Question on PAT testing ( yes l know its only PAT but please help )

alans008 · Apr 2, 2014

Question for pat testing

With computers you test the power cord fist with a standardlead test comprising:

1.Visual.
2.Earth Continuity.
3.Insulation at 500 Volts DC.
4.Polarity.
You then test the computer with its own lead using thefollowing tests:

1.Visual.
2.Earth Continuity at 100 or 200 mA (Depending upon themanufacturer). You must not test the computer with a test current higher than200mA; you may well damage the motherboard. This means that testers which donot have a 100 or 200mA test current must NEVER be used on IT.
OK this is my question the power lead is a IEC lead the sameas some used for kettles. is it IT equipment type or portable equipment ( aslay down in the code of practice ) I ask this because of the frequency ofinspection and testing is different so a PC with a IEC LEAD is just IT orPortable and IT??? it makes a big different on the next test.
Example: 1. If a PCwith a IEC lead is recorded as IT the frequency is next formal visualinspection 24 months, combined inspection and test 60 months.
Example:2. if a PC with a IEC lead is recorded as IT for thePC and the IEC lead portable the frequency is combine or as IT & Pequipment types??? it makes a big differents because we will have to do a userweekly check and the frequency for formal changes to 12 months and the combinetest down to 24 months???? so is the IEC Lead IT or Portable.

calpol91 · Apr 2, 2014

I've found that most customers just want it doing once a year because that's what the customer asks for from their insurance company. Otherwise, your better off deciding for yourself, how much equipment is there?

Risteard · Apr 2, 2014

The frequencies quoted are only suggested INITIAL frequencies. It should be decided from there whether more or less frequent inspection and testing is required (and since the publication of the 4th Edition of the Code of Practice is now the remit of the duty holder).

KFH · Apr 2, 2014

I would be radical and suggest that if the PCs are not moved around, the user cannot kick/damage the cables, and they are in a normal office environment without any infestations of our furry friends then they do not need testing, ever. An annual visual check should be more than adequate.

However as Risteard has pointed out it is the responsibility of the duty holder to decide on the testing interval.

If I remember correctly any modern electronic equipment that is built to the appropriate current BSEN standard, the number of which I cannot remember, should be able to take a 20A loop test without damage.

Hawkmoon · Apr 2, 2014

KFH said:
I would be radical and suggest that if the PCs are not moved around, the user cannot kick/damage the cables, and they are in a normal office environment without any infestations of our furry friends then they do not need testing, ever. An annual visual check should be more than adequate.

However as Risteard has pointed out it is the responsibility of the duty holder to decide on the testing interval.

If I remember correctly any modern electronic equipment that is built to the appropriate current BSEN standard, the number of which I cannot remember, should be able to take a 20A loop test without damage.

Agree with this, user visual checks ample - full test no more frequent than once every 5 years (chances are computers will be renewed by then anyway) - testing desk top pcs every year is a sticker brigade ripoff!

alans008 · Apr 3, 2014

many thanks how much equipment about a 100 or so desktop PCs and laptop, most desktop's have two monitor's

alans008 · Apr 3, 2014

Thanks to all who sent post. was a great help thanks again

PeterGB · Apr 3, 2014

The way I understand it is that the lead is (as you suggest) a separate item and my concern is that it may be taken away and used for more important jobs like being attached to a kettle. So, as long as the lead and the computer are listed and stickered individually I feel I've covered things. The following year, I may consider just a visual on the computer. I agree with comments that suggest that some items don't need checking every year but we are giving them peace of mind and giving their insurance companies less excuse not to pay up. (Feel free to comment on my views and my grammar.)

Hawkmoon · Apr 3, 2014

PeterGB said:
The way I understand it is that the lead is (as you suggest) a separate item and my concern is that it may be taken away and used for more important jobs like being attached to a kettle. So, as long as the lead and the computer are listed and stickered individually I feel I've covered things. The following year, I may consider just a visual on the computer. I agree with comments that suggest that some items don't need checking every year but we are giving them peace of mind and giving their insurance companies less excuse not to pay up. (Feel free to comment on my views and my grammar.)

Agree with you there, that is a very important job

However, NO insurance company will expect you to carry out a testing regime that is not based on risk assessment - Desktop computers are about as low risk as it gets and definitely don't need annual testing (other than user checks) - similar items would be a fridge under worktop, electric clock on wall, wall mounted monitor etc etc

Even the HSE consider PAT to be often ott, have a look here: PAT (Portable appliance testing) - HSE's answers to popular questions

PeterGB · Apr 3, 2014

I find that (and this is for EICR's as well) neither the companies that request the testing nor the insurance companies are very clear on what is required. I agree with your position and it is reflected in the latest edition of the In Service Inspection etc. book. I do encourage users to look at the equipment and to report any damage and for the organisation to have a defect log.

KFH · Apr 4, 2014

I sometimes think we are part of a nanny state where no one is expected to think for themselves. While under HS legislation we are all responsible for our own and other persons safety when it comes to appliances everyone goes over the top with PAT testing. Most of the defects I find have been obvious to anyone using the equipment, damaged cables, switches or casing. In these cases I would have expected anyone using the equipment not to and to report it as faulty or get it fixed.

It is not often I find a poor bond or a low IR apart from cookers.

I think we should be spending more time educating people to basic electrical safety and basic checks that they can perform to ensure their own and others safety as PeterGB has said with fault logs.

But in the meantime with all the no fee lawyers chasing every little "accident" it is inevitable that everyone covers their backs and annual PAT testing everything will remain. Although I do wonder what is going to happen to the duty holder who has commissioned the 50p per item PAT test when someone is injured by an unsafe appliance with a tested OK sticker on it.