PAT Testing

That would depend on what your Portable Appliance Test Procedure says.

Is it safe to assume that we're not talking about mixers and toasters?

You don't give us ANY useful information with which to work.

How about some details.

Hi lynlynch,

Sorry about the lack of details. Appliances I refer to are: computers, overhead mixers, analytical balances, HPLC instruments etc.

Hope this is more useful info.

Certainly, analytical balances and HPLC instruments should be recalibrated. Overhead mixers? Perhaps, if they have sophisticated speed controls?

Anything that you may be using as a standard or anything used for accurate measurements should be tested and re-certified.

Not knowing your business or level of technology, I can't say any more.

Yes, otherwise how do you know it wasn't damaged in transit

Depending on what your local regulations are, the short answer is yes.

In Oz there is a requirement for regular retesting on "Portable" appliances, powerboards, extension leads, et al. There is a sliding scale as to the frequency dependant on the "Risk Assesment" of the operational environment, from monthly(powertools) to annual (office equipment) inspections.

Most handheld powered tools (includes battery chargers) used on a work site require monthly PAT's. Office equipment that doesn't get moved much gets yearly PAT's.

Note the office jug (for boiling water) get's monthly PAT's but the microwave oven get's yearly.

In Oz there are dire consequences should you not perform the PAT in the required documented manner as it is part of the OH&S regime.

Thanks to you all for the info.

just to be different

No

The testing is for PORTABLE appliance testing it should not matter where you use the device if it is in test date it is ok to use. What you should do is test any device that plugs into an outlet and is fixed to verify the safety of the new installation.As tobug says their is a scale to frequency depending on the enviroment you are working in. If you are in Aussie or NZ the standard is AS/NZS 3760:2003 section 2 table 4. This gives you the intervals for testing of in service portable equipment depending on enviroment, and type of equipment and usage. This standard also gives you a definition of what is classed as portable, for example if a fridge is moved for cleaning the flexible cord is subject to moving and should be part of your testing, a pedestal mounted grinder that does not move and the flexible cord is not moved should have an initial test and tag for electrical safety only.

You are correct . All the above doesnt know what is PAT test

Your quality system may ask you to retest or recalibrate your equipments and instruments (refer to QS900), even if your QS does not ask you to do it, my recommendation is you should do it anyway. Because there are too many unknown factors involve while you are relocated to the new premises and by retest them you may reset your reference point at new premises.

PAT Portable appliance Testing relates to electrical safety not calibrating,recertifying etc. Yes i would recalibrate any equipment that may become out of spec during the move but you dont have to redo the pat test. eg you are a tradesman your electric drills and grinders are subject to a pat testing regimine, you regularly drive from one job to another would you retest the equipment each time you used them? No.

Actually in Oz, when it comes to building sites, they do just about that.

It's a bit of a rort, but there are some sites that require onsite PAT testing on all equipment brought onto the site, even if the equipment has a current tag. Absolute TPA but then OH&S can be like that...