There seem to be a few misconceptions going around based on misunderstanding and outdated guidance.
“PAT Testing” is detailed in the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, of which I have a copy. Regarding the frequency of inspection and testing, the current guidance is that the frequency of inspection and testing will vary for different equipment, uses and environments. This is a departure from the previous edition. The final decision should be made by the Duty Holder. There is no right or wrong answer to inspection and test intervals, but it is a myth that everything has to be tested annually.
Essentially, a visual inspection may be all that’s required. Take for instance a little mains adapter such as a phone charger – as a Class II appliance, if it isn’t cracked and shows no signs of having overheated, that could be a sufficient check.
eFIXX YT channel have several videos on PAT testing. Here’s one. Search for others. They also cover new changes to electrical regs, mostly for sparkles but some things apply to repairing too.
Does the IET code outline what testing should be conducted? I had a feeling it mentioned that testing should be done without being clear on exactly what was required, but I could easily be wrong.
I should probably look at whether I have access to that, given I’ve been paying IET membership for decades at this point.
Just to chip in on PAT/ Electrical Safety Testing. Our advice to Share & Repair Network members is based on what is required to satisfy insurers. We would always advise that groups are clear with what is detailed in their own insurer requirements. Volunteer-led repair cafes are an unregulated sector, and therefore insurers generally look for adherence to sector-led best practice procedures. This would include rigorous risk assessment and PAT testing every item as standard. For more info about this, you can take a look at our article on Being Safe & Legal which includes a contribution from Wessex Insurance who have a developed a policy specifically for repair cafes. Being Safe and Legal for Share and Repair Projects - Circular Communities Scotland
PAT test before and after all repairs and record doing so. Protecting the repairer is the first priority. It may well fail, but that evidence helps the repairer to know how to proceed.
Do NOT assume the metal chassis is earthed. In some old appliances it may not. Make sure repairers understand the need for electrical isolation and have access to things like dim bulb testers and multimeters.
Just turning up for a repair cafe with a folding table in the middle of a hall with a screwdriver and an extension lead is not safe.
Repair Cafes allowing customers to participate in the repair need to be doubly safe. Exposed charged capacitors, live rails, damaged wires.
