Earth Continuity testing - 20 Amps or 200 mAmps

Following a recent Twitter campaign, we had a training organisation challenging the use of 200 mA for testing Earth Continuity. As it is impossible to respond comprehensively using Twitter, here is my view on the use of 200 mA for testing not only IT equipment but all equipment.

Risk based PAT testing - a proposal

The IET Code of Practice in its Edition 4, recommends adopting a risk based PAT testing. ie decide on the frequency of inspection and test based on the actual risk posed by the appliance. This post presents a proposal on how a duty holder could work this out for themselves.

Note: This proposal has been updated on the 3rd of June 2013. 

Electrical Safety in Cuba - Low on the list of priorities?

The daughter of a colleague at work has just returned from a holiday on Cuba and took these interesting photos. Thought I'd share these.

City and Guilds 2377

This post presents detailed information about the City and Guilds 2377 qualification. This will be of interest to everyone wanting a level 3 award from C&G to show their proficiency in Portable Appliance Testing.

Dangerous IEC power cords

Recently, a sample of an IEC power cord was sent to me by Gerald Ruane of Ashdale Electrical Testing. This was following a Linkedin discussion started by Patrick Maher of PAT's Testing Swindon. Below is a report on this highly dangerous lead.

Dangerous lamp found in holiday cottage

Thanks to Jim Ransley of Cornish Quay Holidays Ltd for the information used in this post. Along with the images supplied, the e-mail from Jim says it all so I have reproduced this in whole.

Interesting appliances found during PAT Testing

It's always useful to share information regarding interesting appliances found during PAT Testing. Here is a small selection either found by First Stop Safety or passed to us from customers. We look at a 6 Amp extension lead, a Juicer with a mistake on it's rating plate and a slide viewer manufactured in the 1960s.