PAT testing with no access to plugtop

[Chris]

Hi,

I carry out PAT testing on landlord appliances for letting agents in rented accommodation.

Occasionally some of the items I cannot access the plugtop without issues e.g appliances on Lino floor where it is impossible to remove without damaging the floor, cooker hoods with units built around casing or a lot of silicone each side which damages the paint/wallpaper when removed and other issues similar.

Is there a way I can pass these items without accessing the plugtop? Most of the time I can access the metalwork and carry out an R1R2 between the metal and a nearby socket etc and of course can carry out a visual inspection. I cannot get an IR or earth leakage reading though.

As I’m surely not the only electrician to have this issue and don’t want to fabricate readings what is my best solution?

I’m with napit and there is a visual only tick box but their technical advisor told me I cannot use this to pass it.

Any advice appreciated

 

[DPG]

Hi,

I carry out PAT testing on landlord appliances for letting agents in rented accommodation.

Occasionally some of the items I cannot access the plugtop without issues e.g appliances on Lino floor where it is impossible to remove without damaging the floor, cooker hoods with units built around casing or a lot of silicone each side which damages the paint/wallpaper when removed and other issues similar.

Is there a way I can pass these items without accessing the plugtop? Most of the time I can access the metalwork and carry out an R1R2 between the metal and a nearby socket etc and of course can carry out a visual inspection. I cannot get an IR or earth leakage reading though.

As I’m surely not the only electrician to have this issue and don’t want to fabricate readings what is my best solution?

I’m with napit and there is a visual only tick box but their technical advisor told me I cannot use this to pass it.

Any advice appreciated

To my mind you have to speak with the customer and agree limitations. But thus us on the understanding that the customer accepts the risk. It's not for you to start dismantling stuff just so that you can get full access.

Stress to the customer that if things are installed so that they can't be maintained, then they can't be tested fully.

 

[littlespark]

I'm pretty sure you don't need to be a member of NAPIT, NIC et al to do PAT.... you just need to be 'competant'

 

[DPG]

I'm pretty sure you don't need to be a member of NAPIT, NIC et al to do PAT.... you just need to be 'competant'

I think he just mentioned he asked the helpline. Don't think he's saying you have to be a member of a scheme.

 

[littlespark]

I think he just mentioned he asked the helpline. Don't think he's saying you have to be a member of a scheme.

no... but im just saying they are not the governing body on PAT testing....
i mean, why have a "visual check" box if you have to fail it anyway?

 

[NateCreekside]

I used to do a lot of this. My go - to was testing at the load side of isolators etc where possible. Although of course you'll find plenty of instances where that isn't possible either.