The Service we offer

Bpat are a workplace, domestic and educational In-service portable appliance testing specialist, offering a straightforward, comprehensive and cost-effective solution for ensuring your business complies with all the appropriate regulations. Bpat will perform a series of appropriate tests on your electrical appliances, which consist of a combination of the following tests: -

1. Visual inspection:

The most important test to be carried out on any electrical appliance is the visual inspection. The unit is given an all-over inspection to verify its structural integrity. This covers the main body of the appliance as well as the cable and plug. The visual inspection also covers what is known as "Good Housekeeping": - a) cables are not located where they are likely to be damaged, e.g. trodden upon or snagged, or create trip hazards b) means of disconnection/isolation from the mains supply are readily accessible c) space around the equipment is adequate for ventilation and cooling and equipment ventilation openings are not blocked d) cups, plants and work material are not placed where their contents could spill into equipment e) equipment is not positioned so close to walls and partitions that the cord is forced into a tight bend as it exits the equipment (this may also indicate inadequate space for ventilation and cooling) f) the equipment is operated with protective covers in place and doors closed g) there is no indiscriminate use of multiway adaptors and trailing socket-outlets h) there are no unprotected cable runs under carpets

2. Earth bond Test (Class I equipment only)

The earth system of the unit is subjected to a test current of at least 1.5X the fuse rating for the appliance for between 5 and 20 seconds. The electrical resistance of the path to earth is noted. For sensitive equipment, a current within the range 20mA to 200mA may be applied. The resistance shall not exceed the following: - (0.1+R) ohm where R is the resistance of the protective conductor of the supply cord and, 0.1 ohm for appliances without a supply cord.

3. Insulation Resistance Test
(or earth leakage measurement where appropriate)

An applied test voltage of around 500V d.c. is applied between the live and neutral pins of the appliance connected together and the earth pin. Insulation resistance readings obtained should not be less than the values as follows: - Class I heating equipment with a rating >= 3 kW 0.3 megohm All other class I equipment 1.0 megohm Class II equipment 2.0 megohm Class III equipment 250 kilohm

4. Microwave Testing

As well as the above tests, Bpat will at no extra cost , test your microwave ovens for the following: - a) Correct operation of the door interlock safety device b) Radiation leakage being within the limits specified in EN 60335-2-25/A1:2000 (Less than 5mW/cm 2 measured at 5cm from the appliance)

5. Records

Bpat will supply a comprehensive report detailing the unique asset number, location and test results for all of your appliances. Results are emailed as a .PDF file or any other format you would prefer. A CD ROM or plastic Hardbound copy can be supplied at no extra cost. Should you lose your results at any time, Bpat can email or re-print and send a copy to you free of charge! Should you be involved in any proceedings where the safety of your appliances is called into question, accurate test and inspection records are an effective way for the duty holder to show that they have maintained their appliances appropriately and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of an offence.