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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) - Electricity at Work Regulations (EAW)
It is a legal requirement under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAW) that all portable electrical equipment must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure it is safe for use. This covers all electrical equipment used for performance, including permanently installed equipment and the electrical installation itself.
The inspection and testing of a fixed installation, i.e. the wiring, switchgear etc, is best done by an approved electrical contractor. However the inspection and testing of all performance equipment is best carried out by a specialist company who are familiar with such items.
EAW
The purpose of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 is not to outlaw existing equipment, but to assign responsibility for its proper maintenance. The regulations are designed to ensure that all users and operators are provided with the maximum protection against electrical shock. It is therefore just as important to check extension cables and removable power leads as it is individual appliances. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the venue to ensure all hired-in equipment is visually inspected prior to and during its use.
Under the EAW Regulations, should you find something on-site that is considered dangerous, steps may be taken to disable the item, usually by removing the plug or fuse. If such action is taken, the venue must be informed of the action and why this has been taken. It is then the responsibility of the venue to repair the item safely before it is used.
The following is techref.info's understanding of the current position regarding the requirements of EAW. In no sense does it constitute legal advice.
Types of performance equipment
To determine the amount of wear and tear an item is likely to receive due to movement, equipment can be classified into one of the categories below.
Transportable
Equipment that has a flexible cable and plug fitted, capable of being moved, but generally is not. Examples include stage luminaires normally left fixed in one location for most of their life, and dimmer packs fixed to a wall but supplied via plug and socket outlet.
Portable
Equipment that can be, and often is, moved. Examples of this category include stage luminaires that are regularly rigged and de-rigged, strobes, followspots, pyrotechnic control systems, smoke machines, extension cables, touring equipment, portable sound and lighting systems and all hired-in equipment. Wear and tear on the cable, plug and connectors can be very heavy.
Hand-held
Equipment that is held whilst in use. Examples include smoke machines, and small self-contained dimmers (not low voltage controllers). Hand tools also come under this category. It is with this type of equipment that the risk of shock to the operator is at its greatest and the use of RCD (Residual Current Devices) is highly recommended. These will disconnect the supply in the event of a leakage of electricity to earth, thereby minimising any risk of electric shock.
Inspection & Testing of equipment
The more an item is used and moved, the more frequently it will need to be inspected and tested.
Visual Inspection
For items moved regularly, this is the most important check. Around 95% of faults or damage can be found just by looking. Visual inspections do not need to be carried out by a trained electrician, provided a competent person knows what to look for.
The things that should be looked for on the equipment, cable and plug (after disconnecting the appliance) are signs of:
- damage to the cable covering, such as cuts and serious abrasion
- damage to the plug, such as cracked casing and bent pins
- non-standard joints in the cable, including taped joints
- the outer covering of the cable (sheath) not being gripped where it enters the plug or the equipment: the coloured insulation of the internal wires should not be seen
- equipment that has been used in conditions where it is not suitable, such as wet or dusty workplaces
- damage to the outer cover of the equipment or obvious loose parts or screws
- overheating: indicated by burn marks, scorching or staining
Inspection should also include the removal of the plug cover and checking that:
- a fuse of the proper rating is being used
- all the wires are attached to the correct terminals
- no bare wire is visible other than at the terminals
- the terminal screws inside the plug are tight
- there is no sign of internal damage, overheating, or entry of liquid, dust or dirt
Inspection of luminaires should also include inspection for damage to the lampholder. The point where the cable enters the unit should be checked closely and the insulation of wiring inside the luminaire must be intact. There should be no signs of damage or severe overheating within the luminaire.
Frequency of Visual Inspection
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (I.E.E.) recommend that visual inspections should be carried out as indicated below. This assumes that the equipment and cables are in use; stored items that are not in use will not require inspection every week. If an item is used less regularly, a competent person may decide that lass regular inspections are called for.
Equipment Type Testing Schedule Transportable every six months Portable every month Hand-held every week Extension cables every week Hired-In Equipment before use
Testing
This must be carried out by a person competent to understand and inspect the equipment, use the test equipment, and understand the results. Each and every item (including extension cables) will require its own unique identification number. Testing should include the checks indicated below.
1) Visual Inspection
As described above.
2) Earth Continuity Test
This checks that there is earth continuity from the earth pin of the plug through to the appropriate parts of the appliance. The areas most likely to become live in the event of an insulation fault is that surrounding the cable entry point and the lampholder. The test probe or clip should be attached to an exposed metal surface on the exterior of the appliance casing.
3) Insulation Test
This checks that the insulation of the cable is intact at 500V dc and will show up any weaknesses not apparent to the naked eye. It is important that this test is not done on computers or other electronic equipment. If in doubt, check with the equipment manufacturer.
Frequency of Testing
The Institute of Electrical Engineers (I.E.E.) recommend that testing as described above should be carried out as indicated.
Equipment Type Testing Schedule Transportable every twelve months Portable every twelve months Hand-held every twelve months Hire Equipment before issue
Test Results & Schedules
You should keep records of all testing schedules and PAT test results as part of Health & Safety documentation. This information may also be required for validation of Public Performance Licences and Insurance Policies. Local law may require you to record the dates of inspections and any findings.
5A and 15A Plugs
It is industry understanding that 3-pin 5A and 15A plugs are not illegal if used on performance equipment connected to the mains supply via a correctly protected controller. However, all new performance equipment (such as smoke machines, followspot dimmers, strobes etc) which are normally connected direct to the mains supply should be fitted with a 13A plug (providing the total load of the equipment does not exceed 3kW). All new 13A plugs must, by law, have sleeved live and neutral pins and comply with BS1362 (or BS1363/A in the case of resilient clad plugs).
The legislation is not retrospective and there is no argument whatsoever for the expensive replacement of 5A or 15A plugs fitted to performance luminaires, unless the plug shows signs of wear and tear, overheating or other condition that would make it unsafe for use.
Further Information
Further information on Electrical Maintenance including Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is contained within a booklet of the same name by the Institute of Electrical Engineers. Alternatively, techref.info would be pleased to advise on all aspects of Portable Appliance Testing; should you have any enquiries please the webweaver.
Additional information can be downloaded from the links below.
See also:
- Go back
- techref.info PAT reference guide [PDF: 55kB]
- techref.info PAT update guide [PDF: 66kB]
- techref.info PAT IT Equipment guide [PDF: 32kB]
- Other Electrical reference information
- Other Regulations & Safety reference information
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