PAT testing (or Portable Appliance Testing) is simply a process in which portable appliances, such as toasters, computers, blenders and more are tested to make sure they meet certain safety standards. The process is rather unique and ambiguous law indicates that all of the appliances must meet safety standards and be regularly tested to ensure this. And that they pose no safety threat to individuals. But no legal enforcement is committed, many people are able to hold the job of a PAT tester and not have any background in electrical work and much of the testing is done in-house by companies.
The process: The process of PAT testing is rather simple and it is thought and stated that 90% of the task is accomplished by simply performing a visual inspection of the appliance. If a toaster is examined, for instance, the tester will try to notice if there is any obvious physical defect or malfunction which can present a risk, this can be a frayed electrical cable, an exposed element, a broken switch, a broken plug to be inserted in the electrical socket, malfunctioning switches and more. Although the vast majority of the test is accomplished by this inspection, it is nevertheless incredibly important in spotting any obvious damage.
PAT testing includes PAT testers and these will measure a few set of criteria to ensure that an electrical appliance is functioning properly and as it is labelled it should. The tester can measure the voltage of the item and this is key, and maybe seemingly obvious, to indicate a problem. If the product is to deliver 120V but the tester is indicating it is delivering more or less, there is an obvious malfunction and problems and poses a threat to the user.
Polarity of the appliance can also be tested with the tester. All electrons flow from negative to positive, this is how the path works. In AC (or alternating current), as the name implies, paths can be reversed and switched back and forth. The polarity test in an alternating current appliance, for instance, will ensure that this is in fact the way appliance is operating.
Other PAT testing on the appliance can include insulation resistance and this is just the measurement of what the electrical insulation can withstand or hold. The insulation around a wire, for example, is made to hold in a certain amount of voltage so the user can safely handle the wire. If it is found that the wire can't provide the insulation it is supposed to, another risk has been identified.
The testing, as stated above, is often done in house by companies. There is no strict regulation of the legal matters which govern and state that testing must be done, but manufacturers do properly check their equipment for safety, legal and customer service issues. May companies will have PAT testers come in to maintain and check equipment simply to ensure it is working correctly and that the users are safe. PAT testing is aimed at ensuring portable appliances pose no safety risk to the user.
Author Resource:-
Office Test is the UK's leading provider of compliance, testing and maintenance services for business and offer comprehensive PAT Testing. To view their full range of services visit http://www.officetest.co.uk.
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