HomeUseful Tools and Accessories
If you are carrying out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) on a regular basis, there are some useful accessories that you should consider adding to your toolkit.
Knee Pads
PAT testing in an office environment usually involves kneeling down and working under desks to access the equipment, plugs, and sockets. Investing in a good pair of knee pads can make the process much more comfortable. We recommend work trousers with knee pad pockets that can be fitted with flexible foam pads. Unlike the knee pads with straps that dig into the back of your legs, these are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day.
Amazon: Scruffs Work Trousers with Knee Pads
Small Parts Organiser
Carrying a small box of spare parts is handy for making minor repairs. For example, you will often come across a plug with a broken cord grip, a missing screw, etc. Having a box with a few spare parts on hand will often mean that you can simply make a repair, rather than replace the plug. Spare parts such as cord grips, fuse holders, screws, etc. can be collected as you go from damaged plugs that you have replaced.
Permanent Marker Pens
Good quality marker pens make filling out the PAT label much easier. The best ones we have found are the Stabilo Write-4-all Superfine. They last for ages, write on almost any surface without smudging, and don't instantly dry up if the lid is left off.
3.15A & 5A Cartridge Fuses
3.15A & 5A fuses are commonly found on desk mounted power strips. Each individual socket is protected by either a 3.15A or 5A rated fuse to prevent overloading. You will often find many of these are blown because they've been used for heaters, vacuum cleaners, and other high power appliances, rather than the IT equipment they are designed for. These are not standard plug fuses, they have different dimensions, 20mm X 5mm.
Wire Strippers
This particular type of automatic wire stripper works really well for removing both the outer cable sheath and also the insulation from the internal wires. The original patent (patents.google.com/patent/US4625595A) has now lapsed, so it seems like most tool manufacturers produce very similar types. It's best to stick with the better known tool brands as the cheap Chinese ones tend to vary in quality.
Amazon: Automatic Wire Strippers
Socket Testing Adaptor
This adapter is designed for testing socket outlets, but it can also be used for PAT testing equipment fitted with uncommon plugs. Most appliances will be fitted with a standard 13A plug or a 16A/32A industrial plug; however, occasionally, you may encounter an appliance with an unusual plug, such as an older BS 196 industrial connector. By plugging the adapter into the socket on the PAT tester, you can easily connect additional test leads and crocodile clips to the appliance plug, allowing you to carry out the test. We have some more information in our article on PAT testing with adaptors.
Amazon: Socket Testing Adaptor
Tool Bag
Finally, you're probably going to need something to carry all your PAT testing gear around. A tool bag with a shoulder strap makes moving around a large site with your tools much easier. These soft tool bags with a hard base are great. Plenty of room for your adaptors, tools, labels, and PAT tester.