Visual Inspection

What is the first step in PAT testing?

• AElectrical testing
• BVisual inspection✓
• CResult documentation
• DLabeling the equipment

Answer: Visual inspection should always be the first step in PAT testing. If serious faults are found visually, electrical testing may not proceed.

What should you check when visually inspecting the plug?

• AOnly the color
• BDamage, cracks, discoloration, bent pins, missing earth pin✓
• COnly if it fits into the socket
• DNothing, just move on to electrical testing

Answer: Visual inspection of the plug should include checking for cracks, damage, discoloration (indicating overheating), bent pins, and the presence of an earth pin if required.

What does a dark or burnt-looking plug indicate?

• AThe equipment is very old
• BNormal wear and tear
• CPossible overheating from loose connections or overload✓
• DNothing to worry about

Answer: Discoloration and burnt appearance on plugs indicate overheating, which could be from loose connections, overload, or internal faults. This equipment should fail inspection.

What should you look for on the cable insulation during visual inspection?

• AOnly the color
• BCuts, abrasion, burns, exposure of core wires, brittleness✓
• CWhether it's flexible
• DNothing special

Answer: Cable insulation should be checked for cuts, abrasion, burns, cracks, and signs of brittleness or damage that could expose live wires.

What is the danger of exposed copper wires on a cable?

• AIt reduces flexibility
• BIt creates a direct shock hazard if touched✓
• CIt makes the cable look old
• DNo danger, copper is safe

Answer: Exposed copper wires represent a serious shock hazard. Equipment with exposed conductors should immediately fail inspection.

How should the cable be attached to the equipment casing?

• AIt can be loose as long as it's not disconnected
• BSecurely with proper strain relief to prevent wires being pulled out✓
• CWith tape
• DAttachment doesn't matter

Answer: Cable entry must be secure with proper strain relief. Poor cable attachment can lead to internal wiring damage and shock hazards.

What does the term 'strain relief' mean?

• AStretching the cable regularly
• BA mechanical device that protects the cable entry and prevents stress on internal connections✓
• CMaking sure the cable isn't under tension
• DA type of rubber coating

Answer: Strain relief is a mechanical feature (usually a grommet or boot) at the cable entry that protects the vulnerable junction between cable and equipment.

What should you check for on the casing of the equipment?

• AOnly the color
• BCracks, breaks, missing parts, sharp edges, signs of repair✓
• CWhether it's clean
• DThe manufacturer's name

Answer: The casing should be checked for cracks, breaks, missing panels or screws, sharp edges, signs of damage or poor repair that could create a shock hazard.

Why is checking for missing screws on the casing important?

• AIt looks untidy
• BMissing screws could allow access to live components✓
• CIt reduces the weight
• DIt's not important

Answer: Missing screws can allow the casing to come apart, exposing live electrical components to accidental contact.

What should you do if you find liquid damage on equipment during visual inspection?

• ATry to dry it and continue testing
• BFail the equipment; liquid damage compromises insulation✓
• CTest it anyway to see if it works
• DIgnore it if the equipment still works

Answer: Liquid damage (corrosion, salt deposits, moisture) compromises insulation and creates short-circuit risks. Such equipment should always fail.

How should the earth pin be positioned on a UK plug?

• AAt the top left
• BAt the bottom (middle pin)✓
• CAt the top right
• DOn the side

Answer: In a UK 3-pin plug, the earth pin is the bottom (largest) pin. Class I equipment must have this earth pin present and straight.

What is a 'user check'?

• AA formal PAT test by a qualified person
• BA simple visual inspection by the equipment user to spot obvious damage✓
• CAn electrical test using instruments
• DA test done annually

Answer: A user check is a simple, frequent visual inspection performed by equipment users between formal PAT tests to identify obvious faults.