PAT Testing

PAT has two parts – a visual inspection and an electronic test. Both parts are necessary and fulfilling just one of them may leave out important information.

• The visual inspection is carried out thoroughly and completely. At times, a potentially dangerous issue is only evident on the outside, like an exposed wire, for example.
• The electronic examination is done by passing signals through the appliance’s cable. Appropriate tools are needed for this. And like the first inspection, some problems can only be found on this second test.

Here are some of the hazards that testers watch out for:

• Exposure to possible conductors that may cause electrocution
• Current faults that may result in heat and fire
• Intermittent connection which may also lead to fire