Before you even contemplate starting to PAT test, you need a method of making sure you’ve got ways to note down the results of your tests.
The In Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment written by the IEE recommend that records of test results are recorded and kept as well as attaching a PAT testing label to the appliance.
The Equipment Test Record
This written record allows you to record that the testing has been carried out, including fields for the different kinds of test.
These records should be filled out by the PAT tester when the test is carried out, including dating the test, and filling in all the necessary information.
You can view a PAT testing log book by visiting this link.
Labels
Labels are used in the PAT testing procedure to declare that an appliance has either passed or failed the test. This allows the user to see at a glance that the appliance has been verified as safe or not, and any faulty equipment can be promptly removed from the premises for repair or be entirely replaced.
They should clearly outline the date of the test and when the next test will be due for that item, allowing organisations to keep a track of the periods between testing.
If you have a PAT tester with the ability to store data, you can also get a set of labels with barcodes and a barcode scanner for your PAT tester that allows you to easily recall stored test data and store the asset number of new appliances.
Memory Storage and Software
Some PAT testers can store the test readings, and then you can download it to PC by using the relevant software package.
This allows users to easily create customized records and input data into an easily maintained system. It’s slightly more efficient than doing it manually, and many PAT testers now rely on this method to speed up the testing procedure.
Written by Barry Atkins
