What to Expect with your PAT Testing Paperwork 

Thank you Alan, great to hear that I am not wasting my time :-) I've got better equipment now (Sound, Video) and about to do some more soon. Thanks again, Simon

Hi Chris it could be the software as I don’t use what comes with it. I use a cloud based software PatOrganiser because I don’t take a MacBook or laptop on site and this allows me to complete everything with just an iPad (or even iPhone at a push - although screen is a bit small on phone).

Hi Joe it depends firstly if that test was done and if their tester does that. Then if it is stored and uploaded to their software (they may need additional tweaking to match fields from their machine to the software - almost like importing an excel sheet and that kind of thing. Then they have to choose the right template that shows all these results (which may be a case of enabling and disabling report options in the settings). But each test machine type and each software solution is different, so it depends which model and software they have. A basic manual tester may not even have that test feature built in. Thanks for the question, Simon

You can do either, but in my case I use a sequential number. I also have some without numbers as spare where I can use a sharpie pen if needed.

@@RealSimonBarker Thanks for that. Yeah, I've just done the City & Guilds 2377 course but still haven't a clue on the admin side of things😀. Definitely wouldn't feel confident setting up on my own so I think maybe 12 months of hands on experience is needed.

Hi Andrew absolutely true. This is an old video from back when you had both completion date and expiry. But now it’s just the completion date. This adds an element of the customer being able to do a risk assessment and decide (at their own risk) to lengthen the standard retest period of different types of items. Yes I upload full data to my software and can also do different forms. I’ve switched software too since this video was made. To be fair could do with updating my video. Thanks for watching Andrew

John. What the guy is really saying is he's got a test'n'tagger! It's quicker to write an id number on a standard label (unless the client requires test results on the label too) ;)

John Sullivan it’s just a lot clearer when they are printed. Too many can’t be read or even have nothing on them at all.

@@richardandrews9507 I don't have test and tag as I can see that being problematic and more things to carry around. But I do use pre-printed labels that I order in advance with sequential numbers on them as needed. I used to print my own but it's so cheap now to get them printed from a good supplier.

@@RealSimonBarker Absolutely. My writing isn't the greatest lol and as you say some people leave them blank(!)

Hi, because the 2 pin lead (class 2 as you say) has no earth connection, it would consist of visual testing PLUS ALSO Insulation Resistance to ensure that the cable is not internally damaged. Also a run test can be carried out with the appliance atta hed to ensure the functionality is good. Finally you'd check the socket it goes into to ensure that is ok (many miss this check! But I am an Electrician as well as doing PAT, so this bit is standard for me as I also do EICRs - which are the equivalent of PAT but on the fixed wiring rather than the plug in or portable items). Simon

Thanks for the prompt reply Simon, much appreciated. So, visual check then test prob inside the cable end to test for IR through the tester? Many thanks again, keep up the great work@@RealSimonBarker

The figure of 8 lead has a earth just like the iec lead, so you will need a adaptor to test the lead: earth cont / insulation / Polarity (just like you would with a iec lead)

sorry i mean a clover leaf cable !

@@daveh453 and yes ok the clover leaf does have earth, there's a little adaptor that I use that coverts it to plug in. Such as this one here www.test-meter.co.uk/iec-cloverleaf-adaptor

Hi there's always a place to test, such as screws or hinges, or often near where the lead enters there may be an earthing point, or even underneath and behind. But there will always be a place. Also check cleanliness of the connection and condition of the test probe that is doing the testing (when readings start to go higher then clean or replace the probes!).

@@RealSimonBarker I hear you Simon but I’ve def come across items where there are no earth points. Had a Nescafé coffee maker recently.

some items of class 1 you can not test on class 1 , so you can test it on class 2 and make a note in the comments field @@macmerc1556

Great question … I’d say more information is more useful in the event of a dispute or insurance claim. A simple pass doesn’t show the condition, as results will show whether something is starting to deteriorate or is like new.

I got rid of my machine that only did PASS/FAIL as some clients were asking for a results sheet and in all honesty it does look more professional. However i did ask the trainer/supplier and they said there is no legal need to show figures.

The best way is showing all the readings for the tests performed ! then you can't go wrong@@macmerc1556

Hi as John correctly stated below, it's up to yourself to decide whether to do it or not. It's about testing the "portable" items traditionally, but that is a bit misleading. So the simplified rule is that it's anything with a plug on it, from kettles, fridges for landlords and offices, speakers, amps, stage lights for musicians, PC's, heaters, etc in offices or 110V plug in tools on construction sites. And each scenario may have a different re-test period, they are not all yearly, some are more often (construction sites) some less often (class 2 office equipment). The other test in a work place is an Electrical Condition Report, which you can see (another video) over at www.sbarker.co.uk/electrical-condition-reports/ Thanks, Simon

A duty of care

Yes just in case the readings stop being accurate. Keep the calibration certificates up to date. Often your local supplier might have a calibration day where it costs a lot less. Just drop it in and collect it at the end of the day.

It’s a Martindale easypat 1600

Richard Andrews it’s not a sales gimmick if it prevent issues. Of course it’s up to the person requesting it if they want to do it. But as you state from the HSE reference, it’s Definately useful for prevention. And it’s prevention that saves a lot of issues. A tightwad who doesn’t like spending money on Testing will just never do it anyway. But someone who values safety (and even for productivity reason) will get it done. Really depends on the perspective of the person at the end of the day. What I can say though is I’ve seen some nasty failures. Some at the point of burning out. But others just at the point long before it was visible, but that prevented any further issues.

Its a duty of care. I would like to know if a lead im useing has the earth broken inside. Some places wont leave you inside the door without it. They leave themselves open without it. Thats why they are willing to throw big bucks at it

Not sure that tester is even a PAT Tester, but maybe a multi-function tester (for fixed wiring testing after installs). It's a trade off. If you get a cheaper manual model then you spend more time doing data entry and creating the paperwork. I went for the Apollo 600 (but there are other great models out there too) which downloads all the results when finished. You can use the Seaward software but there are also a couple of alternative solutions too (one of them is cloud based too, so you can easily create and send certificates while still on site) The more details you take and record, the better it is in proving any issues. The Apollo 600, as an example, can take a photo of visible faults which also get added to the failures list on the report. Thanks, Simon

Hi Mr Slug, best of luck with your search. I have no jobs avaiable.

A duty of care

If a court case occurred you'd be asked to prove you did all that is "reasonably practicable" to keep things safe.

@@gingerelectrician yes but that applies to the employer not the electrician. As I said there is no legal requirement for pat testing . But if you do carry out pat as an electrician then you will accept the responsibility to make sure you do it properly

@@Dog-whisperer7494 absolutely :-)