PAT testing

[MORGEY]

I am getting a few lighting effects up together for my small lighting rig. I have a cheap laser light that is very effective, a twister disco light which works well and a couple of other inexpensive lights. This is really all I want at the moment until I have done a few live gigs then if succesful I would obviously like to go in for better gear.

I would like to re wire a couple of these to give a longer supply lead which I am perfectly capable of. I do not want to get involved with cable connectors but want to wire directly back to 13amp plugs and ito one power supply unit / multi extension lead.
I would then like to get all my gear PAT tested for safety and compliance reasons. Is this ok or would there be other implications such as PLI problems ?

Heres the next bit.
I have access to a proper PAT testing unit that I could pre test all of my gear to ensure it's safety.
Could I not then certificate all my gear myself or do you have to be licensed as a competent person the same as my day job as a Gas Safe engineer when I issue Landlords annual gas safety certificates.?

[DJ James Lake]

You can certificate yourself if you are competent.

[Digital Jack]

You can certificate yourself if you are competent.

But do you also have to be qualified ?

I know quite a few PAT testers who are qualified but not competent, not fussed if the cable clamp in plug tops only clamp the insulated conductors instead of the outer insulation as well.

[Excalibur]

But do you also have to be qualified ?

I know quite a few PAT testers who are qualified but not competent, not fussed if the cable clamp in plug tops only clamp the insulated conductors instead of the outer insulation as well.

Sadly, I know a lot of people in many trades, who are qualified, but far from competent. ;) :( :( :( :( :( :(

[Kernow]

Sadly, I know a lot of people in many trades, who are qualified, but far from competent. ;) :( :( :( :( :( :(

You mean all the gold braids I've collected from Microsoft Flight Simulator has been a waste of time ? :mad:

;) :D :D :D

[MORGEY]

That's interesting.
I have just paid £1,200.00 and taken a week off work to re do my Gas Safe (the old CORGI) exams which will last me another five years. This means that I am competent on paper. I then have an inspector come to work with me every so often and have to show him that I am competent. A bit of a joke really. So if Iuse a PAT test machine to ensure the electrical safety of my equipment and self certify who is policing this. Or is it a case you have to prove you were a competent person when the proverbial hits the fan ?

[Jiggles]

In reality PAT is worth less than the sheet of paper it's written on! Sadly it's in your best interests to do it just to protect your backside really. PAT just really means it was safe when done nothin more. A good visual inspection is normally more than adequate!

[mikeee]

But do you also have to be qualified ?

I know quite a few PAT testers who are qualified but not competent, not fussed if the cable clamp in plug tops only clamp the insulated conductors instead of the outer insulation as well.

No, you don't have to be qualified, but you should have a working knowledge and be competent, and from your statement they are not competent or have a working knowledge.

[mikeee]

In reality PAT is worth less than the sheet of paper it's written on! Sadly it's in your best interests to do it just to protect your backside really. PAT just really means it was safe when done nothin more. A good visual inspection is normally more than adequate!

It is worth the paper it's written on in many ways. The visual is the main part, but the electrical test is the bit that could save your life, remember, you don't know what is going on inside the unit.

[MORGEY]

What are the actual qualifications required by a PAT tester.?
Where do they: get the qualifications from.?

Or do you just have to prove competence by your experience within the industry.

My job of work is carrying out servicing and inspections to all types of domestic gas appliances. Part of the inspection process is to carry out electrical safety tests on these appliances.
When carrying out this work I am certified and regarded by the CITB and the gas safe register as competent.
Is there a similar training scheme for PAT testers or would I be regarded as competent under my current heading.
As I said at the start of this thread, I have access to a PAT test machine and testing labels. I would like to do my own testing so that I can take my time in knowing that my gear is 100% safe and tested. I am not looking at this for a money saving excercise or to do anyone out of work. I also want to make sure that when I get public liability insurance there is no come backs regarding electrical safety.