PAT testing query

[paulears]

You really cannot pick out small sections, because the entire document is framed very carefully as sensible precautions - not legal requirements.

So if this is applied to bullet point 4 - it then reads:

It would be a sensible precaution to arrange for equipment that is not double insulated to have a portable appliance test (including leads) at initial intervals which could be between one and five years, depending on the type of equipment.

These documents are meant to give advice - it does contain one section on the law.

You must maintain electrical equipment if it can cause danger, but the law* does not say how you must do this or how often. You should decide the level of maintenance needed according to the risk of an item becoming faulty, and how the equipment is constructed.

This is quite clear - the law does NOT say how or when. So it is simply good advice. People who do testing can play around with this and by exclusion, give the impression that something is a requirement. Clearly it is not a requirement, it is simply advice. Legally, very different.

If you search the document for the word MUST - each one is framed in common sense contexts, so the person testing must have the knowledge, and must have the right equipment.

HSE goes to great lengths to word their documents so that people understand what must, should or could be done. They don't pick the words at random, they are carefully chosen so as not to be prescriptive when the law cannot support it.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Part P?

It's the extension to the wiring regs. Means that if you have wiring done in a kitchen, it has to be connected by a Part P qualified electrician and the necessary paperwork filed with Building Control.

Was a few years back when we redid our kitchen but that was £450 to a guy that was here just about one hour.

I guess you could ignore it, but doubtless it would be grief if and when you come to sell.