PAT Testing

PAT Testing is the testing of any electrical equipment that has detachable plugs or leads. Unsafe appliances contribute to a large percentage of fires. Having them tested regularly will give you peace of mind that your workplace is safe.

Reasons for PAT Testing

• Health and Safety At Work Act 1974
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  
• The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  
• Ensuring all of your Portable  Appliances are in good working condition
  
• To provide a safe working environment for you and your employees

What does the test involve?

Earth resistance test

This test shows the resistance offered by the earthing rods with the connection leads. Various testing instruments are available for earthing resistance tests. The earthing resistance should be less than 1Ω.

Earth continuity test

The equipment shall have a measured resistance of the protective earth circuit, or the earthing conductor of an extension cord or appliance cord set, which does not exceed 1Ω.

Earth continuity test

A leakage current test performed at rated voltage with values not exceeding 5mA for Class I appliances or 1mA for Class II appliances

Leakage test

AS/NZS 3760:2010 section 2.3.3.2 requires a leakage test to be carried out if equipment being tested must be energised to close the circuit or operate a switching device. Leakage testing does require the item being tested to be powered up thus meaning the item will switch on and operate.

Plugs

The order (polarity) of the pins of a three pin flat pin plug, to their connections, shall be Earth (radial pin – green/yellow wire), Neutral (light blue wire) and then Active (brown wire), in a clockwise direction, when viewed from the front of the plug looking at the pins.