Trusted Electricians in Swindon

When testing long extension leads it is very common for most portable appliance testers to indicate a fail on earth continuity, this may lead to false failures & incorrect records. The earth resistance limit for earth continuity stipulated in the IET Code of Practice 4th Edition allows 0.1+R ohms with R being the resistance of the cable. There is a table in the Code of Practice that will calculate R using the length & cross sectional area of the cable. Some PAT testers will in fact indicate a fail & not allow further tests to continue. So, to test long extension leads you will need a PAT tester that will either allow the tests to continue once the result shown has been interpreted as a pass by the competent person or a tester that will allow you to programme test sequences factoring in long leads. Some PAT testers will also incorporate a limit calculator function.

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test 110 volt, 240 volt including C Form plugs.

We start with a visual inspection checking for:Damaged flexesDamaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)Correctly wired plugsCorrectly rated fuse Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may includeEarth continuity testingInsulation resistancePolarity testEarth leakage test

No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often. Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot e.g. a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain equipment including the use of PAT.

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. However, a simple visual check is recommended to verify the item is not damaged.