1 Day PAT Testing Training Course for Beginners

As you may be aware many industries are regulated, so when it comes to training for a specific role, there are training courses which have a defined curriculum and the trainee must attain a certain level in order to pass the course.  

However, In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment – otherwise known as Portable Appliance Testing or PAT Testing, is only covered by a set of guidelines, the IET Code of Practice (4th Edition). Therefore any associated training courses can be very comprehensive and professional, or they could be a waste of time.

To ensure you know everything you need to know, we cover all of the following points on our PAT Testing Training Courses.

PAT Testing Course Content

Equipment Construction  

Types of equipment and classification marks
Show how electric shock can occur through lack of basic protection or inadequate fault protection
Explain how the different equipment construction types provide protection
State the effect of cord set and extension lead earth resistance on disconnection times under earth fault conditions
State the need for RCD protection

Inspection  

User Check
Formal Visual Inspection
Environmental suitability of equipment
Good housekeeping
Suitability of equipment
Switching of equipment and isolation from the electrical supply
Condition of equipment and supply cord
Combined Inspection and Test
Identify items that users should be competent to inspect

Combined Inspection and Testing  

Factors to be considered when conducting visual inspections of electrical equipment
The purpose of the electrical tests
Earth Continuity
Insulation Resistance
Earth Leakage/Touch Current
Substitute Leakage
Function/Load
Polarity
RCD Test on Extension Leads
Which tests should not be carried out?
Test instruments

The Use of Instruments and Recording Data

Identify minimum and maximum acceptable conductor and insulation resistances, along with leakage and touch currents
Requirements for identification labels
Interpretation of results to identify deterioration
Procedures to deal with damaged and faulty equipment
Considerations for appliance couplers and cords sets
Considerations for IT equipment with high protective conductor currents and testing limitations
Overcurrent protection and plug fuses
Tests that may be required following equipment repair

Practical Inspection and Testing

Fault finding/identification
Instruction on inspecting and testing the user’s own electrical equipment
Instruction on using the user’s own test instruments
Identification of standards and kite marks
Frequency of Inspection & Testing