You may know that one of the earliest formal portable appliance testing and inspection of electrical equipment was carried out on government estates in the UK. This was done through the Property Services Agency. Depending on the equipment being tested, checks could be done either on a three-month or six-month cycle, depending on the level of risk. These tests were being carried out from as early as the 1960’s! Record-keeping was made into logbooks and the equipment used for these checks was modest: an insulation resistance tester, some hand tools and well, a good pair of eyes. Simple labels attached to equipment that read - "passed", "tested for electrical safety" and/or "do not use after.." gave evidence of testing.
These days there are different types of modern tools made to test electrical equipment. Testing can be done manually, using various tools, including a high-voltage insulation tester and a low resistance ohm mete. The easiest way though, is to use a tester which conducts the test automatically in sequence and does all the calculations for you! Where can you buy these reliable testers?
CAL-DUE UK Ltd in Howwood provide many services and PAT testers for your work. They can supply and calibrate many of the following equipment:
Pass & fail PAT testers Howwood:
These testers are simple to use and do exactly what they say on the label – show you whether your appliance passes, or fails. How?
These testers use a very simple "lights" system. There is a "Pass" light, a "Fail" light, options for Class I metal / plastic or Class II. They also will show - earth continuity, insulation, resistance polarity.
Easy with CAL-DUE!
Advanced PAT testers Howwood:
These testers show a little more than there simpler “younger brother” testers:
They can check earth continuity resistance (Earth Bond) and measure a range of 0 – 1.99 ohms at high test currents such as 8 A, 10 A or 25 A and lower test currents in the range 20 mA to 200 mA. This means that a complete range of appliances including personal computers can be tested. They can also conduct insulation resistance tests at voltages of 500 V DC or 250 V DC and Protective conductor/touch current measurement or "earth leakage tests".
All of these readings are much more involved and require an electrician or someone with electrical understanding. These advanced PAT testers can record the location and test status of electrical equipment and appliances. Some units can also test RCDs.
There are also computerised PAT testers. These can download information to your computer. Some are even Bluetooth enabled and can transfer data two ways. This makes record keeping much simpler and these testers can be used with other test accessories such as label printers.
PAT testers also have to be regularly calibrated to make sure they are measuring correctly. The results if not calibrated correctly could be disastrous. CAL-DUE UK Ltd can also Calibrate PAT Testers.
Howwood based CAL-DUE can be your reliable supplier.
Just call them on: 01412374643 or 07709065659
Email: info@cal-due.co.uk
