IET Code of Practice

What is the IET Code of Practice?

• AA document that is entirely unrelated to PAT altogether
• BA safety manual for electricians
• CThe 5th edition document providing detailed guidance on PAT testing requirements✓
• DA guide to professional behaviour

Answer: The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment is the standard reference for PAT procedures.

What are 'user checks' according to the IET Code of Practice?

• AChecks IET discourages
• BChecks which may only ever be carried out by a professional testing engineer
• CEquipment purchase checks
• DSimple frequent visual inspections by users between formal PAT tests✓

Answer: User checks are simple, frequent visual inspections (weekly, monthly) by equipment users to spot obvious faults between formal PAT tests.

What is the purpose of the IET Code of Practice risk-based approach?

• ATo replace formal testing with user checks altogether, whatever the risk
• BTo move the duty for testing from the employer to the IET
• CTo adjust testing frequency based on equipment type and environment risk level✓
• DTo set one test frequency for the whole of a site, whatever its use

Answer: The risk-based approach recommends different testing intervals based on equipment classification and environment, ensuring resources are used effectively.

Under the IET Code of Practice (5th edition, 2020), how is the testing interval for office Class I equipment set?

• AFrom a fixed table of intervals in the Code
• BEvery 12 months, as the law requires
• CAfter a fault has been reported by a user
• DBy risk assessment of equipment, use and environment✓

Answer: The 2020 IET Code of Practice does not set a fixed interval: the dutyholder sets it by risk assessment of the equipment type, how it is used and its environment. HSE's suggested starting points, such as 1-2 years for a Class I kettle, are then adjusted in light of the results.

What testing frequency is commonly used for leisure/public equipment?

• A5-8 years
• B6-12 months✓
• C1-3 months
• D24-36 months

Answer: Leisure and public facilities are often treated as higher risk (more intensive use), with many practitioners using 6-12 month intervals as a starting point — the current 5th edition (2020) does not mandate a fixed table and requires case-by-case risk assessment.

What starting interval for a combined inspection and test does HSE suggest for industrial equipment?

• A4-6 years
• B6-12 months✓
• C36-48 months
• D24-36 months

Answer: HSE's HSG107 Table 1 suggests a combined inspection and test every 6-12 months as a starting point for both light and heavy industrial equipment, backed by frequent user checks and formal visual inspections (weekly for heavy industrial use). The figure is not a legal requirement: the dutyholder sets and reviews the interval by risk assessment, and the 2020 edition of the IET Code of Practice likewise dropped its fixed table.

Compared with Class I, what routine maintenance does HSE's HSG107 suggest for Class II equipment in low-risk settings?

• ATesting less frequently than Class I, at double the interval
• BThey need no inspection or testing of any kind once bought
• CFormal visual inspections, often with no routine combined test✓
• DTesting more frequently than Class I, at half the interval

Answer: HSE's HSG107 Table 1 suggests formal visual inspections for double-insulated (Class II) equipment, every 6 months to 1 year if hand-held and every 2-4 years otherwise, but no routine combined inspection and test; double-insulated office IT likewise needs none. Earthed (Class I) items such as kettles are suggested a combined test every 1-2 years because they rely on the earth path. The IET notes that its 2020 Code of Practice likewise lets some Class II equipment rely on visual inspection alone.

What is 'formal visual inspection' according to IET?

• AA systematic, documented examination of visible components✓
• BAn optional extra step in the process
• CAn examination which may only ever be performed by the manufacturer
• DA quick glance over the item before it is handed back to the user

Answer: Formal visual inspection is a systematic, thorough examination of equipment's visible condition, forming the first part of combined inspection and testing.

HSE says a maintenance log for portable equipment is not a legal requirement. Why does it still recommend one?

• AIt removes the need for user checks between formal tests
• BIt shows where faults recur and any adverse trends in test readings✓
• CIt proves that tested equipment can never develop a fault
• DIt lets the tester set the date of the next test for each item

Answer: HSE's HSG107 describes a suitable log as a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the maintenance plan: faults recorded during inspection show which places or types of equipment suffer more wear or damage, and entries can highlight adverse trends in test readings so remedial action can be taken. User checks still continue, and the retest interval remains the dutyholder's decision.

What is the IET's definition of 'combined inspection and test'?

• AA formal visual inspection with no electrical tests
• BSystematic formal visual inspection followed by appropriate electrical testing✓
• CElectrical testing with no visual inspection first
• DRandom spot checks carried out on some of the equipment

Answer: Combined inspection and test is the complete PAT process: first systematic visual examination, then electrical testing if appropriate.

Does IET guidance distinguish between different user risk levels?

• ANo, intervals are set by equipment class, not by who uses it
• BYes, equipment used by vulnerable people may require more frequent testing✓
• CYes, but the change is to use a lower test voltage, not a shorter interval
• DNo, intervals are set by the manufacturer, whatever the user or environment

Answer: IET guidance recognises that equipment used by vulnerable people (children, elderly, disabled) may warrant more frequent testing.

What does IET say about grounds for equipment rejection?

• AEquipment should be rejected if safety cannot be assured through testing and repair✓
• BFailed equipment can be repaired by the user and returned to service
• CEquipment should be rejected once it reaches five years of age
• DEquipment should be rejected if it is not the latest model available

Answer: IET guidance states equipment should be rejected (marked as beyond repair) when damage is too severe to safely repair.

What is IET guidance on managing equipment throughout its lifecycle?

• ATest when problems are reported by users, and at no other time in its life
• BTesting is carried out once, at the point when the equipment is first purchased
• CTesting becomes the manufacturer's job once the warranty period ends
• DPlanned maintenance and regular testing ensure ongoing safety from purchase through replacement✓

Answer: IET guidance emphasises systematic management of equipment safety throughout its operational life, from purchase through disposal.

Does the IET Code recommend testing frequency adjustments based on specific incidents?

• AIncreases are always ruled out
• BDecrease frequency after incidents
• CNo, standard intervals apply whatever the equipment involved
• DYes, if incidents occur or faults are found, testing frequency should increase✓

Answer: If faults are found or incidents occur, IET guidance recommends increasing testing frequency for affected equipment.

What is the IET's primary objective for PAT testing?

• ATo keep insurance premiums as low as possible
• BTo comply with the manufacturer's own instructions and nothing more
• CEnsure electrical safety and prevent shock and fire hazards✓
• DTo reduce the working lifespan of the electrical equipment in use

Answer: The fundamental objective of IET guidance on PAT testing is to ensure electrical safety and prevent electrical shock and fire hazards.