Dublin’s only 5 STAR RATED AND REVIEWED, Fully insured & fully qualified Commercial & Domestic PAT Testing for hotels, construction sites, offices, Air B & B listings and house rentals.
WE ARE STILL PROVIDING FREE QUOTES AND ESTIMATES VIA TELEPHONE, EMAIL AND ATTEND ALL CALL OUTS TO ADDRESSES WITH FULL PPE. ALL OF OUR PAT TESTERS ARE FULLY TRAINED AND ADHERE TO THE COVID-19 WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC GUIDELINES WHILE COMPLETING THE REQUIRED PAT TESTING. STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
The most important part of any commercial or domestic PAT Testing process, regardless of what class of appliance it may fall into, is the comprehensive visual inspection. A visual inspection involves the undertaking of a detailed examination by a registered technician of an appliance for any signs of cosmetic damage. This initial process includes detailed observation of any cracks that may be on the casing or various other parts of an electrical device. Any fault, however slight it may initially appear upon primary visual inspection, could potentially expose the end user to an electric shock. This unfortunate and usually completely avoidable situation can also occur in the event of potential misuse of an appliance, the age of a device or even power surges. The plug and flex are carefully examined while checking for any exposed wiring in the plug or flex, kinks or breaks in the flex or damage to the plug itself. Any potential faults within an appliance can often result in the item ceasing to operate safely and effectively if these issues were not properly resolved in a timely manner. This process is completed and signed off on by one of our qualified engineers even before the appliance is plugged into the PAT testing machine for the next testing stage. If an appliance fails any of the standard visual appliance inspections, further testing cannot be performed as the item will fail the PAT testing inspection straight away.
In situations of where an item that has undergone the initial PAT testing process fails a visual inspection, a “FAIL” tag will then immediately be added to the item and the Asset ID is registered within the PAT Testing machine. Details of any failed appliances will always be included in an in-depth report that is created for the client. PAT Testing Dublin will then recommend a safe course of action when dealing with a failed appliance. In many cases, the item may often be able to be successfully repaired by a registered and qualified engineer but sometimes a repair would not be economically viable due to the original cost of the item. In cases like this, we would always recommend that the item is quickly withdrawn from use and disposed of in a responsible manner. We work with fully qualified and insured RECI electricians who are always on hand to follow up our PAT Testing service with any required repairs to the appliances if they are deemed necessary.
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Classification and Types of Appliances for PAT Testing
The IEE’s code of practice for on site Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment 3rd Edition states that there are 5 separate classifications of electrical appliances which are class 0, 01, 1, 2, 3. Classes 0 and 01 are extremely rare to encounter and not commonly used.
Class 1 Equipment
Basic insulation present and relies on an earth wiring for protection. These appliances receive a visual inspection, an Earth Continuity test and Insulation test. Examples of Class 1 equipment are Kettles, Toasters, Irons, Microwaves, Electric Heaters, Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers etc.
Class 2 Equipment
These types of appliances contain supplementary insulation and therefore does not rely on an earth connection/wiring for protection and are easily identified by the double square symbol on the appliance itself and will receive an a visual inspection and insulation test. Examples of Class 2 equipment are Televisions, DVD Players, Lamps, Power Tools, Hair Dryers, etc.
Class 3 Equipment
Relies on protection from a SELV (Separated Extra-Low Voltage) supply, which is usually less than 50vac or 120vdc and therefore does not require testing. However the power supply will be tested.
Information Technology Equipment (IT)
Not manufactured to BS60950 will receive a soft earth continuity test of 100mA and an insulation test (at a reduced voltage of 250vdc) or a touch current test. Examples of IT Equipment are Computers, Visual Display Units, Printers and Scanners etc.
Appliances With Detachable Cables
E.g. IEC cables or Fig 8 cables are to be tested as a separate item and also tested attached to the appliance.
Types of Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances can be categorised into the following types of appliances.
Portable Appliances
These appliances weigh less than 18kg and can easily be moved from one place to another when in operation e.g. Kettle, Toaster, Food Processor etc.
Movable Appliances
These appliances weigh less than 18kg and are usually fitted with either wheels or casters to enable the operator to move the appliance easily when required to perform work tasks e.g. Mobile Compressor, Power Washer, Oil Filled Heaters etc.Hand Held Appliances – these appliances are designed to be held in the hand under normal operational use e.g. Hair Dryers, Irons, Hand Blender, Power drill etc.
Stationary Appliances
These appliances weigh in excess of 18kg and are not provided with a means of carrying e.g. Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer, and Chest Freezer etc.
IT Appliances
These appliances includes such items as Computers, Mains Powered Telecommunications Equipment, Printers, Plotters, Photo copiers etc.