IET Code of Practice - some useful advice

There has been much criticism of the latest edition of the Code of Practice recently including on this blog. However trawling through Edition 4, I came across some useful information that throws some light on an issue that has been puzzling me for some time. This is to do with cable rating and fuses.

IET Code of Practice - labelling

The 4th edition of the IET Code of Practice covering PAT testing makes a new recommendation on labelling as follows. "The date for re-testing should not be marked on the label". The duty holder is supposed to keep this in his or her records.

Edition 4 of the IET COP - Selling used electrical items

The new edition of the IET Code of Practice was launched last week. The preview information promised a new section presenting advice on the sale of pre-owned equipment so understandably I was quite excited. This promised to be good news for charity shops.

Edition 4 of IET Code of Practice launched

The long awaitied IET Code of Practice landed on my desk today and cost me £48.40. The previous editions came out in 1994,2001 and 2007; so only 5 years have elapsed since the last edition.

The New IEE Code of Practice 4th edition

The IEE Code of Practice is being revised and the new version will be available in November of this year (2012). The IET has produced some advanced notes about the main changes and this can be seen here  http://www.patinfo.co.uk/IET_COP_4.pdf

What exactly does "Earth Leakage" mean

The terms "Earth Leakage" "Touch Current" and "Sub Earth Leakage" often causes confusion during PAT Testing or when comparing different PAT Testers. This blog presents some additional information on these tests.

Testing surge protected extension leads

Most modern PAT testers have a facility for quickly testing surge protected extension leads. You just plug both ends of the power cord into the tester (using a short IEC lead) and quickly carry out the Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance and Polarity (wiring) tests.

What's the point of 110V?

110V appliances are often used on construction sites. 110V transformers are used to produce 110V from the UK mains voltage of 230V. What's the benefit of using 110V?

Nightmare plugs found in student accomodation

All of these plugs have been found in various student accomodation where PAT testing has been carried out. This highlights the importance of a good formal visual inspection which includes looking inside a plug.

Do you think they used a pair of scissors to strip the insulation on this one?

5 faults that a PAT tester will NOT find

Some users of PAT testers assume that ALL faults on an appliance can be found by plugging it into a PAT tester and carrying out the tests. This assumption can lead to a lot of faults with appliances NOT being found. Below are some of the common faults that can be missed.

Why does the Insulation Resistance test PASS with nothing plugged into the PAT tester?

This is a question we often get asked during the PAT testing courses. On any PAT tester, just press the Class II button. The tester will carry out the Insulation Resistance test and display a PASS - even with nothing plugged into the tester.

Why does this happen? Is the tester faulty? The answer is NO.

City & Guilds 2377 qualification

Overview

There are no qualifications required prior to undertaking PAT testing. There are many training courses designed to bring delegates up to the required standard of competence for carrying this out.

The City & Guilds 2377 qualification is required by some organisations before staff are allowed to carry out PAT testing. Achieving this qualification shows a sound working knowledge of the IEE Code of Practice. The "IEE Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing of Electrical Equipment" sets the industry standard on how to carry out PAT testing in the workplace.