P.E.T tests

[boroboy]

I have been asked about the so called 'PET' tests due I am told, in October this year.  Apparently they refer to larger electrical appliances eg dishwashers.  Can anyone shed light on this?  I have carried out a quick search on the Net and can't find anything.  I dont believe it refers to carrying out any kind of test on your dog or moggy although I am sure this request will throw up some amusing comments!!

[Graeme]

only know of PAT testing.

[John Webb]

I think it is probably PAT testing (Portable Appliance Tests) - someone may have thought it was 'Portable Equipment Tests', but what's in a name?

[barrhump]

Inspection and testing of electrical equipment suppied by a plug and socket or simalar arrangement:

Portable appliance (An appliance of less than 18 kg mass which can be easily moved e.g. toaster, vacuum cleaner etc.))
Movable equipment (An appliance of less than 18 kg mass  with wheels or castors to facililitate movement e.g. air conditioning unit))
Hand -held appliances or equipment (e.g. hair dryer, drill etc.)
Stationary equipment or appliances (equipment with a mass greater than 18 kg and is not provided with a carring handle)
Fixed equipment/appliances (e.g. bathroom heater, towel rail etc.)
Appliances/equipment for building in (e.g. built in electic oven)
IT equipment (computers, printers, mains powered telecommunications equipment)
Extension leads (core area should limit length of lead)

[AnthonyB]

And with PAT testing don't be conned into doing every year by the testing company - the recommended frequencies by HSE vary based on the equipment and area of usage - some kit doesn't even require testing ever! The HSE guide & matrix is quite flexible & risk based.

from experience of doing PAT testing, most stuff fails visually anyway & never gets near the test machine!

[kurnal]

Do you agree with me that  fixed equipment such as bathroom heaters, towel rails, hotel trouser presses, vending machines, all of which are often connected by a fused spur outlet rather than a plug and socket should also be pat tested? Many sparks disagree- just take a look round any hotel room to see what I mean.

If they do need testing, presumably this could only be carried out by disconnecting the power cord? I have often wondered how otherwise it could be done.

I believe from HSE statistics that kettles and vacuum cleaners are the equipmnent most likely to cause  electric shock / injury in the Care Industry

[barrhump]

Kurnal,
The IEE "Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment" (PAT guide) specifically refers to the fixed equipment/appliances you refer to.
The guide is written for equipment provided with a plug or SIMILAR. I take SIMILAR to be a fixed fused spur outlet.
Regards
Barry

[Chris Houston]

Relevant legistaion is the Electricity at Work Act 1989.

Portable appliances tend to require Portable Appliance Testing.

Hard wired stuff needs Electrical Installation Testing.

Frequency should be decided by a risk assessment, HSE have issued guidance on the subject.  Frequency will tend to be between 6 monthly for hand tools etc, and 5 yearly for stuff that's not moved about much.

See http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/index.htm for the full details.

Most low risk environments just do everything annually as it's simpler than tracking everything and it can be hard to tell if someone has recently brought something into the environment.  

You can train an employee to do the portable testing, or use an electrician.  They may charge in the region of £1.50 per item.  I'd suggest asking them to do employee owned stuff like radios too.

[boroboy]

Thanks everyone for your input.  I think my contact obviously got the initals wrong.