View Full Version : Pat Testing
discomobiledj
10-02-2008, 07:42 AM
I've just had a quote for PAT testing my equipment which has come back at £2.12 per item. I've estimated there are approximately 25 items so the charge would be £53.00.
Is this reasonable?
Vectis
10-02-2008, 08:31 AM
Sounds about right if they come to you - slightly high but probably includes VAT looking at the number.
Don't forget you must also include any detachable cables, extension leads etc. as individual tests - 25 sounds like a small number of items on that basis?
leighinstoke
10-02-2008, 08:50 AM
I do my own testing (classified and certified as a 'Technically Competent person in accordance to the IEE Code of Practice before anyone asks) and, even with my small setup, I tested well over 50 items once I'd done all my IEC cables, extension cables, 4-way blocks, etc - so 25 items sounds a small amount to me and you could be caught out.
Dig out every item you have and then work it out. Average price is between a quid and three quid an item locally to me (Stoke) depending on the number of items.
Leigh....
discomobiledj
10-02-2008, 09:38 AM
I've just had a quick count and can only think of 23 items including plugs, extension leads, reels etc. Blimey, I thought I had a lot of equipment, obviously not!
rob1963
10-02-2008, 10:22 AM
I've just had a quick count and can only think of 23 items including plugs, extension leads, reels etc. Blimey, I thought I had a lot of equipment, obviously not!
I wouldn't worry.
From memory, I think I only have 25-30 items.
:)
Corabar Steve
10-02-2008, 10:49 AM
Our last test included 700+ items
discomobiledj
10-02-2008, 11:15 AM
:eek: :eek: :eek:
rob1963
10-02-2008, 11:15 AM
Our last test included 700+ items
:jawdrop:
I've just had a quote for PAT testing my equipment which has come back at £2.12 per item. I've estimated there are approximately 25 items so the charge would be £53.00.
Is this reasonable?
sounds reasonable to me (we charge £2.50+vat per appliance and £1.50+vat per lead)
Tony
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 12:28 PM
Why a different price for items and leads Tony?
Why a different price for items and leads Tony?
The test on a lead is generally simpler than an appliance (you don't include a run test on a lead, and don't record serial numbers). Also, it is much quicker to test, say six leads, as opposed to six pieces of racked equipment, which often involves unplugging & untangling, whilst sitting/laying on the floor in the back of a rack) ;)
Vibrant Sounds
10-02-2008, 01:05 PM
You should include some sort of identification code on each lead, how do you tell one from another?
You should include some sort of identification code on each lead, how do you tell one from another?
Hi Edward,
we give each appliance or lead a sequential item number, which is recorded both on the self adhesive "pass" (or "fail") label affixed to said appliance or lead, and also shown on the test certificate that lists the full inventory, with detailed test results
Tony
Vibrant Sounds
10-02-2008, 03:27 PM
Woud that not be classed as a serial number then?:sofa:
The tests on a mains lead are more rigourous that those for a Class II item, does that mean you charge less for them?
A full test of a lead should require an insulation check, a crossed polarity check, a earth continuity check (this could require the length of lead being input intothe PAT tester to allow for the correct resistance), the opening and checking (where possible) of the mains plug and it's connections and the checking/changing of the fuse.
By the same token, a Class II (double insulated) piece of equipment usually is only required to have 2 electrical checks to be carried out plus mains plug checks if fitted.
Just being pedantic, perhaps I should join the group.
robbiedj
10-02-2008, 04:20 PM
Don't forget your stand should be tested with all your lights on it.
My electrician won't let me get away without testing goalpost, spare tripod and now giraffe stand.
Vibrant Sounds
10-02-2008, 04:28 PM
Don't forget your stand should be tested with all your lights on it.
My electrician won't let me get away without testing goalpost, spare tripod and now giraffe stand.
What a load of absolute cobblers! And that's me being reserved, never seen such a load of claptrap!
rob1963
10-02-2008, 04:38 PM
Don't forget your stand should be tested with all your lights on it.
My electrician won't let me get away without testing goalpost, spare tripod and now giraffe stand.
How can you PAT test a tripod?
:confused:
Woud that not be classed as a serial number then?:sofa:
No. A serial number is a number assigned by the manufacturer, generally found on appliances and not leads; whereas the sequential number is a number assigned to each appliance by the company carrying out the PAT.
The tests on a mains lead are more rigourous that those for a Class II item, does that mean you charge less for them?
No, as detailed in my posts above (post #9 and #11)
A full test of a lead should require an insulation check, a crossed polarity check, a earth continuity check (this could require the length of lead being input intothe PAT tester to allow for the correct resistance), the opening and checking (where possible) of the mains plug and it's connections and the checking/changing of the fuse.
correct.
By the same token, a Class II (double insulated) piece of equipment usually is only required to have 2 electrical checks to be carried out plus mains plug checks if fitted.
Three tests for a Class II: continuity, insulation and run test
Plus of course the visual inspection.
Just being pedantic, perhaps I should join the group.
I second your nomination :)
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 05:00 PM
What a load of absolute cobblers! And that's me being reserved, never seen such a load of claptrap!
I'm not sure this is cobblers Eddie?
Years ago, I worked in a listed building and they did all there own tests on DJs stuff and I seem to remember him doing some kind of test with my lighting on stands too. Something to do with the earth?
Vibrant Sounds
10-02-2008, 05:07 PM
Sorry Darren, but I can assure you 'PAT' only applies to 'MAINS POWERED PORTABLE APPLIANCES'.
Nothing else.
The only way to get a proper earth bond on our rigs would be to connect a large x-section earth wire from the rig to the earth pin of a 3 pin plug and plug it in.
I still say it's a load of cobblers if being included as part of a PAT test.!
I'm not sure this is cobblers Eddie?
Years ago, I worked in a listed building and they did all there own tests on DJs stuff and I seem to remember him doing some kind of test with my lighting on stands too. Something to do with the earth?
This topic comes up from time, often in relation to trussing and particularly at outdoor events.
However, if all the appliances on the truss (eg lighting effects) are individually earthed and PAT tested, there should be no need for supplementary earthing of the frame.
Furthermore, and often overlooked - the risk of shock may be enhanced by just sticking a spike in the ground, thinking you are earthing the truss, whereas this spike may well be within the equipotential zone of an existing installation (where earth is "earth") thus in a fault condition the trussing may become energised.
Tony
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 05:22 PM
Sorry Darren, but I can assure you 'PAT' only applies to 'MAINS POWERED PORTABLE APPLIANCES'.
If you read back Eddie, Robbie didn't say it was part of a PAT test and neither did I.
Corabar Steve
10-02-2008, 07:36 PM
:eek: :eek: :eek:
:jawdrop:
We've got 5 rigs & lots of spare leads & lights
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 07:50 PM
We've got 5 rigs & lots of spare leads & lights
So have I and there's only me...:D :D :D
Corabar Steve
10-02-2008, 07:53 PM
You're just greedy :sj:
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 07:54 PM
You're just greedy :sj:
Hehehe...
I am selling stuff though. :D
Corabar Steve
10-02-2008, 08:08 PM
We just tend to break ours before it can be sold http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 08:10 PM
We just tend to break ours before it can be sold http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
Don't buy Class D then...:boxer2: :sj:
Corabar Steve
10-02-2008, 08:33 PM
With one exception covered under warranty they haven't broken (in fact we still own (in full working order) every speaker we've ever bought) Our DJs have an alarming tendancy to destroy lights & CD players though.
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 09:10 PM
With one exception covered under warranty they haven't broken (in fact we still own (in full working order) every speaker we've ever bought) Our DJs have an alarming tendancy to destroy lights & CD players though.
And HD2500s...:p
Jiggles
10-02-2008, 09:23 PM
We just tend to break ours before it can be sold http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
Don't buy Class D then...:boxer2: :sj:
With one exception covered under warranty they haven't broken (in fact we still own (in full working order) every speaker we've ever bought) Our DJs have an alarming tendancy to destroy lights & CD players though.
And HD2500s...:p
PMSL!!! :lol:
rob1963
10-02-2008, 11:03 PM
If you read back Eddie, Robbie didn't say it was part of a PAT test and neither did I.
In that case, your posts were both off topic...as the thread title is "PAT Testing"!
:rolleyes: :D :D :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
10-02-2008, 11:13 PM
In that case, your posts were both off topic...as the thread title is "PAT Testing"!
:rolleyes: :D :D :D
Shaddup. :boxer2:
Corabar Steve
11-02-2008, 08:04 AM
And HD2500s...:p
That was my elbow & it wasn't my fault as you well know http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1766.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
In that case, your posts were both off topic...as the thread title is "PAT Testing"!
:rolleyes: :D :D :DActually with the obvious exception of the Class D speakers & Stands, all the objects discussed can be Portable Appliance Tested. Stop being so pickyhttp://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1763.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
So
Shaddup. :boxer2:indeed!http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1827.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
rob1963
11-02-2008, 10:15 AM
Actually with the obvious exception of the Class D speakers & Stands, all the objects discussed can be Portable Appliance Tested. Stop being so pickyhttp://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1763.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)
Sorry if it seemed I was being picky, but I'm in training for the pedants forum!
:D :D :D
Corabar Steve
11-02-2008, 10:51 AM
Not good enough yet. Keep up the practice.
rob1963
11-02-2008, 10:54 AM
Not good enough yet. Keep up the practice.
Will do.
Let me know when you think I'm ready!
:D
Corabar Steve
11-02-2008, 11:00 AM
OK :sj:
kilmeedyman
11-02-2008, 11:39 PM
To get back towards the original subject....
I pay £3.30 per item less 10% so that makes approx £3 per item and I have to take it all there. So the price the original poster has been quoted sounds reasonable to me.
Danno13
11-02-2008, 11:40 PM
I pay £1.50+VAT with a nationwide company, who come to me..
http://www.calbarrie.com/
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-02-2008, 11:41 PM
To get back towards the original subject....
I pay £3.30 per item less 10% so that makes approx £3 per item and I have to take it all there.
Should have spoken to me about that.:)
rob1963
11-02-2008, 11:42 PM
There's an electronics engineer in one of my pub quiz teams who lives up the road from me, so he comes round & does all my PAT testing for nothing.
I think that's a fair price. :rolleyes:
Corabar Steve
12-02-2008, 08:18 AM
Pretty hard to beat that
Penfold42
12-02-2008, 09:02 AM
I pay £1.50+VAT with a nationwide company, who come to me..
http://www.calbarrie.com/
I'm going to try these this year......got to be better than the company i used last year.....a right couple of charlies.....
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.0 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.