Why Did It Stop Being Called PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing or PAT has changed name primarily because it is misleading and items of electrical equipment were getting missed from the Electrical Installation Condition Report and the PAT schedule.
What Is PAT Called Now
We have moved away from portable appliance testing as the name and we now refer to it as In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. It is thought that this change will help to clear up what needs testing to mean that nothing gets forgotten.
The 1989 Electricity At Work Regulations informed the original code of practice for PAT in 1994 and this change of name in the 5th edition is a nod to the need for continual improvement and clarification.
One thing that we hate is ambiguity so this now puts an emphasis on who is in charge of discharging thsi duty of care.
What Changes Have There Been To The 2377
Fundamentally very few changes, they have removed the need for classification codes for equipment mobility to allow the provision for guidance on duty holders.
We now work from the 5th Edition of the code of practice and this helps the dutyholder to stay up to date with current legislation.
Should I Still Be Saying PAT Testing
Honestly everyone in the industry will know what you mean if you say PAT or Electrical Equipment Testing.
Don’t feel self-conscious about the name, just make sure you focus on the new emphasis that the 5th edition of the code of practice places on all electrical equipment.
How Can I Become A PAT Tester
The aim is to achieve high standards in electrical safety and the easiest way to ensure this is to attend a nationally recognised training course like the 2377-77.
You will learn about all of the legal requirements, the scope, equipment classifications etc. Alongside this you will get hands on experience of the formal visual inspections required and how to use test equipment.
Do I Need A Background In Electrics To Do PAT Testing Or The 2377
An understanding of electrical principles may help from the outset but a good training provider will give you a full appreciation of the results you are looking for and what they mean in terms of safety.