How To Do A Visual Inspection

24 July 2019

The visual inspection is the most important part of PAT Testing as more faults are identified here than at any other stage of the PAT test. Before getting started you should have carried out a Risk Assessment, this will have determined which items need to be PAT Tested, and whether there are any key issues you need to take into consideration. These factors could include where the appliance is used, who it’s used by and whether the appliance is used with water for example. It makes sense to read the free PAT Testing publication available from the Health & Safety Executive. Click on the image below to read or download:

What is an appliance?

As a rule, it’s any electrical equipment, regardless of size or weight attached to a plug, or that has a lead and a plug. All electrical equipment must be visually inspected first, before conducting any test using the PB500. When inspecting the appliance, look for the following:

• Does the appliance show any sign of damage?
• Has the user reported any problems with the appliance?
• Check for dents or cracks to all parts of the appliance.

The following should be checked when inspecting a plug or lead.

• Is the plug damaged in any way?
• Check the plug is suitable?
• Ensure the flexible lead is secure at the anchorage grip
• Has a non-moulded plug been correctly wired?
• Are the wires securely attached to the correct terminals?
• Any loose strands of wire?
• Does the fuse conform and is it secure?
• Remove any paper wiring diagram that might have been placed over the pins
• New plugs must have a sleeve on the live and neutral pins.
• Straighten any tightly bent cable
• Make sure cables/leads haven’t been crushed
• Extension leads should all be Class I.
• Remember, extension leads should be used on a temporary basis. Install a new socket-outlet nearer the appliance.

Replace or repair any damaged appliances, plugs, cables and any incorrectly rated fuses. Appliances must also be checked for general damage or wear an tear.  Damaged items should be failed and removed from use. Appliances should only be used in the way the manufacturer designed them for use.

As a rule, the IET recommend that a 3 amp fuse be used for appliances rated up to and including 700 Watts and a 13 amp fuse for those rated above. Some IT manufacturers use a 5 amp fuse for their appliances. If in doubt the manufacturer should be contacted for guidance Moulded plugs will be marked with the correct fuse rating. You can apply a fuse rating label to non-moulded plugs. The Visual Inspection section of the Appliance Test Report should now be updated.

It is advisable to assign a unique ID number to the appliance.  Record this together with a description, its Class and location on the Portable Appliance Test Report sheet. It is recommended that one sheet be used for each appliance, cord or lead. Place a FAIL label on any appliance that does not pass its visual inspection.

Remove it from service and store it securely to prevent reintroduction into the workplace pending repair or replacement The remainder of the Portable Appliance Test Report Sheet should be updated.