PAT Testing for newcomers - advice

[Notshortnottall]

I have a fleeting knowledge of this but want to get some industry insight into what's needed to 'properly' pass a PAT test on electrical equipment. I should add I'm not trying to cut any corners here - I want it done to a high standard!

This is something that I want to undertake but the amount of information out there is reaching saturation level so need some assistance in distilling through it all.

I've seen a variety of kits available to buy online but no idea what would be a good starter pack. The price ranges are quite considerable. I don't want to go overboard but at the same time want to make sure I've got what I need. What are the key things to look for?

In terms of training, there's a wide variety of providers who offer a myriad of services ranging from ~£200 through to ~£800 and an online exam.

Very grateful for any knowledge, insight and experience others may be able to provide.

[leemanning]

We have a PAT testing company within our group. From speaking to the guys there, it seems a 2 day course is what you need to become 'accredited'. The hardware they use for testing is about £1,500 and then a yearly test to keep up with things.

If you're looking for a job let me know as we're always on the look out.

[sjj84]

'Accredited' to who?
You merely have to be a competent person to do the testing, how you prove competence is debatable. There is a city and guilds qualification specifically for portable appliance testing, that would be suitable.

[Heartworm]

I did the PAt testing course several years ago when I first left university, course was a 2 day course followed by an exam at a local college. Unfortunately I never got to do the exam due to swine flu or bird flu outbreak in the office at the time and due to children being in the building we were ordered home the moment you showed any sign of a cold. The 2 day course was one week, then the following week was the exam. To be deemed competent our organisation required you to have completed the course, it was pretty self explanatory and no one on the course had any difficulties.

[200Plus Club]

Are you hoping to make a living pat testing on your own? We pay circa 50-60p per item, and that includes first free repair ie fuse swap if incorrect.
Honestly unless you can churn a thousand a week it's very cut throat and probably only profitable at large scales.

Theory wise if you are semi technical or have some electrical nous 2 days is enough to learn all you'll ever need to know.

[Notshortnottall]

Thanks for the helpful responses.

I already have a business dealing with waste and recycled electrical equipment.

The intention with this is to provide a certain level of assurance for our equipment and I'd rather keep that in house (and learn something new).

[200Plus Club]

Notshortnottall said:

Thanks for the helpful responses.

I already have a business dealing with waste and recycled electrical equipment.

The intention with this is to provide a certain level of assurance for our equipment and I'd rather keep that in house (and learn something new).

fair play, yes you should be PAT testing any equipment that has been repaired and is to be loaned/sold etc. you can buy a basic PAT tester for about £200 quid, or spend a grand plus on a fancy one that does the same tests but records all the test data etc, the basic functional tests are straightforward.

[Thankyou4calling]

There's no need for any qualifications to do PAT testing, there's no accreditation, and there's no need to pay anyone.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable-app...

If you want to pay £200 I will do it for you though.

All items will be properly checked and stickers applied.

[Cyberprog]

I've done City & Guilds 2377 which is the Portable Appliance Testing qualification. It was a one day in the classroom with the book to "learn" and then a 60min open book exam on the computer the next day. I did it at the local college during the summer holidays, was very simple. Cost me a couple of hundred quid I think, and more than paid for itself.