PAT testing – a type of testing that is used to find out problems in electric gadgets, if any. Hence, the name PAT means Portable Appliance Testing. What is essential to any electrical appliance? Safety, right? It is necessary to be mindful while using electrical gadgets as it could cause many hazards. For instance, have you ever noticed the light bulb blinking? That is a sign of faulty electrical wiring, which may lead to a short circuit if not attended to. Similarly, many appliances, from small ovens to powerful industrial machines, can have loopholes that may result in accidents.
But there is great news! You can avoid all mishaps by identifying them with PAT testing. The testing is essential but also tricky at the same time. Therefore, it is necessary to learn the in and out of appliance testing so that it is easy to point out faults and avoid mistakes in the procedure.
Error is what makes the process go wrong. Hence, one must know what blunders are bound to occur to carry out accurate PAT testing. Some regular ones are eccentric to testing all electric appliances. So, let’s understand those mistakes in detail so they can be avoided.
Common Mistakes In PAT Testing And Ways To Prevent Them
As said earlier, the PAT examination can be very perplexing initially. Therefore, there is a solid need to comprehend the errors to prevent challenging circumstances thoroughly. The following are some frequent mistakes that you should avoid:
• Touching Devices With Bare Hands
Safety is essential all the time! Some individuals believe that an electric shock is normal and minimal. Yet, it might be rather damaging. Throughout the process, one should avoid touching the gadgets barehand.
Electric shocks often take place during insulation testing. However – there is no need to worry. The findings will still be accurate. But while doing the tests, you must use caution and refrain from touching the equipment without rubber gloves as they are poor conductors of electricity.
• Not Carrying Out Routine Inspections
How occasionally does an individual check their electrical devices? Once or twice a year – but is that enough? It is compulsory to schedule routine PAT Testing for appliances so that one is aware of when they require replacement or repair.
It could lead to the usage of subpar technology if not attended to for long. And you may never know when anything could go awry with your ducting or appliances until it becomes a crisis. Therefore, routine testing should be planned based on usage. Use a checkbox list every time you use a gadget. Then, probably, on the 30th use, you can schedule an inspection.
• Not Following The Steps
Any procedure involves specific steps in it. As there are steps to using an electric appliance – there are also orders or actions in testing it. Therefore, before beginning the method, you must either write down or review the instructions. It is the best way to avoid this mistake.
Prior to conducting the insulation test, you must make absolutely sure the conductive channel is enough. If not, there is a reasonable probability that the entire procedure will be unsuccessful. If you don’t want to squander time, you must conduct something with additional caution.
• Lack Of Clarity
Understanding what you’re searching for before beginning an examination is essential. While doing your tests, you must comprehend what each component does and how it functions to know where to search for issues.
For example, understanding how the generator operates will enable you to spot possible problems earlier on when evaluating the elements of the generator.
• Using Inappropriate Tools
PAT Testing can be challenging or unachievable with improper instruments. However, there is a dedicated tool for assembling and disassembling an entire electrical device. Using that is crucial! For instance, you risk getting inaccurate test results and missing some critical issues if you don’t have the proper voltage tester for inspecting electrical outlets.
• Erroneous Earth Reading
Earth reading is vital to PAT testing. Unfortunately, some individuals fail to take thorough notes when reading, which results in inaccurate information about it. When doing this technique, you must be fully attentive. Nothing is better than implementing this advice.
Those who read the Earth can understand certain things and take the appropriate action without difficulty.
• Not Turning On The Device
Failure to turn on the appliance is another typical error individuals make while performing this technique. While you are in the course of the testing, the total flow of power ought to be 500V. You can’t move forward if you haven’t turned on the electrical device.
It creates a notion that the equipment is functional. As a result, some of them experience difficulties using the equipment. The entire goal of the test will be defeated since electrical shocks will still be prevalent. So, ensure you switch on the appliance while doing the testing process.
• Forgetting The Fuse
The fuse’s operation is another important factor to take into account. Many people don’t focus on it, which leads to incorrect outcomes afterward. You need to confirm if the gadget’s fuse is on.
You need to recheck the fuse to identify the issue if it is not operating. It isn’t easy to have evidence in your favor without knowing how the fuse works. If you repeat this, PAT testing could fail to provide some information.
• Checking Only Once
Individuals who believe one test is adequate need to improve at doing PAT assessments effectively and efficiently. The most significant results can only be obtained by multiple testing.
You won’t get comprehensive information about the device from one insulation or earth bond test. It is generally a good idea to administer several exams at once to prevent issues.
• Not Testing The Right Gadget
Not all devices have to undergo PAT testing. Strange, right? But that is true! Only those covered by a PAT testing agreement should be put through the testing process. Any electrical system that complies with the contract rules falls under this category. Knowing about the appliance before proceeding with the testing procedure is better.
Conclusion
A PAT test should be conducted in a secluded location to guarantee everyone’s safety while it is going on. People need to be kept at a safe distance, especially near the circuit breaker panel. Ensure there are no obstructions in these locations, as it might be dangerous.
Many typical errors are made when it pertains to PAT testing, but by using the aforementioned advice, PAT assessment should become much easier to handle. This way of inspection will assist in guaranteeing safety in your workplace.
