Just picked up on this thread. I pulled a contracted PAT Testing person to one side a couple of years ago who had been doing the ususal 'test everything' regime because of the piece-work payment. He claimed to have never been told anything specific about testing medical devices, so as a guide I showed him the B/BF/CF symbols & advised that anything bearing these marks should be left for us (biomeds) to deal with.
On another note, more recent PAT tests were carried out by 2 young lads - 1 was sitting using his mobile while the other simply attached labels...
The last bout of testing carried out 'in-house' here saw plug tops loose, chunks missing out of IEC plugs/leads & the failing of an extension lead used in our workshop because it was "Open Circuit Between Live and Neutral" - Well I should hope it is!
Finally, I also wonder how many people take the time to determine how many enclosure parts there are on a device before carrying out an electrical safety test and also testing every earth on equipment that carries multiple mains outlets? It surprises me that even manufacturers that supply a safety test result with their new equipment fail to do this!
Also many suppliers still supply mains leads with 13A fuses fitted in units that have a 10A IEC plug at the other end & sometimes nothing greater than a 6A cable.
Just some obvservations/thoughts!
And breathe....
