There is sometimes much confusion with regards to the testing of fixed spur appliances and if they fall under the category of PAT testing and if so, should the appliance wires be disconnected at the spur in order to attach them to the tester with crocodile clips.
To quell this confusion we draw your attention to The Code of Practice 3rd Edition (page 71), which states that equipment permanently connected to a fixed installation by a flex or other accessory should be removed from its enclosure so the connections can be inspected and that this type of operation should only be completed after isolation by a competent person.
This means that fixed spur connected appliances should be tested. However, this type of electrical testing should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.
A PAT testing equipment technician should perform a visual test on these types of appliances and ensure that it states clearly on the Pass/Fail PAT testing labels that a ‘visual only’ was carried out. After documenting this in the paperwork, inform the manager so that an electrician can be acquired to complete the electrical testing of these types of appliance.
It is important that all PAT technicians carry out testing in line with the Code of Practice in order to legally and safely carry out work that will get them recommendations for future contracts.
We hope this clears some of the confusion. Good luck with your testing.
