{"id":190,"date":"2012-10-15T11:28:04","date_gmt":"2012-10-15T11:28:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pat-testing-course.com\/blog\/?page_id=190"},"modified":"2012-10-15T14:49:17","modified_gmt":"2012-10-15T14:49:17","slug":"pat-testing-definitions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pat-testing-course.com\/blog\/faqs\/pat-testing-definitions\/","title":{"rendered":"PAT Testing Definitions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever been mystified by what people are talking about when they reference PAT testing? Don\u2019t know your appliances from your classes? Just want more information on what it all means?<\/p>\n

Our comprehensive list of PAT testing definitions should hopefully shed some light on what you need to know about PAT testing.<\/p>\n

Accessory<\/strong> \u2013 Defined as a device that is \u2018other than current-using equipment\u2019, an accessory is generally associated as being an item that can associated with equipment that does use current, or the wiring of an installation.<\/p>\n

Appliance<\/strong> \u2013 Any item that uses current that is not a luminaire or an independent motor. Appliances are further broken down into different categories and classes in order to understand the exact requirements of what form of test the appliance must be subjected to. Such examples include portable appliances, which are deemed as being equipment that uses electricity and is less than 18Kg in weight.<\/p>\n

Appliances or Equipment for Building In<\/strong> \u2013 This generally refers to those appliances that tend to be placed under cupboards, in recesses or other similar niches.\u00a0 The IET says that \u2018in general, equipment for building-in does not have an enclosure on all sides\u2019.<\/p>\n

Basic Insulation<\/strong> \u2013 This refers to the insulation that is applied to live parts. It\u2019s a fundamental aspect of most wiring and appliances in order to prevent electrical shocks. Breakdowns of electrical insulation can be flagged up by PAT testing, allowing organisations to act before the appliance in question becomes a serious danger.<\/p>\n

Circuit Protective Conductor<\/strong> \u2013 Also known as CPC, this is a protective conductor that connects together a main earthing terminal to exposed-conductive parts of equipment.\u00a0 In simple terms, this means that an area of an appliance that carries electricity that can be touched. It shouldn\u2019t be live, but can come live under fault conditions.\u00a0 It also known as an earth conductor, or an earth wire.<\/p>\n

Class 0 Equipment<\/strong> \u2013 This type of equipment relies on simple basic insulation. This means that essential there is no extra insulation against electrical shock, meaning that if the insulation fails this type of equipment is reliant on the environment around it to remain safe.<\/p>\n

Class I Equipment<\/strong> \u2013 These types of equipment do not just rely on basic insulation, but also have connections to a protective conductor for additional safety.<\/p>\n

Class II Equipment<\/strong> \u2013 Equipment under this category usually have two or more forms of insulation. Class II equipment is generally things such as power drills that are used frequently and must have higher levels of protection.<\/p>\n

Class III Equipment<\/strong> \u2013 Equipment that works on SELV supply means that it works on a lower voltage.\u00a0 This means there is less chance of electrical shock when using the appliance.<\/p>\n

Cord Set<\/strong> \u2013 A lead with a plug or connector that can be used to connect something to an electrical supply.<\/p>\n

Competent Person<\/strong> \u2013 Every organisation should appoint a competent person who will be responsible for the day to day electrical safety and can \u2013optionally \u2013 carry out things such as PAT testing.<\/p>\n

They should have:<\/p>\n