For the first time testing of fixed appliances, such as hand dryers, has been incorporated into the fourth edition of the IEE code of practice for In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Previously it was a grey area with fixed wiring periodic inspectors sometimes considering it not their responsibility and PAT testers saying “it’s not portable, so it’s not my problem”.
The code of practice accepts that it may be appropriate to have fixed appliances on the same schedule as, and done by, periodic inspection.
However, many PAT testers will need to extend the scope of their testing to include fixed appliances.
What do they need?
Firstly, and most importantly, they need to understand, and get appropriate training in and experience of safe isolation procedures.
They need to understand locking off and the use of appropriate voltage indicators and proving devices so they can confirm that a circuit is safe to work on. A good example of a comprehensive solution here is the Martindale VIPDLOK138 kit.
This contains a padlock and a selection of locking devices for various sizes of breakers. It also has the all important Voltage indicator for proving dead, the industry standard Martindale VI-13800.
Also included is a proving device to ensure that the VI was fully functional before and after proving dead.
But that’s not enough. Testers will also need to understand the wiring layout of the premises, to be able to appreciate when, for example, locking off a spur with a hand drier on it, will also involve locking off the ring the spur extends from. Powering down appliances by mistake is at least annoying and can be dangerous.
To safely carry out testing of fixed appliances far more knowledge, training and experience is required.
In summary, if you are going to start testing fixed appliances make sure you are competent, understand the building wiring scheme and get the right equipment.
