Do double insulated items need PAT testing?
Class II equipment is sometimes referred to as ‘double insulated’ equipment. It will not need a portable appliance test, although you should ensure that user checks and visual inspections are carried out as the integrity of the equipment casing is a key safety feature.
Who can carry out portable appliance testing?
In fact, absolutely anybody who is deemed competent can carry out PAT testing. Even so, many organisations still prefer to outsource their PAT testing to external companies, as often they don’t have the resources to send employees around the organisation armed with a PAT tester and a bumper roll of stickers.
What appliances are double insulated?
Typical examples are blenders, coffee makers, blow dryers, drills, and other power tools. Appliances and tools of this type are called “double insulated”. They have two levels of insulating materials between the electrical parts of the appliance and any parts on the outside that you touch.
Does a fridge need PAT testing?
For landlords, it’s good practice to have all your appliances PAT tested before a new tenant moves in. After this, smaller appliances should be tested every two years and larger items like fridges and washing machines should be tested in four-year intervals.
Who can complete PAT testing?
Anybody can carry out PAT testing as long as they have completed appropriate training which has given them enough knowledge and practical experience to be considered competent.
Who invented double insulation?
The insulating glazing unit, consisting of two glass panes bound together into a single unit with a seal between the edges of the panes, was patented in the United States by Thomas Stetson in 1865.
When to test a double insulated electrical appliance?
If the appliance has exposed conductive metal (metal part sticking out that is attached to live parts inside) then it should also be tested for insulation resistance to make sure the protection is working correctly. What is a Double Insulated Electrical Appliance?
Which is a Class II double insulated appliance?
A Class II or double insulated electrical appliance is one which has been built in such a way that it does not require a connection to electrical earth (ground).
How is double insulation defined in the UK?
This is usually achieved at least in part by having two layers of insulating material surrounding live parts or by using reinforced insulation. In the United Kingdom, a double insulated appliance must be labelled Class II, double insulated, or bear the double insulation symbol (a square inside another square).
What kind of appliances need a PAT test?
Class two appliances, such as lamps, televisions, and lawnmowers, are safer because they are double insulated and need an insulation test. Low voltage appliances such as laptops, torches, and cameras fall under class three and are considered the safest.