it’s been done through a contract…. You can’t change the agreement without negotiating a new contract

Saying that, white goods should be tested. Although they aren’t “portable” as such.
They can still go faulty, and you don’t want a big lump of metal becoming live!

Link to HSE

PAT (Portable appliance testing) - HSE's answers to popular questions

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) answers; frequency of tests, legal requirements, record keeping, new equipment, who can test, hire tools

www.hse.gov.uk

 

[LukeD]

I think anything in the room that has an electrical connection via a lead or a circuit should be tested . Its another case of how badly things are within the business

 

[DPG]

They should be tested.
I suggest getting hold of the latest ISITEE code of practice.

 

[sxdave]

It’s not really a question of what should and what shouldn’t be tested…. It’s down to the agreement with the customer, if it’s been done through a contract…. You can’t change the agreement without negotiating a new contract

Saying that, white goods should be tested. Although they aren’t “portable” as such.
They can still go faulty, and you don’t want a big lump of metal becoming live!

Link to HSE

PAT (Portable appliance testing) - HSE's answers to popular questions

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) answers; frequency of tests, legal requirements, record keeping, new equipment, who can test, hire tools

www.hse.gov.uk

Hello Littlespark, while I agree that you are correct in what you say regarding contract I think most people will look to the PAT tester for guidance on what should be tested. In a situation other than one where the customer specifically stated that white goods were not to be tested I think the PAT tester may need to justify the exclusion of white goods.

 

[DPG]

Hello Littlespark, while I agree that you are correct in what you say regarding contract I think most people will look to the PAT tester for guidance on what should be tested. In a situation other than one where the customer specifically stated that white goods were not to be tested I think the PAT tester may need to justify the exclusion of white goods.

I don't see how they can justify it.

 

[sxdave]

Just a note to say thanks to all who have responded to my 'PAT test white goods' post

 

[littlespark]

All I meant was, that the tester has maybe agreed to do x number of items for y amount of pounds….
Then someone else says comes along and starts testing things that should be tested, but was never agreed to begin with.

They should have been tested from the offset

 

[loz2754]

According to the latest version of ISITEE code of practice, the term PAT is no longer used, as it gives the wrong idea. All electrical equipment, whether portable or not, should be considered for regular inspection and/or testing.

This consideration is to be undertaken as part of a risk assessment conducted by the duty holder, or someone appointed by the duty holder. This risk assessment would normally be done with input from the contractor appointed to do the inspection/testing.

 

[DPG]

According to the latest version of ISITEE code of practice, the term PAT is no longer used, as it gives the wrong idea. All electrical equipment, whether portable or not, should be considered for regular inspection and/or testing.

This consideration is to be undertaken as part of a risk assessment conducted by the duty holder, or someone appointed by the duty holder. This risk assessment would normally be done with input from the contractor appointed to do the inspection/testing.

Absolutely. And to be fair it wasn't used in the previous code of practice either. The trouble is most non-electricians don't know the term ISITEE, so we are sort of forced into using the term 'PAT'.

The trouble with 'PAT' is that it often isn't 'portable' equipment, and often it is inspection needed rather than 'test'. Still, the "Appliance' is right

 

[pc1966]

I can see the practical issues of testing stuff that simply cannot be safely moved for access by one person, say washing machine or fridge where the socket & plug are inaccessible behind them.

But they should still be inspected/tested somehow, maybe on a longer period compared to frequently moved stuff more likely to be damaged (hair dryers, extension leads, etc), following a risk assessment and suitable contract with the tester.

If the plugs are accessible then no excuse!

 

[pirate]

If the item can't reasonably be moved to allow inspection and testing, such as a fully stocked freezer with plug behind, this should be clearly stated as a limitation, you can't just ignore it.

 

[littlespark]

If the item can't reasonably be moved to allow inspection and testing, such as a fully stocked freezer with plug behind, this should be clearly stated as a limitation, you can't just ignore it.

Even so, you can at least prove the casing of the appliance is properly earthed by a continuity test between it and an accessible socket.

 

[pirate]

Good point there @littlespark
Still, it's more about inspection than testing in some cases
and the inspection can be a right PITA! Especially in an office with 20 computers and peripherals and all their leads snaking about under desks with 10 years of dust and cobwebs on them...yuk!

 

[gaspromike]

It’s not really a question of what should and what shouldn’t be tested…. It’s down to the agreement with the customer, if it’s been done through a contract…. You can’t change the agreement without negotiating a new contract

Saying that, white goods should be tested. Although they aren’t “portable” as such.
They can still go faulty, and you don’t want a big lump of metal becoming live!

Link to HSE

PAT (Portable appliance testing) - HSE's answers to popular questions

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) answers; frequency of tests, legal requirements, record keeping, new equipment, who can test, hire tools

www.hse.gov.uk

Maybe just do an earth continuity test on fridge body or anything electronic that is not double insulated obviously. We cannot take the risk of damaging LED indicator lights or electronic control boards. My PAT tester blew the kettle indicator light. Bit of a joke. Need to buy a new kettle now

 

[DPG]

Maybe just do an earth continuity test on fridge body or anything electronic that is not double insulated obviously. We cannot take the risk of damaging LED indicator lights or electronic control boards. My PAT tester blew the kettle indicator light. Bit of a joke. Need to buy a new kettle now

It shouldn't have done that. PAT testers connect line and neutral together, and then test to earth.

 

[gaspromike]

It shouldn't have done that. PAT testers connect line and neutral together, and then test to earth.

Some people suggest half voltage for ir test where there are electronics. My machine dose not have that option. Hence will not test. I will just do an earth continuity

 

[westward10]

Some people suggest half voltage for ir test where there are electronics. My machine dose not have that option. Hence will not test. I will just do an earth continuity

That is a naive opinion. Subjecting an appliance to a 500v dc by way of an approved PATester is a non destructive test and should be of no concern.