Fixed Appliance testing (FAT)
Conwy Valley Electrical Equipment testing are now offering class I Fixed appliance testing. Using their Kewtech SmartPAT tester and 'point to point' test leads, allows them to test fixed appliances for earth continuity and insulation resistance.
Most people don't realise that fixed appliances also need to be tested and are under the impression that it will be checked when an electrician checks the integrity of the fixed installation (internal wiring) when completing a Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
The EICR was never designed to include appliances hardwired or not, including accessories. The EICR is only focused to see if the current fixed installation is electrically safe to the connection point.
To enable electrical testing of the appliance:
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I must use a 'safe isolation kit' to ensure that the circuit has been safely isolated,
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disconnect the wiring,
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test the appliance,
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reassemble,
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switch the electricity back on, and
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finally do a functional test to check the appliance is working.
As you can imagine, the usual pricing structures for those appliances with a plug will not cover fixed appliances and these will now be charged at an hourly rate.
